Director of Business and Commercial Development

Job overview

Stakeholder Event:  20th May 2026 / Panel Interview: 1st June 2026

The Director of Business and Commercial Development is a key role within the organisation and is responsible for providing commercial leadership and advice to the Chief Financial Officer, executive and board. Continuingly scanning the horizon for opportunities, you will lead the commercial strategy including retail, commercial contracts, wholly owned subsidiaries, and procurement.  A visionary leader who demonstrates an inclusive and engaging leadership style, you will balance an entrepreneurial approach whilst operating within the regulatory context of the NHS.

The procurement function sits within the director’s portfolio and working with the Chief Procurement Officer to further improve and streamline processes and systems in this area will be a priority.  Part of this work will include overseeing financial governance and delivering the national procurement transformation agenda at UHSussex.

This is a high-profile role in one of the largest NHS Trusts in England therefore the scale provides a real opportunity to impact positively on our financial sustainability and support our strategy of providing ‘excellent care everywhere’.

Main duties of the job

The Director of Business and Commercial Development reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer and will be accountable for providing commercial leadership to the Trust, providing high-level commercial advice, raising awareness of and maximising commercial opportunities that support delivery of strategic and tactical business objectives.

The post holder will be accountable for the development and delivery of a commercial strategy for the Trust consistent with strategic priorities and providing a framework within which commercial opportunities can safely thrive.

The post holder will provide leadership, vision and direction to the commercial team and to the single Procurement function for the Trust delivering excellent levels of customer service and maximising commercial opportunities both within the organisation and wider system. This includes the implementation of integrated systems and processes and development and delivery of operational objectives to achieve Trust’s strategic aims.

The Director of Business and Commercial Development will ensure that all procurement and commercial activities comply with all legal, regulatory and governance requirements. The post holder will ensure that commercial risks are identified and quantified; and the Trust mitigation response to these is clearly articulated and documented.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The Director of Business and Commercial Development will play a central role in the leadership and future success of the organisation, advising the Trust Executive and Senior Management Teams on all aspects of:

• Procurement  •    Commercial Contracts •    Not for Profit contractual arrangements  •    Wholly or partially owned subsidiaries •    Joint Ventures or any similar Third Party arrangements •    Areas covered by the commercial strategy •    Intellectual Property

Please refer to attached JD and Person Specification for full role and responsibility.