About this role
Job summary
Join MFT as the next Director of Finance for our Clinical Scientific Services Clinical Group (CSS) - a high profile and visible role. Reporting to the Clinical Group Chief Executive will place you at the core of strategic decision making where you will be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, helping to shape the future of integrated care across Manchester and Trafford.Using your highly established finance and exemplar leadership skills, you will lead financial planning & performance for the Clinical Group, supporting the overall financial performance of the Trust, working closely with Trust Finance teams including costing, financial accounts & the capital finance. Accountable for the analysis & evaluation of the overall financial consequences of different service options, you will also inform the annual planning of the Clinical Group too.Moreover, with a strong track record in complex NHS environments, you will be confident in delivering financial improvement and long-term sustainability. You will lead with autonomy and clarity, developing & driving robust financial strategies that support transformation & innovation across the CSS Clinical Group.So, if you're looking for a role that challenges, empowers & elevates your career in financial leadership, this could be your next and best move.
Main duties of the job
You will use your deep expertise in financial risk management to steer financial planning for the Clinical Group - balancing day-to-day demands with bold, long-term ambitions. With a proven track record in delivering complex financial plans, you will be a trusted advisor to the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team, ensuring financial decisions align with statutory obligations, contractual commitments, and the Trust's strategic direction. Professionally accountable to the Chief Finance Officer, you will work across teams to shape financial strategy, support development, and drive consistency in delivery. You will bring significant experience in developing and implementing annual financial strategies, underpinned by robust modelling and scenario planning that support sustainable service transformation. As a people leader, you will set a clear vision, nurture talent, and inspire performance - driving change and continuous improvement across your teams. You will embody MFT's vision and values, championing quality and high standards to consistently improve patient outcomes.
About us
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) is the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe. We are an ambitious organisation, serving over 1 million patients and users annually through our 10 hospitals and extensive community services. With a workforce of 30,000 plus, we are a driving force for innovation, clinical excellence, and system leadership across Greater Manchester.
As a senior leader at MFT, you will shape strategy and transformation at scale, working alongside a diverse, high-performing executive team. Our £3bn plus turnover and leading-edge digital infrastructure, including the Hive EPR, enable us to deliver integrated, patient-centred care and drive continuous improvement.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive, values-led culture where your expertise, vision, and leadership will directly influence organisational direction and population health outcomes. You will have the opportunity to lead complex change, champion research and innovation, and develop future talent in a supportive, collaborative environment.
Join us to make a lasting impact--on our Trust, our communities, and the future of healthcare.
Job description Job responsibilities
To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Supporting Documents heading.
Candidate Information Pack
To support this vacancy, we have developed a bespoke Candidate Information Pack which provides specific information about the role and the Selection Process. To view this pack, please visit https://mft.nhs.uk/careers/1-2/
Diversity Matters
MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, email our team at [email protected]
Were looking forward to hearing from you!
Person Specification
Qualifications Academic/Professional Essential
Fully qualified accountant with a recognised chartered accountancy body. Unblemished record with the Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies (CCAB) / Chartered Institute of Management Accountants Educated to degree level or equivalent experience. Evidence of recent and relevant continuous professional development
Desirable
Additional post-graduate degree or equivalent experience. Formal management or leadership qualification.
Experience Essential
Extensive senior level leadership and managerial experience within a finance function in an acute NHS Trust (or comparatively large and complex multi-disciplinary organisation). Statutory and non-statutory organisations, senior managers, colleagues and their representatives. A successful track record in a senior finance role delivering challenging financial plans within a complex environment or sector, preferably within an acute NHS Trust. Experience of developing and operating the systems, processes and procedures which are appropriate to ensure the smooth operation of a finance function of an acute NHS Trust Extensive knowledge of clinical governance systems and (financial) risk management. Experience of developing and implementing financial strategy and business planning, supported by appropriate financial modelling and scenario planning. A successful track record of consistent delivery against NHS financial expectations and sustainable bottom line delivery through sound financial and operational management. Experience of developing and implementing transformation programmes, including the management of service change, organisational development and cost improvement / reduction Highly motivated, hard-working and self-confident individual with a drive to deliver and commitment to excellence across all areas. Inspires others and leads by example.
Desirable
A strong understanding of how MFT fits into the wider health and social care system Evidence of leading or implementing high profile initiatives underpinned by the national research and innovation agenda.
Skills and Abilities Essential
Ability to effectively present highly complex financial information to large groups, in particular, those staff not from a finance background Ability to work effectively with clinical colleagues and teams in a collaborative manner. Ability to deal positively and promptly with colleagues' concerns and personal problems, challenge colleagues on any inappropriate behaviours or poor performance and investigate and deal with complaints as required. A high level of political awareness.
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 Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Address Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9WL
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://mft.nhs.uk/careers/ (Opens in a new tab)