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- Tasks: Lead operational delivery and performance of clinical services in a specialist cancer trust.
- Company: Join Velindre University NHS Trust, a leader in cancer and blood services across Wales.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of healthcare with innovative projects and a values-driven culture.
- Qualifications: Seeking experienced leaders with a strong background in operational management and healthcare.
- Other info: Welsh language skills are desirable; applications from diverse backgrounds are encouraged.
Job Summary
Velindre University NHS Trust is seeking a Chief Operating Officer.
As a specialist Trust, the organisation is responsible for the delivery of tertiary non-surgical cancer services to the population of Southeast Wales and for the Welsh Blood Service across Wales. The Trust is also a hosting body to two national NHS services in Wales, the NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership and Health Technology Wales.
The Trust has a hugely ambitious change agenda including the building of a new Velindre Cancer Centre (nVCC). This regional and partnership role will play a crucial part in the realisation of the organisation’s ambitions. As Chief Operating Officer you will work with the wider team to transition into the new facility to see the first patient treated in the summer of 2027.
When complete, the new Velindre Cancer Centre will be a world-class facility which provides specialist tertiary oncology services to patients across Southeast Wales.
This is a values-based organisation offering an exciting and innovative opportunity to make a significant contribution to health services. The Trust is seeking to appoint a highly experienced and successful leader. This is an opportunity to shape and deliver clinical services in cancer and blood and to play a key role as part of the senior leadership team of the organisation to take our ambitious agenda forward.
Main duties of the job
The COO is responsible for ensuring the successful system wide operational delivery and performance of all clinical services.
As lead Director for operational performance and delivery, the post holder will be responsible for contributing to the development and overseeing Divisional delivery of the Integrated Medium Term Plan that ensures financial balance, maximises service and workforce modernisation opportunities and delivers services that aim to exceed national and local standards and targets.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic oversight, leadership and management of Divisions, with particular emphasis on implementing revised processes, pathways and models of care aligned with Trust objectives.
- Work in partnership with Senior Leadership colleagues with professional and health improvement accountabilities in driving and sustaining operational performance management and delivery of all national and local standards and targets.
- Recognise the accountability and assurance roles of Executive Director colleagues and work collaboratively with them to ensure required standards are delivered.
- Develop and maintain effective mechanisms of communication across service divisions ensuring engagement of clinicians across blood and cancer services and other professional and staff groups including Trade Unions.
About us
Here at Velindre University NHS Trust , we are extremely proud of the specialist services we provide across the whole of Wales in our cutting-edge Velindre Cancer Centre and our award-winning Welsh Blood Service , as well as the expertise of our corporate functions that bring the two divisions together. We are also fortunate to host the NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership and Health Technology Wales and have developed strong partnership working with these expert services.
Formed in 1999, the Trust has a dedicated workforce that continuously strives to provide the key principles of prudent healthcare through a wide array of roles. We play a vital role in the communities we support and have ambitious plans for the future to continue to improve the services we deliver. We strive to maintain our core values in everything we do by being accountable, bold, caring and dynamic, and ensuring the best possible care for our patients and donors.
If you want to work for an organisation that prides itself on making a real difference and offers exciting career opportunities, then Velindre University NHS Trust is the place for you.
Visit our website to find out more
Date posted: 28 January 2025
Pay scheme: Very senior manager (VSM)
Salary: £137,460 to £142,404 a year per annum
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 120-AC763-0125
Job locations: Trust Headquarters, Unit 2, Charnwood Court, Parc Nantgarw, Nantgarw, Cardiff, CF15 7QZ
Job Description
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.
Responsibilities
Job description responsibilities can be found in the supporting documents or by clicking Apply now to view in Trac.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
- Meets all essential criteria
Experience and Knowledge Essential
- Meets all essential criteria
Abilities and Personal Qualities Essential
- Meets all essential criteria
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.
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.
Employer details
Employer name : Velindre University NHS Trust
Employer’s website :
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Chief Operating Officer employer: Velindre University NHS Trust
Contact Detail:
Velindre University NHS Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific challenges and opportunities in the healthcare sector, particularly in cancer services. Understanding the nuances of operational management in a specialized trust like Velindre will help you demonstrate your expertise during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current and former leaders in similar roles within the NHS. Engaging with professionals who have experience in operational leadership can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your ability to drive change and innovation in healthcare settings. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully implemented new processes or improved service delivery, as this aligns with the Trust's ambitious change agenda.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your collaborative skills and experience working with diverse teams. The role requires strong partnership working with senior leadership and various stakeholders, so be ready to discuss how you've effectively engaged with different groups in previous positions.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Chief Operating Officer position. Understand the key responsibilities and expectations, especially regarding operational delivery and leadership in clinical services.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasize your previous leadership roles and experiences that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Showcase your ability to manage operational performance and deliver on national and local standards.
Demonstrate Values Alignment: Velindre University NHS Trust values accountability, boldness, caring, and dynamism. Make sure to reflect these values in your application by providing examples of how you embody these principles in your professional life.
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Craft a personalized cover letter that addresses the specific needs of the Trust. Discuss your vision for the role and how you plan to contribute to the ambitious change agenda, including the transition to the new Velindre Cancer Centre.
How to prepare for a job interview at Velindre University NHS Trust
✨Understand the Trust's Vision
Familiarize yourself with Velindre University NHS Trust's mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your leadership style aligns with their commitment to providing exceptional cancer and blood services.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples of how you've successfully implemented strategic initiatives in previous roles. Highlight your experience in operational performance management and how you can contribute to the ambitious change agenda of the Trust.
✨Showcase Collaborative Leadership
Emphasize your ability to work collaboratively with senior leadership teams and various stakeholders. Discuss how you have engaged clinicians and staff in the past to drive operational improvements and ensure high standards of care.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Anticipate questions that may require you to solve hypothetical challenges related to operational delivery and clinical services. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies in these scenarios.
