Director of Strategy & Partnership

Job overview

Are you a visionary leader who can shape the future of community healthcare across Sussex? We are seeking an exceptional Director of Strategy & Partnerships to lead the development of our long‑term strategic direction and drive system‑wide collaboration.

In this pivotal role, you will craft a clear, future‑focused strategy that improves outcomes, tackles inequalities and supports sustainable, community‑centred care. You will work at the heart of the Sussex Health & Care System—building influential partnerships, shaping integrated models of care, and leading the Trust’s strategic planning, service development and external development agenda.

You will bring significant senior leadership experience in the NHS or a comparable complex system, a proven track record of transformation at scale, and exceptional skills in strategic thinking, relationship‑building and change leadership. Confident with data, performance and complex business cases, you will be an inspiring leader who embodies our values of compassionate care, achieving ambitions, working together,  and delivering excellence.

This is a rare opportunity to influence health outcomes for over 1.3 million people and help shape a healthier future for our communities.

Join us and lead strategy with purpose.

To Note – the interview date for those successfully shortlisted will be the 19th May 2026

Main duties of the job

You will lead the development of the Trust’s long‑term strategy, integrated business planning, commercial development and system partnerships. Working closely with executive colleagues, you will ensure our plans are aligned, evidence‑based and deliver improved outcomes, reduced inequalities and sustainable community services.

Key areas include:

• Leading strategic planning (5–10 years) and enabling strategies.
• Building influential relationships across the ICS, local authorities and partners.
• Overseeing business planning, demand & capacity, and strategic capital development.
• Driving commercial strategy, bids and new business opportunities.
• Supporting major transformation programmes and strong governance.
• Leading a high‑performing, inclusive Strategy & Partnerships function.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

You will bring:

• Significant senior leadership experience in the NHS or similar complex system.
• A strong track record in strategy, transformation and partnership working.
• Excellent communication, analytical and financial skills.
• Experience of business cases, bids/tenders and commercial development.
• Compassionate, inclusive leadership aligned to SCFT values.
• Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) and evidence of ongoing CPD.

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for full details.