Job overview
The Head of Efficiencies is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategic oversight, governance and delivery of the Trust‑wide Cost Improvement Programme and associated productivity and transformation initiatives. Working with a high degree of autonomy and accountable to the Director of Strategic Finance and CFO, the postholder will provide expert programme leadership, assurance and challenge to Executive Directors, Divisional Leaders and Clinical Operational Leads to ensure sustainable financial, operational and quality outcomes.
The role leads the Trust’s efficiency delivery function, including direct line management of the efficiency delivery team, and acts as an internal consultant to build organisational capability in efficiency, productivity and project delivery. The postholder will ensure robust planning, performance management, benefits realisation and risk mitigation across a complex portfolio of interdependent programmes, maintaining pace, grip and delivery while safeguarding quality, safety and patient experience.
previous applicants need not apply
Main duties of the job
Lead and oversee delivery of the Trust‑wide Cost Improvement Programme and associated productivity and transformation initiatives, ensuring agreed financial, operational and quality outcomes are achieved.
Provide Trust‑wide oversight of efficiency performance, proactively identifying risks, dependencies and capacity issues, and leading recovery actions where delivery is at risk.
Act as the senior internal expert on efficiency, productivity and programme management, supporting Executive, Divisional and Clinical leaders to deliver sustainable change.
Lead and manage the efficiency delivery team, ensuring effective allocation of resources, high performance and development of organisational capability.
Ensure robust programme governance, benefits realisation, data quality and reporting through the Trust’s PMO and Executive governance structures.
Work closely with Finance and Information teams to validate savings, align delivery with financial plans and support sound decision‑making.
Champion a culture of data‑driven decision‑making, continuous improvement and collaboration in line with Trust values and strategic objectives.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please refer to the job description attached.
If you have any questions about this position please do not hesitate to contact us.
Person specification
Skills
Essential
- Ability to work collaboratively and credibly across a wide range of organisational, professional and cultural boundaries.
- Specialist knowledge of programme, project and change management within the NHS.
- Ability to provide clear strategic vision and direction, translating strategy into deliverable plans and outcomes.
- Highly developed influencing, negotiation and stakeholder management skills, including the ability to secure commitment in challenging and contested environments.
- Strong numeracy, financial acumen and understanding of NHS financial frameworks.
Experience
Essential
- Significant senior-level experience working within the NHS or a similarly complex public sector organisation, with a strong understanding of governance, accountability and organisational decision making.
- Proven experience of leading large scale, complex transformation, efficiency or cost improvement programmes.
- Experience of delivering change across multiple organisations, professions and stakeholder groups, including clinical and executive leaders.
- Demonstrated experience of leading and developing multidisciplinary teams.
- Experience of using programme and project management systems to control, monitor and assure delivery.
- Strong understanding of service redesign, efficiency and productivity improvement approaches within healthcare.
Desirable
- Experience of system working across an ICS or wider health and care economy.
- Experience of facilitating senior leadership, team development or organisational development interventions.
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to postgraduate level (Master’s degree) or equivalent level of senior experience, knowledge and achievement in a complex NHS or public sector environment.
- PRINCE 2 or alternative Project Management qualification or proven equivalent relevant experience.
- Evidence of sustained and relevant continuing professional development.
Desirable
- Evidence of advanced leadership development and/or training in organisational change, improvement or transformation.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Head of Efficiencies with East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust in St Leonards On Sea, South East, England. It is listed as a Band 8 role. The advertised salary is £79,504 - £91,609 per annum, pro rata. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 30 Jul 2026.
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