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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 improving services.
- Qualifications: Strong commercial acumen and experience in private healthcare leadership.
- Other info: Hands-on role with significant career growth potential in a challenging environment.
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 Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Practicus
Contact Detail:
Practicus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨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 your profile.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic interim COO roles waiting for someone like you. Don’t miss out on the chance to land a position that matches your skills and experience perfectly.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer in Newcastle upon Tyne
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 hands-on 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!
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. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
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 trends in operational performance and be ready to discuss how you've improved EBITDA in past roles. This shows you're not just a leader but a numbers person too!
✨Showcase Your Integration Skills
Given the focus on integration in this role, prepare specific examples of how you've successfully merged different teams or cultures in previous positions. Highlight your approach to overcoming challenges and aligning diverse groups under a single vision. This will demonstrate your capability to lead during transformation.
✨Engage with Emotional Intelligence
This role requires a high level of emotional intelligence, so be prepared to discuss how you've navigated complex interpersonal dynamics in the past. Share stories that illustrate your ability to maintain a positive culture while driving tough outcomes. It’s all about showing you can lead with both heart and head.
✨Build Trust with Commissioners
Since rebuilding relationships with commissioners is key, think about how you've handled similar situations before. Prepare to talk about strategies you've used to regain trust and credibility in challenging environments. This will show that you understand the importance of stakeholder management in healthcare.
