About this role
Job summary
This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of mental health services. At Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, we are on a journey of improvement and transformation. We are determined to deliver outstanding care, reduce inequalities, improve outcomes and create a culture where every colleague feels valued, supported and able to thrive.
We are seeking an exceptional Deputy Chief Executive / Chief Operating Officer to join our Board and Executive Leadership Team. This is a rare opportunity for an outstanding leader to influence the future of GMMH and help shape the services we provide to our communities.
Interview Date: Monday 19 October 2026
Main duties of the job
As Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer, you will provide collective leadership for a complex and high-profile organisation. You will lead the operational delivery of services across the Trust, ensuring excellence in quality, safety, performance and financial sustainability, while helping to drive large-scale transformation and innovation. Working closely with the Chief Executive, Chair, Board colleagues and partners across Greater Manchester, you will be a visible and influential leader, capable of operating confidently at organisational, system and national level.
We are seeking an accomplished, values-driven executive leader who combines strategic vision with operational credibility. You will bring a strong clinical background as a registered mental health professional, together with board-level leadership experience and a proven track record of delivering sustained improvement within complex NHS organisations.
You will understand the realities of delivering high-quality care, supporting clinical teams and leading services through change, while maintaining a relentless focus on patient safety, experience and outcomes.
Most importantly, you will be a leader who shares our values and work do deliver our vision of 'great places for care and great places to work'
About us
Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) Foundation Trust employs over 7000 members of staff, who deliver services from more than 122 locations.
We provide inpatient and community-based mental health care for people living in Bolton, the city of Manchester, Salford,Trafford and the borough of Wigan, and a wide range of specialist mental health and substance misuse services across Greater Manchester, the north west of England and beyond.
Greater Manchester is one of the world's most innovative, original and exciting places to live and work. From the beauty of the surrounding countryside to the heart of the vibrant inner city with great shopping, entertainment and dining options.
Wherever you go you will experience a great northern welcome with people famed for their warmth, humour and generosity.
Our people enjoy their work, have opportunities to learn and develop their skills and are encouraged to generate new ideas that improve care for our service users.
Job description Job responsibilities
See attached job description and person specification for detailed information.............................................................................................................................
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Professional registration in a relevant mental health profession. Master's degree or equivalent experience. Leadership qualification or equivalent senior leadership experience. Evidence of continuing professional development.
Experience Essential
Credible Board-level experience within a complex NHS provider organisation Substantial senior operational leadership experience. Strong track record of delivering sustained operational performance improvement. Experience of leading major organisational transformation and change. Experience of strategic planning and successful strategy implementation. Experience of system leadership and partnership working at ICS or equivalent level. Strong track record of building productive relationships with regulators and stakeholders. Experience of delivering quality, workforce and financial improvements simultaneously. Experience of leading large multidisciplinary teams through complexity and change.
Knowledge Essential
Deep understanding of NHS policy and the mental health landscape. Strong understanding of governance, assurance and risk management. Ability to translate strategy into delivery. Excellent influencing and negotiation skills. Strong political awareness and system leadership capability. Understanding of quality improvement methodologies and their application. Strong digital and transformation leadership capability. Ability to lead through ambiguity and complexity.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details Employer name Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
Address Prestwich Hospital
Greater Manchester Mental Health
Preswtich
M25 3BL
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.gmmh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)