Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational performance and integration across diverse healthcare services.
- Company: Fast-growing, innovative healthcare organisation undergoing transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, dynamic work environment, and impactful leadership role.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare by driving transformation and integration.
- Qualifications: Strong commercial acumen and experience in private healthcare leadership.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant impact in a pivotal interim leadership role.
Interim Chief Operating Officer (6-Month Contract)
Day Rate: £700–£750 (Inside IR35)
Contract Length: 6 months
Location: UK-wide with frequent travel
The Opportunity
This is a critical interim leadership role within a fast-growing, innovative healthcare organisation undergoing significant transformation. Following recent strategic acquisitions, the business is entering a pivotal integration phase - bringing together multiple operating models, cultures, and service lines under a single, high-performing framework.
The Role
As Interim Chief Operating Officer, you will take full accountability for operational performance across a diverse national portfolio spanning a range of healthcare services. This is a hands-on, visible leadership role. Success will depend on your ability to be present in the regions, engage senior operational leaders, and turn strategy into action - quickly.
Key Priorities Include:
- Integration & Transformation: Lead the rapid integration of newly acquired organisations with contrasting cost bases, cultures, and operating styles. Remove legacy branding and align teams behind a single operating model.
- Operational Performance: Direct and support four Operations Directors, ensuring consistent delivery against demanding NHS contractual KPIs, including access, response, and appointment standards.
- Financial Grip: Protect and improve EBITDA through disciplined performance management and the development of credible Cost Improvement Plans.
- Commissioner Relationships: Rebuild trust and credibility with commissioners in complex or underperforming regions, addressing historic issues and providing confident, solutions-focused leadership.
About You
You are a resilient, commercially astute interim leader who combines operational rigour with high emotional intelligence. You will bring:
- Strong Commercial Acumen: Deep understanding of NHS contracts, KPIs, and regulated healthcare delivery - combined with experience in commercially driven or performance-critical environments.
- Private Healthcare Leadership Experience: It is essential that candidates bring demonstrable experience leading private (for profit or non-profit) healthcare services.
- Credible, Grounded Leadership: High capability without ego. You are calm under pressure, thick-skinned, values-led, and able to maintain a positive, human culture while delivering tough outcomes.
- Change & Integration Experience: A proven track record of leading complex integrations, aligning disparate teams, and managing multiple service lines at scale.
- Senior Operational Leadership: Experience managing Operations Directors or equivalent senior leaders.
If you are an outcome-focused interim COO with the commercial edge and leadership maturity to deliver transformation in a regulated healthcare environment, we would like to hear from you.
Chief Operating Officer in Birmingham employer: Practicus
Contact Detail:
Practicus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, especially those in healthcare. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on your dream role!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent acquisitions and transformations. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re someone who understands their journey and can lead them through it. Tailor your responses to highlight your experience in integration and operational performance.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed change and integrated teams. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them memorable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be perfect for you. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our team. Let’s get you that COO role!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Interim Chief Operating Officer. Highlight your experience in operational performance and integration, especially in healthcare settings. We want to see how your background aligns with the specific needs outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your leadership in complex integrations and how you've successfully managed diverse teams. Keep it engaging and relevant!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on quantifiable achievements. Did you improve EBITDA or meet NHS KPIs? We love numbers that tell a story! This will help us see the impact you've made in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Practicus
✨Know Your Numbers
As a potential COO, you need to be on top of your game when it comes to financial metrics and NHS KPIs. Brush up on the latest figures and trends in healthcare delivery, especially those relevant to the organisation you're interviewing with. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the numbers but can also leverage them for operational success.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you've successfully managed teams through change. Use specific examples from your past experiences where you’ve led integrations or transformations. This will help demonstrate your ability to engage senior operational leaders and align teams behind a common goal.
✨Understand the Culture
Research the company’s culture and values before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you would maintain a positive, human culture while driving tough outcomes. Highlight any previous experiences where you’ve successfully navigated cultural differences during integrations.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and emotional intelligence. Think about challenges you’ve faced in previous roles, particularly in complex environments, and how you addressed them. This will showcase your resilience and ability to provide solutions-focused leadership.
