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- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and governance for a major health board.
- Company: Swansea Bay University Health Board, a key player in public health.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of healthcare while leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Senior finance experience and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Join a vibrant community with excellent quality of life.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Swansea Bay University Health Board is seeking an exceptional financial leader to join its Board as Executive Director of Finance at a pivotal point in its journey. This is a very senior role with a competitive salary. Serving a population of approximately 390,000 across Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, with a workforce of around 13,500 and an annual budget of over £1.1bn, Swansea Bay is one of the largest public sector organisations in Wales. The Health Board aims to become a high performing organisation delivering sustainable, high quality and affordable care for its population. This role will be central to shaping that future.
The Health Board is on an ambitious journey of recovery, improvement and transformation. You will be a full voting member of the Board and a key architect of the Health Board’s ongoing transformation, leading productivity, business improvement and long term financial sustainability, and working with the Chair, Chief Executive, Board colleagues and Welsh Government to shape resource deployment for high quality, affordable care.
Responsibilities
- You will provide authoritative financial leadership across the organisation, ensure robust financial governance and stewardship, and play a central role in service transformation, workforce planning and digital investment.
- You will lead the Finance, Procurement and Charitable Funds portfolios, develop long term financial strategies, and represent the Health Board at national level with Welsh Government, Audit Wales and system partners.
We are seeking a values led Executive leader with a proven track record of operating at Board level within a complex organisation. You will bring experience of financial recovery, large scale organisational transformation and change, alongside the credibility and collaborative style required to work effectively with clinical, operational and system leaders. You will be a visible and influential leader who can inspire high performing teams, champion transparency and governance, and contribute to the wider corporate leadership of the Health Board.
About Us
Swansea Bay offers an exceptional quality of life. The region combines vibrant city living with outstanding coastline and countryside, including the Gower Peninsula. This is an attractive place to live and work for senior leaders and their families.
This is a rare opportunity to join a dynamic Board and Executive team and to help shape the next chapter for Swansea Bay University Health Board. If you are motivated by public service, transformation and making a tangible difference to population health, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Job Details
- Date posted: 29 January 2026
- Pay scheme: Very senior manager (VSM)
- Salary: Depending on experience – Competitive Salary
- Contract: Permanent
- Working pattern: Full-time, Flexible working, Home or remote working
- Reference number: H9130-26-0047
- Job locations: Swansea Bay University Health Board, Seaway Parade Industrial Estate, Baglan, Port Talbot, West Glamorgan, SA12 7BR
Job Description and Person Specification
Job responsibilities
You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents.
Person Specification
Abilities and Personal Qualities
- Essential experience of building personal and professional credibility with Board, management and clinical teams and staff.
- Excellent communication and ability to work effectively and co-operatively.
- Excellent leadership, influencing skills and demonstrate professional credibility.
- Capacity to think strategically and analyse and solve complex problems.
- Able to demonstrate sound judgement and decision making in a complex environment.
- Ability to communicate in Welsh and/or empathy with and commitment to learn and communicate in Welsh as part of core objectives.
- Ability to think and act strategically and to articulate a clear sense of direction and vision to a wide audience.
- Demonstrable leadership and ambassadorial skills with an ability to demonstrate a flexible leadership style - consensual and participative but decisive when warranted.
- Commitment and passion for citizen focused service with the ability to embed such an ethos at all levels of the organisation.
- Inspirational leader who demonstrates the ability to lead and manage change.
- Leads by example, promoting the highest standards of conduct, integrity and probity.
- Committed to the continuous development of staff and self.
- Commitment to developing culture of openness and partnership.
- Commitment to improving quality of patient care.
- Evidence of self awareness.
- Creative thinker.
Experience
- Essential experience in a Senior Finance role in a complex environment sector.
- Proven experience of working and contributing at Board level.
- Significant management and professional experience.
- Evidence of working across a range of organisations to achieve significant change.
- Experience of strategic financial planning and development.
- Experience of delivering challenging financial plans including large Cost Reduction Programmes.
- Advanced expert knowledge of UK and International Accounting Standards.
- Evidence of actively participating in service improvement and efficiency.
- Understanding of the financial challenges facing the NHS in the 21st Century, in the context of wider economic conditions.
- Understanding of the political agenda for Health and Social Care.
Qualifications
- Essential evidence of recent Management and Leadership Development.
- CCAB qualified accountant.
- Evidence of Continual Professional Development.
- Educated to Masters Degree level relevant to the field of expertise or equivalent senior level of work experience.
- Evidence of Management and Leadership Development geared towards very senior posts.
- Evidence of and a demonstrable commitment to Continual Professional Development with an active and varied CPD portfolio.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants are also subject to this requirement.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.
Executive Director of Finance (Chief Finance Officer) in Port Talbot employer: Swansea Bay University Health Board
Contact Detail:
Swansea Bay University Health Board Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director of Finance (Chief Finance Officer) in Port Talbot
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in public health. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their financial challenges and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You need to convey your leadership style and vision clearly. Think about how you can inspire high-performing teams and drive transformation – that’s what they want to hear!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director of Finance (Chief Finance Officer) in Port Talbot
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in financial leadership and transformation. We want to see how your skills align with the specific needs of Swansea Bay University Health Board.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use quantifiable results to demonstrate how you've led financial recovery or organisational change in previous roles. This will help us see the impact you can bring.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for a values-led leader, so share your passion for public service and how you’ve made a difference in your community. Authenticity goes a long way!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our official website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Swansea Bay University Health Board
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Executive Director of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate a deep understanding of financial metrics and performance indicators. Brush up on the latest financial reports and be ready to discuss how you would approach budget management and cost reduction strategies.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong leadership skills, so think about examples from your past where you've successfully led teams through change. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and how you inspire high-performing teams while promoting transparency and governance.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the current challenges facing the NHS and the political landscape surrounding health and social care. This will help you articulate how your strategic vision aligns with the Health Board’s goals for transformation and sustainability.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions that show your interest in the organisation's future and your commitment to improving patient care. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
