Job overview
We are seeking an exceptional Chief Medical Officer (CMO) to join our Executive Team and Trust Board as a full voting member. This is a unique opportunity for an outstanding clinician and inclusive leader to help shape the future of our organisation, provide strategic leadership to our medical workforce, and deliver our vision for patients and communities.
As a key member of the Executive Team, you will lead improvements in quality, safety, innovation, and clinical excellence, ensuring the highest standards of patient care while supporting the Trust's ongoing transformation and long-term success.
You will inspire clinical teams, champion innovative models of care, and work collaboratively with health, social care, and community partners to improve outcomes and reduce health inequalities. The role also offers significant system leadership opportunities, developing strategic partnerships and shaping services across our communities.
Main duties of the job
Whether you are an experienced Medical Director seeking your next executive challenge or a senior clinical leader ready for your first Board-level appointment, you will bring:
- A strong leadership track record in a complex healthcare environment.
- A demonstrable commitment to putting patients first.
- A clear vision for high-quality, innovative clinical service delivery
- Credibility and influence across professional groups.
- A commitment to inclusive leadership and cultural change.
- The ability to embed organisational values and create an environment where colleagues can thrive.
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Trust at a pivotal stage in its development, working alongside an ambitious and supportive Executive Team and Board to drive sustainable improvement and innovation.
We are committed to increasing Board diversity and particularly welcome applications from individuals currently underrepresented at Board level.
If your ambition matches ours, we would be delighted to hear from you.
The standard Trac process does not apply, Please send your CV and covering letter to: Michelle.keable@esneft.nhs.uk
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For further information and a full job description for the role please view the attached CMO applicant pack
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.
Person specification
Knowledge
Essential
- Understands the strategic direction of the local and regional health economy.
- In depth understanding of CQC, NICE, NHS England regulations
- Expertise in medical revalidation and its importance for upholding public confidence
- A track record of leading service improvement in a complex environment and working collaboratively across systems
Experience
Essential
- Significant experience as a medical leader within a large NHS provider
- Experience and strategic understanding of Integrated Care Systems and the forward health care economy.
- Experience in a range of health organisations.
Desirable
- Significant executive director experience in a similarly complex organisation or system.
Qualifications
Essential
- Dr or Dentist with full professional registration with GMC/GDC
- Relevant Postgraduate qualification
- Evidence of CPD
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Chief Medical Officer with East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust in Ipswich/Colchester. It is listed as a Administrative and IT role. The advertised salary is Dependant on experience. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 02 Sep 2026.
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