Job vacancy: Chief Operating Officer, 279 University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Worthing

Job summary

Main area: Executive Director
Grade: Executives / VSM: Executives / VSM
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Job ref: 279-7438030-AUG25

Employer: 279 University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type: NHS
Site: All Sites - University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
Town: Worthing
Closing: 05/09/2025 23:59

Chief Operating Officer

Executives / VSM: Executives / VSM

About our Trust

At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute Trusts, we’re a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.

Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal – to always put our Patient First . In fact our mission is summed up by our ‘where better never stops’ motto and you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

As part of our commitment to access for all, please see the different ways you can access the application form:

https://apps.trac.jobs/accessibility?_ts=1

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For further information or to apply for this role please visit the below link www.odgers.com/94145

Or contact:

Carmel Gibbons

Partner and Head of the Healthcare Practice

Direct: +44 207 529 1128

Executive Assistant: [email protected]

Person specification

Experience and Qualifications

Essential criteria

Educated to masters degree level or equivalent professional experience
Post graduate management qualification or training or equivalent professional experience
Evidence of continuous personal, professional and managerial development

Desirable criteria

Knowledge and Experience

Essential criteria

Proven track record of operational leadership in a complex NHS organisation at board level
Recent experience of operating as COO in an acute hospital setting
Evidence of leading complex change and modernisation relating to improving organisational performance and efficiency
Evidence of leading complex change and modernisation relating to improving organisational performance and efficiency
Experience of leading organisation cultural improvement and embedding new ways of working within an NHS operational environment
A track record of successes in delivering against national and local NHS operational performance targets
Background of improving service standards and delivering efficiencies, and value for money

Communication and Relationship Skills

Essential criteria

Ability to provide and receive highly complex, sensitive or contentious information, negotiate with senior stakeholders on difficult and controversial issues including performance and change
Effective and strategic influencing skills at all levels of the organisation including Board and external stakeholders
Highly developed collaborative working skills - ability to build strong relationships with clinical leaders and multi-professional staff groups
Ability to present complex and sensitive information at all levels both internally and externally
Ability to write reports and present at Board level
Extensive knowledge and understanding of the NHS, politically astute and able to identify and work with key influencers to deliver a range of acute healthcare services
Sound understanding of national health policy and local health initiatives
Demonstrable understanding of the Trust’s strategic objectives, financial and management challenges

Skills and aptitudes

Essential criteria

The intellect and interpersonal skills to have the respect of senior clinicians, managers and academics
Resilience and perseverance to ensure delivery and implementation of key goals
The ability to develop capability and confidence in colleagues, ensuring targets are achieved and maintained
The ability to motivate staff in all professions and harness and nurture talent
Ability to quickly build clinical and managerial credibility
Evidence of a compassionate and inclusive leadership style

Important information for applicants:

A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.

Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.

Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.

Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.

DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check . We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.

UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications

Further Information

For help with the application process for Nursing vacancies, please email [email protected].

For help with the application process for Non-Nursing vacancies, please email [email protected].

Applicant requirements

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name

Carmel Gibbons c/o Odgers

Job title

Partner and Head of the Healthcare Practice

Email address

[email protected]

Telephone number

0207 529 1128

Additional information

Carmel Gibbons

Partner and Head of the Healthcare Practice

ODGERS

Where Leadership Matters

20 Cannon Street, London, EC4M 6XD

Direct: +44 207 529 1128

Mobile: +44 7793 529517

Executive Assistant: [email protected]

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Job summary

Employer heading

Chief Operating Officer

Executives / VSM: Executives / VSM

Job overview

Main duties of the job

Working for our organisation

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Person specification

Experience and Qualifications

Essential criteria

Desirable criteria

Knowledge and Experience

Essential criteria

Communication and Relationship Skills

Essential criteria

Skills and aptitudes

Essential criteria

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Applicant requirements

Documents to download

Further details / informal visits contact

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