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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 Manchester employer: Practicus
Contact Detail:
Practicus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer in Manchester
✨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 advertised.
✨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 could lead to job offers down the line.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Consider writing articles or sharing insights on platforms like LinkedIn about operational performance in healthcare. This not only positions you as a thought leader but also attracts potential employers to you.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you. Make sure to check out our listings regularly and submit your application directly for the best chance of landing that interim COO role.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer in Manchester
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 engaged teams or rebuilt trust with stakeholders. We love seeing how you connect with people while driving results!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates about your application status. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our 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
With the focus on integrating diverse operating models, come armed with strategies you've successfully implemented in the past. Discuss how you’ve aligned teams with different cultures and how you plan to tackle the challenges this role presents.
✨Build Trust with Stakeholders
Rebuilding relationships with commissioners is key. Prepare to talk about your approach to stakeholder management and how you've turned around underperforming regions. Share stories that demonstrate your solutions-focused leadership style.
