Job summary Are you an exceptional operational leader ready for a high-impact, high-profile role at one of the largest NHS Trusts in the country? University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an ambitious, values-driven Deputy Chief Operating Officer (Deputy COO) to provide senior operational leadership across our hospitals and community services. You will play a central role in delivering high-quality, safe and sustainable services while driving performance, transformation, and long-term strategic development. Main duties of the job

Deputise for the Chief Operating Officer across a broad operational and strategic remit. Provide visible, compassionate and inclusive leadership that promotes a high-performing culture. Lead delivery of key national and local performance standards, including:

Elective care recovery Cancer standards Diagnostics Urgent and Emergency Care

Ensure high-quality, efficient operational delivery across Royal Derby Hospital and Florence Nightingale Community Hospital. Oversee business continuity, emergency preparedness and the Trust's winter planning. Support long-term strategic planning and the development of sustainable clinical and corporate services. Drive continuous improvement through UHDB's Always Improving approach, supporting productivity, quality and patient outcomes. Build strong partnerships across Integrated Care Systems, provider collaboratives and national/regional bodies. Ensure robust governance, financial sustainability, risk management and compliance with national frameworks.

Closing Information Closing date for applications: 22 April 2026 Interview date: TBC About us As seen across UHDB adverts, successful candidates can expect:

Professional and leadership development opportunities. Ongoing support from recruitment to onboarding and beyond. A wide range of staff benefits including the employee assistance programme, discounted gym membership, onsite fitness classes and car schemes.

Key facts about our Trust

4,810 outpatient appointments per day 2,077 Trauma & Orthopaedic outpatient attendances per week 1,115 A&E attendances per day 195 emergency admissions daily 57 operating theatres supporting 33,700+ planned surgeries annually 140+ elective procedures every working day A research-active University Hospital with a large portfolio of clinical trials.

Details Date posted: 24 March 2026 Pay scheme: Very senior manager (VSM) Salary: Depending on experience. Dependent on experience. Contract: Permanent Working pattern: Full-time Reference number: 320‑SNR‑0230 Job location Royal Derby HospitalUttoxeter RoadDerbyDE22 3NE Job responsibilities As a key member of the senior leadership team, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer will work collaboratively with all professions and the Divisional Management Teams across UHDB, to identify and implement opportunities for improved productivity, efficiency, and clinical quality ensuring that we deliver efficient services and effective patient care. The postholder will play a key role in ensuring the Trust delivers on the full range of performance targets, business planning, business continuity, service development and delivery and will help lead the development of a high performing compassionate and inclusive culture across UHDB. Person Specification Experience – Essential

Significant experience of leading and directing senior clinical and non-clinical teams in a complex environment. Successful track record in leading and supporting operational performance to achieve key performance indicators and challenging targets. Highly developed financial and business management skills and acumen.

Experience – Desirable

Significant proportion of senior management experience within the NHS. Track record of leading complex operational/change management projects.

Qualifications – Essential

Educated to MBA in a healthcare/Business management or equivalent.

Qualifications – Desirable

Educated to masters degree level.

Planning & organisational skills – Essential

Ability to create and shape innovative strategic vision and plans for the best possible long‑term benefit of patients, the organisation and health and care systems.

People management / Leadership – Essential

Demonstrate the ability to create constructive and patient and staff focused teams across our organisations. Experience of working across multi‑agency partnerships.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check This 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 details University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation TrustRoyal Derby HospitalUttoxeter RoadDerbyDE22 3NE Employer's website https://www.uhdb.nhs.uk/ #J-18808-Ljbffr