Band 9 - Director of Operations

Go back West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

The closing date is 29 September 2026

This is an exceptional opportunity to join us a senior leader at one of the NHS's most ambitious and high-performing organisations. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering the Trust's planned care strategy, driving excellence across elective services, diagnostics and cancer pathways. As a key member of the senior operational leadership team, you will lead large-scale transformation programmes, support delivery of national performance standards, and influence system-wide change to ensure patients receive timely, high-quality care.

At West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, we are proud of our remarkable journey and the significant progress we have made in improving services for our communities. With award-winning performance, ambitious redevelopment plans across our hospital sites, and a relentless focus on operational excellence, there has never been a more exciting time to join us. You will work alongside a supportive and experienced executive team, collaborating with clinical and operational leaders to improve patient pathways, enhance productivity, reduce waiting times and deliver sustainable improvements in elective care.

With a new hospital planned for Watford, work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital and plans for a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead, this is an exciting time to join us. We are building on the success of our award‑winning virtual hospital and re‑imagining models of care, working closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare.

Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience. Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others. We offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work life balance.

If you have a disability or long‑term health condition and require support or guidance please contact If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick "Member of the Armed Forces Community" on the application form.

We are seeking an inspirational and accomplished operational leader with substantial senior management experience in a large, complex healthcare environment. You will bring a proven track record of delivering performance improvement, leading transformational change and building high‑performing teams. Most importantly, you will share our vision of Excellent Patient Care, Together, demonstrating the values of being empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. If you are passionate about making a lasting difference for patients and want to help shape the future of healthcare across West Hertfordshire and the wider system, we would be delighted to hear from you.

• Masters degree in a management related discipline or equivalent experience
• Evidence of management and leadership training and continuous professional development

• Knowledge of NHS Organisation and structures, business systems and the wider political environment
• Understanding of the business processes and systems in acute trusts.
• Knowledge of motivation, change and project management techniques and experience in their application in complex systems.

• Extensive leadership and…