At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational excellence and shape the future of patient care in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join the Royal Devon, a pioneering health organisation committed to innovative care.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and extensive staff discounts.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to inclusivity and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on healthcare while enjoying life in stunning Devon.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a COO or Deputy COO in a large NHS trust.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 117800 € per year.
We are seeking an outstanding and values-driven Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join our Executive Team, where you will sit at the heart of how care is delivered today while shaping how it must evolve for the future. Like many health and care organisations across the country, the Royal Devon is facing significant operational and financial pressures, but these do not define us. We are responding with ambition and pace for our patients and staff — strengthening how we work, making the changes we need to make, and embracing the NHS 10-year plan to deliver sustainable, high-quality, patient-focused care for our communities.
This is a compelling opportunity for an experienced COO or Deputy COO with the ambition, resilience and expertise to lead at scale, build strong partnerships across the system, inspire teams through change and make a lasting impact. In return, the Royal Devon offers a highly rewarding executive role alongside an exceptional quality of life in one of the UK’s most desirable locations.
About the Role
Working closely with a highly experienced and established Chief Executive, Chief Medical Officer and Chief Nursing Officer, you will form part of the Trust’s senior clinical and operational triumvirate and play a central role in shaping the Trust’s future. You will bring strong strategic and operational leadership to deliver performance against NHS constitutional standards, regulatory requirements and local priorities. This includes leading improvements in access, patient flow and productivity, delivering elective recovery, driving urgent and emergency care performance, and ensuring operational resilience during periods of pressure and escalation.
A core priority will be the development and delivery of a consistent, high-performing operating model across the Royal Devon. Working in close partnership with Care Group triumvirates, you will ensure strong governance, clear accountability and empowered clinical and managerial leadership. You will champion continuous improvement approaches, including GIRFT and the Trust’s 3Rs methodology, to enhance productivity, quality and patient experience.
As the Trust’s Accountable Officer for Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Response (EPRR), you will lead the Trust’s response to major incidents and escalation, providing calm and decisive leadership in complex and high-risk environments. You will also participate fully in the Executive Director on-call rota. This role offers a rare opportunity to shape a unified operating model across a large and complex Trust, influence system-wide transformation, and lead with visibility, integrity and compassion in line with our values.
Why join the Royal Devon at a pivotal point in our journey?
- A new Surgical Hub at Heavitree, opening in early 2027
- Expansion of the Devon Nightingale Community Diagnostic Centre
- A new Community Diagnostic Centre at Bideford, opening in summer 2027
- New staff accommodation at North Devon District Hospital as part of the Future Hospital Programme, completing in autumn 2027
- An NHIR-funded Clinical Research Centre at North Devon District Hospital, opening in 2027 to expand research capacity and improve patient outcomes
We are renowned for doing things differently. We have already achieved significant digitally innovative transformation:
- The first Trust nationally to deploy Epic in the community
- Supporting system partners to roll out Epic, making Devon the first county in the UK to have a single shared electronic patient record
- Piloting Ambient Voice Technology to improve efficiency and release clinical time
- Leading nationally in Acute Hospital at Home, with our Virtual Wards service collecting more remote data than any other Epic-enabled hospital in Europe
We are a research-active organisation, hosting, in partnership with the University of Exeter three NIHR research centres, alongside our own commercial research centre, to improve patient outcomes at the Royal Devon, in the UK and globally.
About you
To succeed in this role, you will be a substantive COO or Deputy COO from a large, multi-site acute NHS trust, with experience of leading change in a turnaround or recovery context. You are a visible, approachable and inclusive leader who models NHS values through integrity, fairness and compassion. You make clear, values-led decisions that are positively experienced by staff, patients and partners.
Love where you live and work
Located in the South West of England, the Royal Devon sits between the landscapes of Exmoor and Dartmoor, with some of the UK’s most stunning coastlines on our doorstep. With excellent schools, low crime, vibrant communities and a Russell Group university in Exeter, Devon offers an outstanding quality of life.
If you are ready to take on a high impact executive role where you can make a real difference, professionally and personally, we would love to hear from you.
Working Pattern: 37.5 hours, Monday - Friday
As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Preference will be given to staff with ‘Priority’ and ‘At Risk’ status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.
Looking after you
We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies. If you are starting out in the NHS, you’ll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays. You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups. We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team. This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we will help you get there.
Salary is not the only financial benefit. You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including:
- National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
- Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter.
- Car lease schemes.
- The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
- Cycle to work scheme.
These are just a few of the benefits available – if the role is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you.
Chief Operating Officer in Exeter employer: Rdehospital
The Royal Devon is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for a Chief Operating Officer to lead transformative change in a supportive and innovative environment. With a commitment to employee growth, flexible working arrangements, and a focus on work-life balance, staff enjoy a rewarding career while living in one of the UK's most beautiful regions, surrounded by stunning landscapes and vibrant communities. Join us to make a meaningful impact in healthcare while benefiting from extensive professional development opportunities and a culture that values diversity and inclusivity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the healthcare sector, especially those who might know someone at the Royal Devon. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the Royal Devon's values and recent initiatives. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your vision aligns with our mission to deliver high-quality, patient-focused care.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! We want to hear about your experiences leading change and inspiring teams. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your resilience and strategic thinking.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at the Royal Devon.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the COO role. Highlight your leadership experience and how it relates to the operational challenges mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Values:We want to see how you embody the NHS values of integrity, fairness, and compassion. Use examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you've made values-led decisions that positively impacted staff and patients.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. This will help us quickly understand your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people and is considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rdehospital
✨Know the Organisation Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the Royal Devon's mission, values, and recent initiatives. Understanding their approach to patient care and operational challenges will help you align your responses with their goals and demonstrate your commitment to their vision.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a COO, your leadership style is crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams through change, particularly in high-pressure environments. Highlight your ability to inspire and empower others while maintaining a focus on patient outcomes.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about past experiences where you successfully navigated operational challenges or implemented improvements. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Partnerships
The role requires strong partnerships across the system. Be ready to discuss how you've built and maintained relationships with various stakeholders, including clinical teams and external partners. Show that you understand the importance of collaboration in delivering high-quality care.
