About this role
Job summary
OPEN TO INTERNAL MPFT APPLICANTS ONLY
At a pivotal point in our organisational journey, we are looking for an exceptional strategic leader to help shape the future of healthcare delivery across Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT). This is a rare opportunity to take on a high-profile leadership role, working at the heart of one of the NHS's most ambitious and innovative organisations.
We are seeking a leader who can bridge the gap between ambition and execution, bringing together complex programmes, influencing across organisational boundaries and ensuring delivery of some of the Trust's most significant priorities, including:
Advanced Foundation Trust development
Integrated Health Organisation (IHO) development
Integrator and partnership responsibilities
Large-scale organisational transformation
Strategic service development and innovation
Large scale Estate transformation
Cross-system collaboration and provider partnerships
Main duties of the job
What You'll Do
Reporting to the Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer (CSTO), you will:
- Act as principal deputy across a complex portfolio.
- Oversee major strategic programmes and organisational priorities.
- Turn strategic ambitions into deliverable plans and measurable outcomes.
- Drive change across Care Groups, corporate functions and external partnerships.
- Work with Executive Directors, Managing Directors and senior leaders to remove delivery barriers.
- Lead through collaboration and influence, often without direct authority.
- Deputise for the CSTO at Executive, Board, regional and national forums.
- Provide strategic advice, challenge and insight to the Executive Team.
About You
You will be a credible, influential senior leader with substantial sub-Executive experience in a large, complex organisation and a track record of delivering strategic change at scale.
We're particularly interested in candidates with:
- Significant experience leading transformation or major change programmes.
- Experience influencing complex organisations and systems.
- Strong understanding of NHS strategy, policy, governance and system development.
- Excellent political awareness, judgement and stakeholder management.
- Ability to navigate ambiguity and maintain delivery focus.
- Outstanding communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.
- Experience advising Boards, Executive Directors and senior leaders on complex strategic issues.
About us
Come and work with us at our award-winning NHS Trust, leading the way for trying new and better ways of working to help improve life for our local communities.
We have around 9,000 staff who provide physical and mental healthcare, support for people with learning disabilities, and adult social care across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin. We also run regional and national services, including help for new parents (perinatal care), eating disorders, forensic services, sexual health, and support for people in prison with mental health, drug, or alcohol problems.
We offer great career development for both clinical and non-clinical roles, with ongoing training and support to help you learn and grow.
We are 'United in our Uniqueness' and committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and can be themselves, no matter their background or identity. We want our staff to feel supported and valued, and we aim to build a team that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can make sure every voice is heard, and every difference is respected.
Please note, we may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications
Please note: If you use Artificial Intelligence (AI) as part of your application, we encourage you to review the Trust's guidance on the use of AI within the recruitment process. Further information can be found on Join Us :: Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust or www.mpft.nhs.uk/joinus
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the Job description and Personal Specification for full details.
You will hold:A Master's degree or equivalent senior-level experience in strategic leadership, systems thinking, public policy or a related discipline. Evidence of significant continuing professional development in strategy, transformation or systems leadership. Executive-level training or equivalent experience in strategic planning, innovation or large-scale organisational change. Our ValuesWe are looking for someone who lives and embodies our values: Lead by exampleRespectfulHonest and trustworthyCaring and compassionateListen and engageReady to make a difference? If you are a strategic leader who thrives in complexity, builds strong partnerships, and can translate vision into delivery, we would love to hear from you.Join us in shaping the future of health and care at MPFT.
Person Specification
Qualifications & training
Essential
- Master's degree or equivalent senior-level experience in strategic leadership, systems thinking, public policy or related fields.
- Evidence of significant continuing professional development in strategy, transformation, or systems leadership disciplines.
- Executive-level training or experience in strategic planning, innovation, or large-scale organisational change.
Desirable
- Chartered membership of a relevant strategic or leadership body (e.g., CMI, IHM, CIPD).
- Programme or portfolio leadership training (PRINCE2, MSP, Agile, Scrum) where aligned to strategic oversight rather than operational project management.
Experience
Essential
- Significant experience operating at or immediately below Executive Director level within a large and complex organisation.
- Significant senior leadership experience with demonstrable influence over organisational strategy, priorities and delivery.
- Proven experience of providing leadership across multiple complex functions and professional boundaries.
- Successful leadership of major organisation-wide strategic, transformation or improvement programmes.
- Experience of managing highly complex organisational dependencies, strategic risks and competing priorities.
Desirable
- Experience across mental health and community as well as acute provider and private sector roles.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES
Essential
- Highly developed strategic leadership and organisational skills.
- Ability to operate credibly with Executive Directors, Board members and senior system leaders.
- Exceptional ability to make sense of organisational complexity and translate it into clear priorities and action.
- Ability to present complex information and recommendations clearly at Executive and Board level.
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
Essential
- Strategic and organisational thinker.
- Collaborative while prepared to provide constructive challenge.
- Able to operate effectively as both a senior leader and principal deputy.
- Strong commitment to collective leadership and organisational success.
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.
Employer details
Employer name
Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Trust Headquarters - Mellor House
Corporation Street
Stafford
ST16 3SR
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.mpft.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)