Job vacancy: Chief Finance & Strategy Officer, East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, Colchester/Ipswich

Job summary

Main area: Finance
Grade: VSM
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Job ref: 43-HR835-26

Employer: East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type: NHS
Site: Colchester/Ipswich
Town: Colchester/Ipswich
Salary: Dependant on experience
Closing: 09/10/2026 23:59
Interview date: 26/10/2026

Chief Finance & Strategy Officer

VSM

We are one of the largest NHS organisation in England. Our scale provides exciting opportunities for development, innovation, research, education and training.

Talk to us about our range of flexible working opportunities, apprenticeships and staff benefits

Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) is at the heart of all we do; and it forms part of ESNEFT’s core activities. The Trust operates and relies on everyone treating each other with dignity and respect, to receive equitable and fair treatment in the implementation of Policies, Procedures and in its Practices, to foster positive work relationships, and finally to act with integrity as a professional within ESNEFT as well as a representative of the NHS as a whole. The EDI Agenda reflects the Trust values such as Optimistic, Appreciative and Kind. In line with the NHS Long Term Plan, People Plan, People Promise and a Model Employer intrinsic in the Equality Diversity and Inclusion Agenda, we consistently strive to improve, to take the learning into Action for a better ESNEFT.

If you are passionate about patient care and want to develop your skills and knowledge then we are keen to hear from you.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

We are committed to increasing the diversity of our Board to reflect the communities we serve. We therefore particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented at Board level.

If you are interested in this critical appointment, please contact Alumni Global, who are supporting the Trust on this appointment process, for a confidential discussion please get in touch with Thomas Patterson, Managing Director, on 07970 339 151 or [email protected].

Please see our microsite for full information

https://alumniglobal.com/job/cfso-esneft

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

Fully qualified accountant with membership of an appropriate recognised professional body
Educated to Master’s level or able to demonstrate equivalent senior professional and leadership experience.

Desirable criteria

Postgraduate qualification in leadership, management, business, strategy or public sector management.
Participation in a recognised senior NHS or public sector leadership programme.

Experience

Essential criteria

Substantial senior finance leadership experience in a large and complex NHS organisation, including current or recent Board level responsibility for financial strategy, governance and performance.
A strong record of developing and delivering financial strategy, annual and medium term financial plans and sustainable financial improvement.
Experience of leading financial recovery, productivity, cost improvement and transformation in a financially constrained environment.
Experience of developing organisational strategy and translating strategic priorities into affordable and deliverable plans.

Please note that where response levels are exceptional we may close the post before the specified date, therefore early application is recommended.

Please make sure that you read the Job Description and Person Specification attached and that your statement in support reflects this as your application will be judged against these criteria.

If you require any information in an alternative format or have any access needs for the application process, please contact us.

Secondment - if you are interested in undertaking a role on a secondment basis, please ensure that you have discussed this with your current line manager prior to submitting your application. Please note if you are already an employee of ESNEFT fixed term roles will only be offered on a secondment basis.

When providing reference details please provide email addresses so references can be sought promptly to cover the last 3 years of employment.

Successful candidates may be charged for their DBS check. Please ensure you read the information found in the attached DBS Information document

The Trust is committed to its staff and their development and to equal opportunities and diversity. Applications are welcomed from all sections of the community.

Whilst we welcome applications from all and your application will be considered on individual merit, if you are offered a position and require a Skilled Worker Certificate of Sponsorship we may not be able to process your application to the final stage due to Home Office eligibility. Please note Band 2 roles are not eligible for sponsorship.

In submitting an application form, you authorise East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust to confirm any previous NHS service details via the Inter Authority Transfer (IAT) process should you be appointed to the post.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your interest in East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust; we look forward to receiving your application for employment.

We do not charge any fees at any stage of our recruitment process, including job applications, interviews, sponsorship arrangements or employment offers