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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, impactful leadership role, and national travel opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare by driving transformation and operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Strong commercial acumen and experience in private healthcare leadership.
- Other info: Join a resilient team focused on delivering tough outcomes with a positive culture.
Interim Chief Operating Officer (6-Month Contract)
Day Rate: £700–£750 (Inside IR35)
Contract Length: 6 months
Location: UK-wide with frequent travel
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 Nottingham employer: Practicus
Contact Detail:
Practicus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer in Nottingham
✨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. By applying directly, you’ll ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and you’ll be one step closer to landing that interim COO role.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer in Nottingham
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 key priorities mentioned 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 experience and how you've successfully managed change and integration in previous roles. Keep it engaging and relevant!
Showcase Your Commercial Acumen: Since this role requires strong commercial understanding, make sure to include any relevant experience you have with NHS contracts and KPIs. We want to see that you can navigate the complexities of healthcare delivery while maintaining a focus on performance.
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 to do!
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 operating models under one vision.
✨Engage with Emotional Intelligence
This role requires high emotional intelligence, so be prepared to demonstrate your ability to lead with empathy. Share stories that illustrate how you've built trust with teams and stakeholders, especially in challenging situations. It’s all about showing you can maintain a positive culture while driving results.
✨Be Solutions-Focused
The interviewers will want to see your problem-solving skills in action. Think of scenarios where you've tackled underperformance or rebuilt relationships with commissioners. Present your thought process clearly, showing how you turn challenges into opportunities for growth.
