Job vacancy: Head of Service Delivery (Interim), Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol

Job summary

Main area: Digital - Technology Services
Grade: Band 8c
Contract: 7 months (Fixed Term/Secondment. End date 15/04/2027)
Hours: Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Job ref: 387-TS5785-KM

Employer: Bristol NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type: NHS
Site: Digital HQ
Town: Bristol
Salary: £79,504 - £91,609 pa pro rata
Salary period: Yearly
Closing: 21/09/2026 23:59

Head of Service Delivery (Interim)

Band 8c

North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) have merged as of 1^st July 2026 to become Bristol NHS Foundation Trust. This will create an exciting future that brings together the best of both organisations. As a single, strong and sustainable organisation, we will not only be able to deliver better outcomes for our patients and fairer care for our population, but it will also provide greater opportunities for our people.

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust recognise the value of a healthy work-life balance. When applying, speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate flexible working, so your work life fits around your home life.

We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates as they are under-represented within the Trust.

Our job adverts may close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. Considering this, if you are interested in this role, please do apply as soon as you can.

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) describes algorithms that can be used to produce new content, including audio, code, images, text, simulations, and videos. It is developing all the time and is now being used as a support mechanism for all kinds of content-based creations. Please note the use of AI is monitored and if applicants have used it then they are required to declare this.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For a more detailed job description and main responsibilities, please refer to the job description document attached to this vacancy.

Person specification

Qualifications and Training

Essential criteria

Educated to Master’s level or equivalent demonstrable experience at a senior level in IT, Digital Services, or a related discipline.
Evidence of continued professional development.

Desirable criteria

Relevant professional certifications (e.g., ITIL, PRINCE2, Agile, ISO/IEC standards, CCIE, MCSE).

Experience

Essential criteria

Significant experience in senior IT leadership roles within complex organisations, preferably within the NHS or public sector
Proven track record of delivering strategic digital transformation, infrastructure management, and service improvement.
Demonstrable success in managing large technical teams and multi-million-pound budgets.
Experience in implementing governance frameworks, cybersecurity strategies, and compliance with NHS digital standards (e.g., DSPT).
Strong background in stakeholder engagement and partnership working at regional or national levels.
Expertise in staff management, coaching, team building, and leading change.

Knowledge and Skills

Essential criteria

In-depth knowledge of IT service management, enterprise architecture, infrastructure, and emerging technologies
Strong understanding of NHS digital strategies, the NHS Ten Year Plan, and national information governance frameworks
Skilled in translating strategic vision into operational delivery and aligning local and national digital priorities.
Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to convey complex information to diverse audiences.
Strong organisational and planning skills to implement national policies and long-term strategies.
Proficient in risk management, business continuity, and performance monitoring
Demonstrated ability to manage mission-critical, highly available infrastructure and services.

Behaviours and Attributes

Essential criteria

Collaborative leader who builds trust, drives engagement, and fosters inclusive team environments.
Collaborative leader who builds trust, drives engagement, and fosters inclusive team environments.
Passionate about improving patient outcomes through digital innovation and excellence.
Persuasive and credible influencer with the confidence to operate in high-profile, complex settings.
Demonstrates initiative, prioritisation, and problem-solving in unpredictable workloads.

Desirable criteria

Strategic thinker with a proactive, solution-focused approach.

We hope that you will decide to join us and become part of this exciting journey, helping us to shape our future together.

· As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit and retain a workforce which represents the rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them. Anonymous information will be used from your application to ensure we’re meeting our pledge.

· The Trust is committed to investing in and caring for all our staff. We will support you in maintaining and improving your health and wellbeing, as well as your career development through management and training support - developing exceptional people for exceptional careers.

· BFT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

· To comply with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 all applicants must be able to speak fluent English to an appropriate standard which will be assessed at Interview.

· If you require sponsorship for a visa to work in the UK, to avoid disappointment, please check to ensure you are eligible under the UKVI points based system.

· The Trust uses electronic new starter forms on Trac to collect personal details. Information collected is securely stored and used to set up the employee record on the ESR HR system.

· By applying for this post, you are agreeing to Bristol NHS Foundation Trust transferring the information contained in this application to its preferred applicant management system. If you are offered a job, information will also be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Records system.

· Please be aware of scams – unless specified above, we will only communicate with you via @recruit.trac.jobs or nhs.net e-mails and we will never ask you for any payments.

IMPORTANT:

Please note that if you apply for a position with this Trust, you may be contacted via Trac or via email. This includes invites for job interviews. We therefore recommend that you regularly check your Trac account and email accounts. We may also contact you by texting the mobile number, if provided, on the application form.

Due to the high number of applications that are received for some posts we may close this vacancy before the advertised closing date. Therefore, please apply for this post as soon as you can, if you are interested and you meet the requirements of the Person Specification

Only those candidates who clearly demonstrate how they meet the person specification will be shortlisted for this job.

As a guide interviews should usually take place within 3 weeks of the closing date.

When providing employment reference details, please provide correct work-related email addresses so references can be sought promptly when we are looking to progress your application. Your referee must all be known to you in a line manager or professional lead capacity.