Join us - We are recruiting a Chief Operating Officer

Help shape the future of health innovation in Wessex and beyond.

Health Innovation Wessex is seeking an exceptional Chief Operating Officer to join our Executive Team at a pivotal time for the NHS, life sciences sector and wider health and care system.

As one of England's leading health innovation organisations, we help the NHS adopt and spread innovations that improve lives, reduce inequalities, increase productivity and support economic growth. Working with partners across the NHS, universities, industry and government, we turn evidence into real-world impact at scale.

This is more than an operational leadership role; it's an opportunity to help shape how innovation is adopted and scaled across the NHS. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the successful candidate will work closely with our Board and partners across the health and care system to help shape the future of innovation adoption, healthcare transformation and life sciences growth across Wessex and beyond.

We're looking for an ambitious, strategic and inspirational leader with a passion for innovation, partnership working and organisational excellence

Key details:

• Salary: £112,782–£129,783 per annum
• Location: The University of Southampton Science Park, Chilworth, SO16 7NP
• Closing date: Sunday 23 August 2026
• Interview date: Friday 4 September 2026 
• Please note this is a 23-month fixed-term vacancy.

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