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Job requirements
Essential
21 listedRequirements the employer expects applicants to meet.
- Knowledge
Deep understanding of NHS policy and the mental health landscape.
- Knowledge
Strong understanding of governance, assurance and risk management.
- Knowledge
Ability to translate strategy into delivery.
- Knowledge
Excellent influencing and negotiation skills.
- Knowledge
Strong political awareness and system leadership capability.
- Knowledge
Understanding of quality improvement methodologies and their application.
- Knowledge
Strong digital and transformation leadership capability.
- Knowledge
Ability to lead through ambiguity and complexity.
- Experience
Credible Board-level experience within a complex NHS provider organisation
- Experience
Substantial senior operational leadership experience.
- Experience
Strong track record of delivering sustained operational performance improvement.
- Experience
Experience of leading major organisational transformation and change.
- Experience
Experience of strategic planning and successful strategy implementation.
- Experience
Experience of system leadership and partnership working at ICS or equivalent level.
- Experience
Strong track record of building productive relationships with regulators and stakeholders.
- Experience
Experience of delivering quality, workforce and financial improvements simultaneously.
- Experience
Experience of leading large multidisciplinary teams through complexity and change.
- Qualifications
Professional registration in a relevant mental health profession.
- Qualifications
Master's degree or equivalent experience.
- Qualifications
Leadership qualification or equivalent senior leadership experience.
- Qualifications
Evidence of continuing professional development.
Desirable
Not listed in the available specification.
Job overview
This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of mental health services. At Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, we are on a journey of improvement and transformation. We are determined to deliver outstanding care, reduce inequalities, improve outcomes and create a culture where every colleague feels valued, supported and able to thrive.
We are seeking an exceptional Deputy Chief Executive / Chief Operating Officer to join our Board and Executive Leadership Team. This is a rare opportunity for an outstanding leader to influence the future of GMMH and help shape the services we provide to our communities.
Interview Date: Monday 19 October 2026
Main duties of the job
As Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer, you will provide collective leadership for a complex and high-profile organisation. You will lead the operational delivery of services across the Trust, ensuring excellence in quality, safety, performance and financial sustainability, while helping to drive large-scale transformation and innovation. Working closely with the Chief Executive, Chair, Board colleagues and partners across Greater Manchester, you will be a visible and influential leader, capable of operating confidently at organisational, system and national level.
We are seeking an accomplished, values-driven executive leader who combines strategic vision with operational credibility. You will bring a strong clinical background as a registered mental health professional, together with board-level leadership experience and a proven track record of delivering sustained improvement within complex NHS organisations.
You will understand the realities of delivering high-quality care, supporting clinical teams and leading services through change, while maintaining a relentless focus on patient safety, experience and outcomes.
Most importantly, you will be a leader who shares our values and work do deliver our vision of ‘great places for care and great places to work’
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
See attached job description and person specification for detailed information.
Applicant requirements
This post will require a submission for Disclosure to be made to check for any unspent criminal convictions.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Deputy Chief Executive / Chief Operating Officer with Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester, England. It is listed as a Chief executive role. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 13 Oct 2026.
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