Chief Medical Officer (Executive Medical Director)

Job overview

An exciting and challenging opportunity has arisen to replace the outgoing incumbent, to support the organisation’s continuing ambition to be at the forefront of meeting the health needs of its population, through inspirational clinical leadership.This is an exciting opportunity to ensure that the organisation is at the leading edge of delivering sustainably high quality clinical and relevant support services. The postholder will be key member of our Executive Management Team and will be a full voting member of the Trust Board of Directors.

As an Executive Director, the post holder shares responsibility with fellow Director colleagues for our overall strategic direction and performance. They will contribute to the highest level of thinking and decision-making processes and will have overall responsibility for the management of a high performing, dedicated and clinically excellent medical establishment.

The portfolio includes Responsible Officer and Caldicott Guardian responsibilities as well as line management of the Pharmacy and Research & Knowledge Services, the Mental Health Act Office provision and clinical oversight of Community Dentists. The successful candidate will implement and communicate a clear vision for medical and dental service provision, that is sustainable, supports quality, improves outcomes and enhances service user experience.

Main duties of the job

The postholder will effectively lead modernisation in medical management practices, including but not exclusive to: e-job planning, rostering and appraisal processes. They will have the drive and ambition to deliver a complex, challenging and exciting agenda whilst promoting an organisational culture that actively delivers the Trust’s Vision and Values. They will positively engage clinicians, other colleagues, service users and other stakeholders within Place and ICB, in support of developing and sustaining our approach to delivering the best quality care. The postholder will particularly promote the further embedding in their portfolio areas in the organisation, our values of We Care, We Listen, and We Deliver in all productivity aspirations.

This represents a really exciting opportunity for someone who has the motivation, energy and drive to not only pick up the reins but also to continue to mould the medical establishment into a cohesive, forward thinking and innovative team. Recognising the challenges this will bring, we are fully committed to supporting the ongoing personal and professional development of colleagues at all levels and so the post holder will be provided with access to role specific coaching, mentoring and developmental opportunities during the course of their employment. As an inclusive, compassionate and mindful employer, we also welcome applications from under-represented groups or with protected characteristics.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please read the attached Job description and person specification for more details about this role.

Right to Work in the UK

Applicants should be aware that for any individual who requires a visa to work in the UK, the Trust provides sponsorship for registered healthcare practitioner roles only. This is an essential requirement of the role, and the Trust is unable to offer you a role if you are unable to meet Trust requirements for sponsorship and Home Office requirements for a visa.

Prior to your appointment you will be asked to provide confirmation of your right to work and reside in the UK. During your continued employment with the Trust, you have a personal responsibility to notify your manager as soon as possible should there be any changes to your right to work status.

Regrettably, if the role is not eligible for sponsorship under the Trust’s eligibility criteria, the Trust are unable to extend your employment beyond the expiration of your current visa. The Trust is not responsible or liable for ensuring that your employment continues after this period.

As a condition of continuous employment, it essential you maintain the legal right to work in the United Kingdom throughout the duration of your employment with Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust (BDCFT). Any change in your right-to-work status, including but not limited to visa expiration, revocation, or denial of renewal, may impact your eligibility for employment with the Trust. It is your responsibility to promptly inform your Line Manager of any changes in your right-to-work status immediately and to provide necessary documentation for verification purposes. Failure to obtain or renew your visa in a timely manner is a breach of employment conditions and will result in termination of your employment. We appreciate your attention to this matter and your commitment to fulfilling this requirement promptly.

Closing date: 6th September 2026 Shortlisting: w/c 7th September 2026 Interviews: 22nd and 23rd September 2026

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.