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- 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: Hands-on role with frequent travel and opportunities for significant impact.
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.
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 England employer: Practicus
Contact Detail:
Practicus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the healthcare sector and let them know you're on the lookout for interim COO roles. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Be visible! Attend industry events, conferences, or webinars related to healthcare leadership. Engaging with others in person can help you make a lasting impression and showcase your expertise in operational performance and integration.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of NHS contracts and KPIs. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led transformations in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the challenges of an interim COO position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We’ve got a range of exciting opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can give you a better chance of standing out in the crowd. Let's get you that interim role!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer in England
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 our needs!
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 driven operational success in previous roles.
Showcase Your Emotional Intelligence: In a leadership role like this, emotional intelligence is key. Make sure to include instances where you've successfully navigated challenging situations or rebuilt trust with teams or stakeholders. We love seeing that human touch in your application!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out on the chance to join our innovative team!
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 related to operational performance and be ready to discuss how you've improved EBITDA in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role demands credible, grounded leadership. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've led teams through change and integration. Highlight your emotional intelligence and how it has helped you maintain a positive culture while achieving tough outcomes.
✨Understand the Integration Challenge
Since this position involves leading the integration of diverse operating models, come equipped with strategies you've used in the past. Discuss how you’ve successfully aligned teams and cultures, and be ready to tackle questions about managing resistance during transitions.
✨Build Trust with Stakeholders
Rebuilding trust with commissioners is key. Prepare to talk about your approach to stakeholder management, especially in complex or underperforming regions. Share how you've addressed historic issues and provided solutions-focused leadership in previous roles.
