Chief Medical Officer

Job summary

We are seeking an exceptional Chief Medical Officer (CMO) to join our Executive Team and Trust Board as a full voting member. This is a unique opportunity for an outstanding clinician and inclusive leader to help shape the future of our organisation, provide strategic leadership to our medical workforce, and deliver our vision for patients and communities.

As a key member of the Executive Team, you will lead improvements in quality, safety, innovation, and clinical excellence, ensuring the highest standards of patient care while supporting the Trust's ongoing transformation and long-term success.

You will inspire clinical teams, champion innovative models of care, and work collaboratively with health, social care, and community partners to improve outcomes and reduce health inequalities. The role also offers significant system leadership opportunities, developing strategic partnerships and shaping services across our communities.

Main duties of the job Whether you are an experienced Medical Director seeking your next executive challenge or a senior clinical leader ready for your first Board-level appointment, you will bring:

A strong leadership track record in a complex healthcare environment.

A demonstrable commitment to putting patients first.

A clear vision for high-quality, innovative clinical service delivery

Credibility and influence across professional groups.

A commitment to inclusive leadership and cultural change.

The ability to embed organisational values and create an environment where colleagues can thrive.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Trust at a pivotal stage in its development, working alongside an ambitious and supportive Executive Team and Board to drive sustainable improvement and innovation.

We are committed to increasing Board diversity and particularly welcome applications from individuals currently underrepresented at Board level.

If your ambition matches ours, we would be delighted to hear from you.

The standard Trac process does not apply, Please send your CV and covering letter to:
Michelle.keable.uk

About us We are ESNEFT and we provide hospital and community health services to almost one million people across east Suffolk and north Essex. Our dedicated staff deliver care from acute hospitals in Colchester and Ipswich, community hospitals, surgeries, community clinics and in patients' own homes.

We are one of the largest NHS organisations in England, employing more than 12,000 staff.

We pride ourselves on supporting our staff. We offer a wide range of training and development opportunities, as well as flexible working options.

Along with supporting you to achieve your career goals we offer a generous pension scheme, unsocial hours payments (where applicable), 27 days annual leave on commencement (pro rata) and access to a range of NHS discounts. Our Staff Health and Wellbeing programme offer a variety of services.

Our philosophy is that Time Matters to everyone. Across the Trust, we concentrate on improving the things we do and removing those which cause time delays for our staff and patients.

We are investing in our commitment to Time Matters with a partnership with leading electronic patient record (EPR) supplier Epic. This digital transformation will bring what's widely regarded as the world's best EPR system to ESNEFT, transforming life in hospital for staff and patients.

If you are passionate about patient care and want to develop your skills and knowledge, then we want to hear from you.

Find out about living and working here -  posted
13 August 2026

Pay scheme

Very senior manager (VSM)
Salary
Depending on experience

Dependant on experience

Contract Permanent Working  pattern

Full-time

Reference number
432-HR662-26

Job locations

Ipswich/Colchester Ipswich/ColchesterIP4 5PD
United Kingdom Job description

Job responsibilities

For further information and a full job description for the role please view the attached CMO applicant pack
Job description
Job responsibilities

For further information and a full job description for the role please view the attached CMO applicant pack Person Specification

Knowledge

Essential Understands the strategic direction of the local and regional health  depth understanding of CQC, NICE, NHS England regulations

Expertise in medical revalidation and its importance for upholding public confidenceA track record of leading service improvement in a complex environment and working collaboratively across systems

Qualifications

Essential Dr or Dentist with full professional registration with GMC/GDCRelevant Postgraduate qualification

Evidence of CPD

Experience

Essential Significant experience as a medical leader within a large NHS provider

Experience and strategic understanding of Integrated Care Systems and the forward health care economy.

Experience in a range of health organisations.

Desirable Significant executive director experience in a similarly complex organisation or system.
Person Specification

Knowledge

Essential Understands the strategic direction…