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- Tasks: Lead operational performance and integration in a dynamic healthcare organisation.
- Company: Fast-growing, innovative healthcare organisation undergoing transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, opportunity for impactful leadership, and national travel.
- 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 opportunities for significant impact and growth.
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 Leeds employer: Practicus
Contact Detail:
Practicus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer in Leeds
✨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 next big opportunity.
✨Tip Number 2
Be visible! As an interim COO, being hands-on is key. Show up at industry meet-ups or even local healthcare events. Engage with senior leaders and share your insights. This visibility can set you apart and make you a go-to candidate when opportunities arise.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s recent changes and challenges. Understand their operational performance metrics and think about how you can add value. Tailor your approach to show how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around integration and transformation.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got a range of exciting roles that could be perfect for you. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our team. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer in Leeds
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: We value leaders who can connect with their teams. In your application, mention instances where your emotional intelligence helped you navigate challenges or fostered a positive culture. This is key for us at StudySmarter!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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
With the focus on integrating multiple operating models, come armed with strategies you've successfully implemented in the past. Discuss how you’ve aligned diverse teams and cultures, and be ready to tackle questions about overcoming resistance during transitions.
✨Build Trust with Commissioners
Rebuilding relationships with commissioners is key. Prepare to talk about your approach to restoring trust in underperforming regions. Share examples of how you've addressed historical issues and provided solutions-focused leadership in complex environments.
