Job requirements
Essential
24 listedRequirements the employer expects applicants to meet.
- Skills
Highly developed planning skills, with a demonstrable track record in the development of credible plans at an organisational level.
- Skills
Ability to work at both the strategic level and with operational teams on the detail to support delivery of plans
- Skills
Highly analytical and numerate, able to interpret, summarise and present a range of different sources of complex information and data
- Skills
Ability to lead colleagues in scenario planning and the modelling of demand and capacity
- Skills
Excellent communication skills including oral and written, able to communicate at all levels internally and with external partners and able to facilitate constructive dialogue
- Skills
Ability to develop and present plans that are cohesive and though complex, are articulated simply and easily understood
- Skills
Successful relationship management skills, able to engage at all levels and with a collaborative style that promotes effective joint working
- Skills
Able to strike a balance between challenge and support and skilled at constructively challenging colleagues where necessary
- Skills
Resilient in dealing with challenging and sensitive situations and managing conflict
- Skills
Team leadership and all aspects of managing staff
- Skills
Flexible attitude and approach to working in a changing environment
- Skills
Proficiency in IT skills and ability to use relevant software packages
- Knowledge
An applied knowledge of strategy development and organisational planning, including relevant tools and techniques
- Knowledge
A good understanding of the wider context and challenges facing the NHS
- Knowledge
A sound understanding of change management models and service transformation
- Experience
Significant experience of strategic planning at an organisational level
- Experience
Experience of programme and project management
- Experience
Delivering objectives to timescales within a complex and challenging environment
- Experience
Experience of working autonomously and using initiative to drive improvements
- Experience
Track record of developing effective working relationships with senior leaders, operational managers and partners
- Experience
Achieving results through working with others who are not under direct management control
- Experience
Using and triangulating a range of data sources
- Qualifications
Minimum of Masters or equivalent level qualification plus specialist experience of planning, performance, management, systems and leadership at a strategic level
- Qualifications
Extensive specialist knowledge, expertise and experience, acquired through advanced professional training put into practical effect over a significant period of time, programme management, project management and performance management (including or with a good working knowledge of Managing Successful Programmes, PRINCE2 and Benefits Realisation)
Desirable
7 listedAdditional qualities the employer would prefer.
- Skills
Skills in the technical aspects of NHS planning
- Training
Computer literacy and able to use relevant IT systems
- Knowledge
An applied knowledge of NHS planning guidance
- Knowledge
An understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing community and mental health providers
- Experience
Experience of planning in the NHS or health and care systems
- Experience
Experience of working with clinical teams
- Experience
Experience of leading strategic change programmes
Job overview
An opportunity has arisen for an experienced, compassionate & highly motivated Associate Director of Strategy & Planning to join Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
This exciting opportunity comes at an important time for our organisation as we continue to transform & improve our services and deliver the ambitions of our Making a Difference 2026-2029 Strategy.
Main duties of the job
The AD of Strategy & Planning is responsible for the establishment & running of the Trustwide Business Planning/Operational Planning processes & outputs & the ongoing oversight & monitoring of progress towards the implementation of the Trust Strategy.
The post holder will work with the Deputy Director of Strategy & Partnerships to develop & implement a robust planning & monitoring process to ensure our plans link strategic horizon scanning, national & local priorities, service opportunities, partnership initiatives & implementation of the Trust’s strategies.
The role will also support & develop the capability and skills of the organisation to undertake integrated planning at all levels, from directorates, divisions & at Trust level. The post holder will work closely leadership teams of the Care Groups, corporate services & members of the Trust Management Group to co-produce & implement the planning framework
The post holder will work closely with the Deputy Director of Strategy & Partnerships & other senior colleagues to coordinate development of Trust wide plans to support the implementation of the Strategy & the monitoring framework for delivery of plans.
The role will develop & deploy mechanisms & processes to bring insight from diverse information sources (qualitative & quantitative) to prompt & inform strategic & tactical decision making, assess opportunities & lead the development & delivery of a complex programme of insight & strategic change for the organisation.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Strategic Planning
Lead the development of the Trust multi-year planning process and implementation of national planning guidance through the annual planning round at Care Unit level.
Provide insight on national planning guidance, relating guidance to specific local circumstances and make recommendations to the Board, Senior Leadership Team and Executive Team.
Ensure that Trust strategic plans and planning processes align with national requirements including guidance set out by NHS England.
Support operational, corporate and finance colleagues with the planning processes including the production of annual and longer-term plans and reports as required by the Executive Team and Board Committees.
In liaison with the operational and finance colleagues, review the development of cases for major revenue investment that require approval by the Trusts’ internal governance structures, ensuring that the business case meets NHSE, Department of Health and Treasury requirements.
Provide education and training to senior management colleagues within Care Groups on strategy, planning, and business case development processes, as required.
Strategy Development
Manage the overall planning and strategy development process for the Trust, including developing the capability of the organisation to develop robust plans, monitoring and evaluation processes that will deliver the NHS Long Term Plan, the ICBs’ priorities, and the organisation’s strategic priorities.
Manage the development and implementation of a Trust strategy and any subsequent re-fresh. Ensure that processes are in place to support the Board in the review of the strategy and that the Board are routinely advised of progress against the strategic milestones.
Horizon scan across national and international healthcare and other markets, bringing best practice and innovation to the ongoing development of the Trust strategy and transformation programmes.
Ensure the annual plan supports delivery of the Trust Strategy and is aligned with the Board Assurance Framework
Ensure that proposals put forward in the internal and external business planning cycle(s) are consistent with the Trust’s long-term objectives and priorities.
Insights and problem solving
Make judgements involving highly complex facts or situations which require the analysis, interpretation, and comparison of a range of options in order to lead the development and delivery of a complex programme of insight and strategic change for the organisation.
Interrogate and analyse a range of data sets in order to deliver insight and intelligence to colleagues within the Care Groups and Transformation team to support the delivery of the Transformation agenda.
Establish a systematic approach the use of insight, moving beyond reactive insights by proactively identifying potential issues and opportunities. This will include the development of mechanisms for continuous monitoring and early detection of emerging challenges, allowing the Trust to anticipate risks and opportunities.
Act as a strategic problem-solving resource, "parachuting in" to assist in the resolution of wicked/complex issues within the Trust. This involves taking a hands-on approach to understand, analyse, and resolve critical challenges that may arise, ensuring a swift and effective response.
Lead comprehensive service reviews, integrating this approach into the strategic planning framework. This includes evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of existing services, identifying areas for improvement, and aligning service portfolios with the organisation's long-term objectives.
Applicant requirements
This post will require a submission for Disclosure to be made to check for any unspent criminal convictions.
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This advert is for Associate Director of Strategy & Planning with Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in Retford, England. It is listed as a Band 8 Director role. The advertised salary is £79,504 - £91,609 per annum (pro rata for part time). The contract type is Permanent: Hybrid working. The application deadline is 03 Dec 2026.
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