Chief Delivery Officer

Job overview

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an exceptional Chief Delivery Officer (CDO) to join the Trust Board and Group Executive Team. This is a pivotal executive leadership role responsible for driving operational excellence across the Group, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, sustainable services that improve patient outcomes and meet national performance standards.

As a voting member of the Trust Board, the Chief Delivery Officer will contribute to the development of organisational strategy and policy while providing leadership across operational performance, service transformation, productivity, business intelligence, emergency preparedness and system-wide collaboration. The post holder will be responsible for developing and implementing a Group-wide operating model, ensuring effective systems, processes and governance arrangements are in place to support service delivery across hospital sites and corporate functions.

Working closely with Executive Directors, clinical leaders and system partners, the Chief Delivery Officer will lead the delivery of key operational priorities, optimise capacity and resources across the Group, and drive innovation and continuous improvement to ensure outstanding care for patients and communities across Mid and South Essex.

Main duties of the job

The Chief Delivery Officer will:

• Lead operational delivery and performance across Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust.
• Drive achievement of key constitutional and regulatory performance standards, including Urgent and Emergency Care, Referral to Treatment (RTT), Cancer and Diagnostic targets.
• Develop and implement a Group-wide standard operating model to support operational excellence and consistency.
• Provide strategic leadership for demand and capacity planning across the Group.
• Support the implementation of the Trust's clinical strategy and medium-term planning objectives.
• Lead large-scale transformation, productivity and service improvement programmes.
• Promote effective utilisation of capacity across hospital sites, including theatres, outpatient
• services and diagnostics.Develop and oversee robust performance reporting and business intelligence frameworks to inform decision-making and support delivery.Lead collaboration with local, regional and national partners to improve population health and service integration.Act as the Executive lead for emergency preparedness, resilience and business continuity.Ensure the effective management of resources, productivity programmes and cost improvement initiatives.Provide visible leadership that promotes a culture of accountability, empowerment, inclusion and continuous improvement.Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders across the NHS, Integrated Care System and wider health community.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Operational Delivery

Provide executive leadership for operational performance across Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, ensuring delivery of national and local performance standards. Lead the development and implementation of effective systems, processes and performance frameworks that support operational excellence, productivity, efficiency and high-quality patient care across the Group.

Transformation and Service Improvement

Lead the development and implementation of the Group's standard operating model, driving large-scale transformation, service redesign and continuous improvement programmes. Work collaboratively with Executive colleagues to optimise capacity, improve patient outcomes, identify opportunities for shared services and support the delivery of the Group's long-term strategic objectives.

Emergency Preparedness and Resilience

Act as the Trust's Executive Lead for Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Business Continuity. Ensure robust plans, training and testing arrangements are in place to meet statutory requirements, maintain organisational resilience and provide assurance to the Board regarding emergency planning and compliance.

Leadership, People and Culture

Provide visible, inclusive and inspiring leadership across the organisation, fostering a culture of accountability, empowerment and continuous improvement. Develop high-performing teams, support talent and leadership development, and ensure staff are equipped to deliver safe, effective and compassionate services.

Partnership Working, Governance and Assurance

Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, representing the Trust across the wider health and care system. Ensure effective governance, risk management and performance oversight arrangements are in place, providing assurance to the Board and supporting the delivery of safe, sustainable and high-quality services.