Associate Deputy Chief Operating Officer

Job Summary

These two roles are pivotal for the operational delivery of UHNM. The individuals will work with and be part of a consistent approach to the delivery of corporate operations including the oversight and management of delivery, planning and performance. This includes oversight of the daily site operational delivery, that includes the appropriate planning and mitigation that supports the smooth flow of patients through the hospital for both planned and emergency pathways.

The Associate Deputy Chief Operating Officers will contribute to delivery of the Trust's strategic plan, by working in partnership with the Executive team, Care Group teams and external organisations and commissioners, to achieve the Trust's corporate objectives and to make a positive contribution to the provision of health services across the local health economy.

The post holders will support the Chief Operating Officer and Deputy and work closely with the Care Group teams to ensure the safe and effective day to day operations of the organisation are maintained.

Both posts will work with and be part of a consistent approach to the delivery of corporate operations including the oversight and management of delivery, planning and performance.

One post will take oversight of the delivery, planning and performance for the major strategic programmes within the COO's portfolio. Taking a lead for the transformation and strategic vision of the major strategic programmes in conjunction with Care Group teams.

The other will take oversight of the delivery, planning and performance for the County Hospital site. Taking a lead for the transformation and strategic vision of the site in conjunction with Care Group teams.

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust is one of the largest and most modern in the country. Based across two sites, Royal Stoke in Stoke-on-Trent and County Hospital in Stafford, we are proud to serve around three million people and we're highly regarded for our facilities, teaching and research. We are the specialist centre for major trauma for the North Midlands and North Wales.

All of our employees make a valuable contribution regardless of role here at UHNM and we are proud of our wide range of development packages aimed at ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to fulfil their true potential.

UHNM create and encourage a culture of inclusion, providing equal opportunities for career development that are fair and transparent. We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and foster a culture in which all staff feel valued and respected. In return we ask all of our employees to make a commitment to the values, co‑created by our staff, patients and carers, and that unite us as a Trust.

At University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust we know that investing in, supporting and developing our staff has a direct impact on the quality of care that we deliver. Our employees are as important as our patients and the population that we serve.

Date posted: 27 February 2026

Pay scheme:
Agenda for change

Band: 9

Salary: £109,179 to £125,637 a year per annum

Contract:

Permanent

Working pattern:
Full‑time

Reference number:

-A

Royal Stoke University Hospital
Newcastle Road
Stoke-on-Trent
ST4 6QG

Please find attached the job description and person specification for this role within the advert for two posts being advertised. Associate Deputy Chief Operating Officers; one post for County Hospital, the other for Major Programme.

Education and Qualifications (Essential)

• Graduate level education and/or professional/clinical professional qualification
• Post‑graduate qualification to Masters Degree/MBA or equivalent experience

Experience (Essential)

• Extensive leadership and operational management experience in a medium/large acute healthcare provider setting
• Significant senior management experience within a complex service provider organisation

Desirable

• Experience of working at National / Regional system level

Skills, ability and knowledge (Essential)

• Ability to develop and deliver effective business and operational plans which are financially sound
• Ability…