Director of Finance - Operations

Job overview

The Royal Marsden is seeking an outstanding finance leader as Director of Finance: Operations to help shape the future of the finance team. We are looking for an individual who combines financial expertise with the ability to navigate the unique dual nature of their work, serving both NHS and private patients, while embracing and enhancing the distinctive culture of a unique specialist Trust.

As The Royal Marsden faces new challenges and growing demands, we need a leader who can think differently, influence thoughtfully, and support a shift towards greater financial resilience and strategic agility. This role will be instrumental in embedding a strong and stable finance leadership structure, one that enables transformation, drives performance, and reinforces The Royal Marsden’s continued standard of excellence.

If you bring energy, vision, and the passion to lead a high-performing finance function that supports world-class care and innovation, we would love to hear from you.

Main duties of the job

As Director of Finance: Operations, you will lead the Trust’s operational finance function and deputise for the Chief Financial Officer. You will be responsible for ensuring the Trust’s compliance with NHS financial regulations, overseeing the development and delivery of the financial plan, and supporting the organisation’s broader strategic objectives. A key part of this role involves working collaboratively with commissioners and the Executive Team to negotiate effective contracts and optimise financial outcomes. You will play a central role in embedding a business-focused, high-performing finance function that enables operational excellence, supports clinical and corporate decision-making, and ensures financial rigour across all areas. This includes leading on financial planning and performance, overseeing the delivery of annual cost improvement programmes, and ensuring the production of high-quality statutory reports, including the annual accounts.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

You will also provide leadership on financial systems, controls, and policies, working closely with internal and external auditors and regulatory bodies. Beyond technical expertise, you will manage and develop a skilled finance team, fostering a culture of openness, innovation, and continuous improvement. You will ensure alignment of the finance function with the Trust’s workforce plans, contribute to the wider strategic direction, and represent the CFO when required. Ultimately, you will shape a finance function that acts as a key enabler of performance, change, and resilience in one of the UK's leading specialist Trusts.