Job vacancy

We are recruiting a Chief Operating Officer to help shape the future of health innovation in Wessex and beyond

Salary:
£112,782 - £129,783 per annum
NHS Band:
9
Hours of work:
37.5 hours per week
Duration:
This is a 23-month fixed-term vacancy.
Deadline:
23/08/2026
Date of interview:
04/09/2026

Role purpose

This is more than an operational leadership role—it's an opportunity to help shape how innovation is adopted and scaled across the NHS. 


Full job description

As Chief Operating Officer, you will:

• Drive organisational excellence, ensuring the organisation has the systems, processes, capabilities and culture required to perform at the highest level.

• Champion innovation in how we work, including the adoption of AI, digital technologies and data-driven decision making to improve productivity, insight and organisational effectiveness.

• Oversee corporate services including finance, governance, people, communications, information governance and business support functions.

• Lead organisational performance and delivery.

• Drive transformation, innovation and continuous improvement.

• Build influential partnerships across the health and care system.

• Support business growth and organisational sustainability.

• Help position Wessex as a leading health and life sciences ecosystem.


About You

We're looking for a strategic, collaborative and inspirational leader with:

• Senior executive or Board-level leadership experience.

• Experience leading organisational change and improvement.

• Strong partnership-building and influencing skills.

• Commercial awareness and strategic thinking.

• A passion for improving outcomes for patients and communities.


Why Join Us?

• Salary: £112,782 - £129,783 per annum

• Southampton Science Park location

• Professional development opportunities

• Inclusive and supportive culture

• Opportunity to influence health innovation regionally and nationally


If you're passionate about innovation and want to make a lasting difference to health and care, we'd love to hear from you.

For an informal conversation or any questions, contact enquiries@hiwessex.net

Apply

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