Executive Director of Finance; Chief Finance Officer

Executive Director of Finance (Chief Finance Officer) – Swansea Bay University Health Board

Swansea Bay University Health Board is seeking an exceptional financial leader to join its Board as Executive Director of Finance. The Health Board serves a population of approximately 390,000 across Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, with a workforce of around 13,500 and an annual budget of over £1.1bn. It is a major public sector organisation in Wales, focused on improving population health, advancing research and innovation, and tackling health inequalities in deprived communities.

The Health Board aims to be a high performing organisation delivering sustainable, high quality and affordable care.

This is a pivotal role on the board, central to shaping the future as the organisation undergoes recovery, improvement and transformation. You will help lead productivity, business improvement and long-term financial sustainability, and work with the Chair, Chief Executive, Board colleagues and Welsh Government on how resources are deployed to support high quality, affordable care.

You will be a full voting member of the Board and a key architect of the Health Board’s ongoing transformation. You will:

• Provide authoritative financial leadership across the organisation with robust financial governance and stewardship.
• Lead the Finance, Procurement and Charitable Funds portfolios.
• Develop long-term financial strategies and represent the Health Board at national level with Welsh Government, Audit Wales and system partners.
• Support service transformation, workforce planning and digital investment.
• Embed a values-led, transparent governance culture and work collaboratively with clinical, operational and system leaders.

Experience and Leadership

• Experience in a senior finance role in a complex sector and a proven track record of operating at Board level.
• Extensive management and professional experience with evidence of driving significant organisational change across multiple organisations.
• Experience of strategic financial planning, delivering challenging financial plans including large Cost Reduction Programmes, and understanding NHS financial challenges in the 21st Century within the wider economy.
• Ability to communicate in Welsh or demonstrate empathy and commitment to learn and communicate in Welsh as part of core objectives.
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical ability, sound judgement and decisive leadership within a complex environment.

Technical and Professional

• Advanced expert knowledge of UK and international accounting standards.
• Experience in service improvement and efficiency initiatives.
• CCAB-qualified accountant and evidence of continual professional development.

• Masters-level education relevant to the field or equivalent senior level experience.
• Evidence of ongoing Management and Leadership Development and a varied CPD portfolio.

Swansea Bay offers an exceptional quality of life, combining vibrant city living with coastal and countryside beauty including the Gower Peninsula. The region features excellent schools, affordable housing, a strong university and research sector, and rich cultural and sporting amenities. This is a rare opportunity to join a dynamic Board and Executive team and help shape the next chapter for Swansea Bay University Health Board.

If you are motivated by public service, transformation and making a tangible difference to population health, we would be delighted to hear from you.

For a confidential discussion, please contact David Heaton.

Date posted: 29 January 2026

Pay scheme:
Very senior manager (VSM)

Salary:
Depending on experience – Competitive Salary

Contract:

Permanent

Working pattern:
Full-time;
Flexible working;
Home or remote working

Reference number: H

Swansea Bay University Health Board, Seaway Parade Industrial Estate, Baglan, Port Talbot, West Glamorgan, SA12 7

Job responsibilities:

A full Job description and Person Specification are attached within the supporting documents. This page provides a concise overview of the role and key requirements.