Chief Operating Officer

Job summaryAs Chief Operating Officer, you will be responsible for the daily and ongoing operational delivery of our operational plans. This is a highly influential role at the heart of our organisation and a key member of both the Executive Team and Trust Board.The role reports directly to the Trusts Chief Executive and you will work alongside executive colleagues to lead large-scale operational services, advise on clinical service improvements and ensure our services are fit for the future. You will lead five clinical divisions and the Division of Infrastructure.We are now entering a new chapter, guided by a clear set of Trust priorities focused on what matters most: delivering outstanding patient care, supporting and developing our people, and creating a sustainable future for our services. If you are an inspiring leader, who shares our values and can engage people at every level, we would be delighted to hear from you.For an informal conversation regarding the role, please contact Charlotte Winterburn, Executive Assistant, who will be able to facilitate discussions with Brent Kilmurray, Chief Executive.Call: 01924 543617 Email: [email protected] date: 5pm, Tuesday 18 AugustInterview and assessment dates: Tuesday 8 and Wednesday 9 SeptemberMain duties of the jobYou will be the executive lead for:The delivery of safe and sustainable clinical services and operational performanceOperational delivery of non-clinical support services within the Division of InfrastructureBusiness continuity and emergency preparednessWorkforce and service development related to the roleOperational management of designated team/servicesKey responsibilities include:Ensuring excellence in the delivery of the operational services for our patientsProvide clear leadership and guidance to clinical divisionsAct a role model and ambassador Promote effective professional leadership by coaching individuals to take appropriate decisions and support a teamwork approachWork in collaboration with partners across the West Yorkshire Integrated Care System and local Places to ensure high quality, sustainable and effective services for our patientsEnsuring the day-to-day delivery of clinical operations across the organisationAct as the Trusts lead for community services ensuring hospital services are aligned with community servicesProfessional and line management clinical and non-clinical directorsInput into the strategic developments to enhance the Trust and its position within the PlaceIn conjunction with divisional teams and external partners, identify options for innovation in care models that support effective use of skills, develop person centered care and improve outcomes for patientsAbout usWe are an acute trust caring for over one million people in Wakefield and Kirklees. Our 10,000 staff members work in patients homes, the community, and our three hospitals in Pontefract, Dewsbury, and Pinderfields (Wakefield). Committed to continuous improvement, we prioritise our people and values so we can deliver excellent patient experience. Our team is friendly, passionate and always seeking better ways to work through research and innovation. We support work-life balance and foster a diverse, inclusive environment where everyone belongs. Our staff networks offer safe spaces for honest conversations and to share ideas, thoughts and concerns so we can increase awareness and appreciation of equality, diversity, and inclusion. As a member of the team, you will have access to the NHS pension plan, a generous holiday allowance, employee health and wellbeing services and extensive benefits and support. These include onsite nurseries, childcare vouchers,home electronics schemes, working carers support, carer-friendly policies, and more. If you value caring, high standards, improvement, and respect, join the MY team to make a difference every day. DetailsDate posted03 August 2026Pay schemeVery senior manager (VSM)Salary Depending on experience ContractPermanentWorking pattern Full-time Reference number001498Job locationsPinderfields HospitalWakefieldWest YorkshireWF1 4DGUnited KingdomJob descriptionJob responsibilitiesQualificationsEducated to Master’s degree level in management and leadership or equivalent post graduateEvidence of ongoing management and leadership developmentEvidence of ongoing professional developmentExperienceSignificant director level experience in a complex NHS trust.Recognised leader with influence and personal credibility that extends across the public sector.Significant and recent acute hospital experience as a Director on the Board or deputising for the Director and with demonstrable experience of leading teams across a variety of clinical disciplines.Knowledge and awarenessKnowledge of polices and best practice within relevant areas of responsibility and accountabilityA strong understanding of governance frameworksUnderstanding the political agenda for Health and Social CareSkills and abilitiesExcellent interpersonal and communication skills.Capacity to think strategically and take a whole system approachChange management skillsAbility to analyse and solve complex problems including options appraisalsPersonal attributesLeads with compassion and integrityStrives to do things right first timeUnderstands and respects cultural needs and differencesInclusive leader Job description Job responsibilitiesQualificationsEducated to Master’s degree level in management and leadership or equivalent post graduateEvidence of ongoing management and leadership developmentEvidence of ongoing professional developmentExperienceSignificant director level experience in a complex NHS trust.Recognised leader with influence and personal credibility that extends across the public sector.Significant and recent acute hospital experience as a Director on the Board or deputising for the Director and with demonstrable experience of leading teams across a variety of clinical disciplines.Knowledge and awarenessKnowledge of polices and best practice within relevant areas of responsibility and accountabilityA strong understanding of governance frameworksUnderstanding the political agenda for Health and Social CareSkills and abilitiesExcellent interpersonal and communication skills.Capacity to think strategically and take a whole system approachChange management skillsAbility to analyse and solve complex problems including options appraisalsPersonal attributesLeads with compassion and integrityStrives to do things right first timeUnderstands and respects cultural needs and differencesInclusive leaderPerson Specification Qualifications EssentialPlease download the candidate pack, job description and person specification Person Specification Qualifications EssentialPlease download the candidate pack, job description and person specificationDisclosure and Barring Service CheckThis post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.Employer detailsEmployer nameThe Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS TrustAddressPinderfields HospitalWakefieldWest YorkshireWF1 4DGUnited KingdomEmployer's websiteEmployer detailsEmployer nameThe Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS TrustAddressPinderfields HospitalWakefieldWest YorkshireWF1 4DGUnited KingdomEmployer's website