Director of Operational Finance

Director of Operational Finance

The closing date is 16 February 2026

Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is seeking to appoint an exceptional Director of Operational Finance to take on a senior leadership role at a pivotal point in the Trust's journey. Reporting directly to the Chief Finance Officer, this role sits at the intersection of financial recovery, operational performance and long-term transformation. The postholder is responsible for operational finance, contracting, procurement, payroll and Trust charity functions, acting as a key partner to the executive team, clinical leaders and operational management.

This is a challenging environment with significant system pressure, demanding recovery expectations and the need for strong grip, transparency and delivery. The role includes involvement in the £1.5bn Leighton Hospital project and ongoing transformation initiatives as the Trust works towards a digitally enabled future.

Our strategy recognises the reality of financial constraint and rising demand, while committing to bold change. Key priorities include:

• Building back healthier, including delivery of a new, net-zero carbon hospital.
• Embracing digital technology, to transform how care and support services are delivered.
• Inspiring the workplace, developing capable, engaged and empowered leaders.
• Championing partnerships, working differently across the system to deliver value.
• Finance is central to all of this. We are looking for leaders who can be honest about the challenge, credible in recovery, and excited by transformation.

We are particularly keen to hear from candidates who demonstrate:
Realism, resilience and a positive mindset;
Calm, confident leadership under pressure; A delivery-focused approach combined with curiosity and innovation;
Commitment to openness, collaboration and developing others.

Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides comprehensive hospital and community services for East Cheshire (population 399K) and West Cheshire and Chester (population 357K). Our services include planned and unplanned/emergency care, cardiac and critical care, child health, maternity, and intermediate care across Leighton Hospital in Crewe, Victoria Infirmary in Northwich, and Elmhurst Intermediate Care Centre in Winsford. Through our community arm, Central Cheshire Integrated Care Partnership, we deliver extensive services in 26 medical centres and schools in collaboration with Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS FT and the South Cheshire and Vale Royal GP Alliance.

With 500 beds and around 5,500 staff, we are one of the area's largest employers.

Since the formation of Integrated Care Systems in July 2022, the Trust has become a key partner in Cheshire East & Cheshire West and Chester and in two provider collaboratives, aligning our strategic goals with the Cheshire & Merseyside Integrated Care System. As part of the national New Hospital Programme, we are reimagining Leighton Hospital to create a new health and care neighbourhood, transforming healthcare delivery for a Healthier Future.

Learn more on our Healthier Futures website.

At Mid Cheshire, our mission is to inspire hope and provide unparalleled care for the people and communities of Cheshire, helping them to enjoy life to the fullest.

As Director of Operational Finance, you will:

• Provide strong, visible leadership of the Trust’s operational finance function, ensuring disciplined financial management, clear accountability and reliable reporting.
• Lead the Trust’s financial performance framework, enabling early identification of risk, robust recovery actions and transparent reporting to the Executive Team and Board.
• Work closely with clinical and operational leaders to support financial recovery, productivity and cost improvement, balancing immediate pressures with sustainable solutions.
• Lead on contracting, income and commercial strategy, navigating a complex system environment while maximising income and managing financial risk.
• Play a central role in the financial leadership of the New Hospital Programme, ensuring affordability, phasing, benefits realisation and long-term…