Director & Chief Executive in Devon, Exeter

We are promoting a new opportunity for a Managing Director to join the recently formed wholly owned subsidiary of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS FT – RDUH Developments Ltd. This exciting healthcare estates opportunity spans both commercial estates development alongside delivering innovation in utilisation of NHS assets.

The company is initially seeking to develop and maximise the healthcare estate that comprises the Nightingale Hospital Exeter (NHE). This facility is a legacy from the Government’s Covid programme that has been developed into a regional orthopaedic surgery facility located alongside modern and extensive diagnostics capacity and an innovative elective outpatient facility including one stop shop service delivery models and the ground-breaking “surgicube” ophthalmology operating facility.

The Managing Director has full responsibility and accountability for all estates operating metrics in their facility meeting the highest clinical and estates compliance standards. You will be responsible for management and development of the RDUH Developments Ltd business model to deliver required financial and other targets as agreed with the Board. The Managing Director will have overall responsibility for the management of all current activities, development, and implementation of future strategy for the business, and the management of the in-house team overseeing external contractors to deliver that strategy. Demonstrating the parent company values of Integrity, Compassion, Inclusion and Empowerment by working positively as part of an organisation delivering high quality services to internal and external customers to create a culture where all are valued and encouraged.

This opportunity is a part time role supported by a mixture of internal staff and external outsourced contract services. The role is initially 0.25 WTE on NHS ESM framework and will suit senior executive managers looking to develop a portfolio career.

Candidates will be selected for interview based on how closely they demonstrate their skills and experience in relation to the job description and personal specification.

For additional information, please contact Zahara Hyde, Director of Estates and Facilities, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

Applications should consist of a full curriculum vitae detailing your career and achievements, as well as a letter of application which addresses the role description and personal specification.

Location: Exeter, Devon

Contract Type: Permanent

Commitment: Part-time (0.25 WTE) for year 1 with review based on future business opportunities

Reports to: RDUH Developments Ltd Board of Directors (and is accountable to the parent Trust – Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS FT (Royal Devon) - as sole shareholder)

Role Purpose and Context: RDUH Developments Ltd is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS FT established to oversee the operation and strategic development of the estate facility known as the Nightingale Hospital Exeter. The facility currently houses two day case theatres, full CT and MRI diagnostics capability with multiple scanners and flexible consultation rooms. The Managing Director (MD) provides executive leadership, operational oversight, and strategic direction to ensure the subsidiary delivers a high-quality, safe, effective, and financially sustainable healthcare facility aligned to the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Trust’s objectives.

The MD leads company operations, managing key clinical provider (users) and estates operational contracts, and drives business development opportunities to optimise utilisation of the facility. The role requires strong commercial acumen, deep understanding of NHS systems, and the ability to balance operational delivery with long-term strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Executive Leadership & Governance: Provide visible, effective leadership to ensure safe, efficient and compliant utilisation of the facility. Lead annual planning, risk management and delivery against performance frameworks. Ensure governance structures are robust, including reporting, quality oversight and statutory compliance.
• Contract Oversight & Compliance: Act as the Senior Responsible Officer for the estates & facilities subcontractor, ensuring KPIs, SLAs and all compliance duties are met. Oversee clinical and operational contracts with NHS organisations delivering services on site. Provide leadership to maintain and oversee regulatory, statutory and mandatory standards for the facility (including CQC, H&S and estates compliance), recognising and managing any inherited or structural constraints that may affect full alignment with current HTM/HBN or building regulations.
• Stakeholder & Relationship Management: Develop productive working relationships with the parent Trust, ICS partners, commissioning providers and suppliers. Engage with clinical leaders to understand service needs and opportunities. Represent the subsidiary at system meetings and commercial negotiations.
• Business Development & Commercial Growth: Identify and deliver new revenue-generating opportunities (surgical day case activity, outpatient clinics, diagnostics etc.). Develop business cases and commercial proposals to optimise facility utilisation. Lead market engagement with NHS and non-NHS customers. Working with Royal Devon – identify opportunities to maximise WOS impact.
• Financial Leadership & Performance: Hold responsibility for financial sustainability, including budget setting, reporting and cost control. Ensure robust performance management systems for monitoring activity, quality and efficiency. Provide regular reports and assurance to the Chair and Board.
• Risk, Safety & Quality: Maintain a comprehensive risk register and oversee mitigation plans. Ensure a safe environment for patients, staff and visitors. Oversee the facility’s adherence to statutory, mandatory and regulatory frameworks (including CQC, H&S and estates requirements), exercising sound judgement in managing compliance within the context of existing estate conditions.

Person Specification:

Qualifications:

• Essential: Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience. Evidence of continued professional development.
• Desirable: Masters, MBA or formal leadership qualification. NHS Leadership Academy or equivalent leadership development programme completion.

Experience:

• Essential: Significant senior leadership experience within healthcare, estates, operations or commercial services. Proven experience of managing external suppliers and contracts. Experience of financial management and strategic planning.
• Desirable: Experience in day-case, outpatient or elective care settings. Knowledge of subsidiary company or complex commercial models.

Knowledge:

• Essential: Strong understanding of NHS governance, finance and regulatory frameworks. Knowledge of commercial and contractual agreements. Understanding of risk, assurance and audit processes.
• Desirable: Knowledge of HTMs, HBNs and estates compliance frameworks. Familiarity with procurement regimes such as PSR.

Skills and Abilities:

• Highly effective communicator and negotiator.
• Strong analytical and financial capability.
• Self-directing.
• Ability to lead organisational change and innovation.
• Ability to build strong relationships with clinical and executive leaders.

Personal Attributes:

• Strategic thinker and confident decision-maker.
• Resilient, adaptable and collaborative.
• Strong integrity and commitment to public service values.