About this role
Job summary Join us in leading one of the most advanced genomic services in the NHS
The Southwest Genomics Medicine Service (SWGMS) is at the forefront of delivering cutting-edge genomic testing and innovation across a diverse population from Gloucestershire to Cornwall.
Bringing together established genomic laboratories at North Bristol NHS Trust and Royal Devon University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, alongside the Genomics Medicine Service Alliance based in Exeter, SWGMS is a leader in whole genome sequencing, cancer diagnostics, and the integration of genomics into routine clinical care.
We are now seeking an exceptional Chief Operating Officer (COO) to provide operational leadership, strategic oversight, and system-wide delivery across this complex and high-profile regional service.
Main duties of the job
The Chief Operating Officer for the SWGMS will be expected to oversee the delivery of the SWGMS in line with the national strategic direction for the development of the service and all its functions. They will need to have experience in all aspects of change management and operational delivery at a senior level with extensive experience of Executive level engagement and stakeholder management.They will need to continually improve service delivery, maximising technological advances and capitalise on the opportunities to translate research into clinical practice to ensure the SWGMS remains a leader in science, research and innovation and delivery of genomic testing. They will be responsible for aligning the delivery of service provision to meet the ambitions of the NHS 10 year plan and realise the required left shift.
About us
North Bristol NHS Trust employs over 12,000 staff providing healthcare to the residents of Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset from our award-winning hospital building at Southmead. We are the regional Major Trauma Centre, and an internationally recognised centre of excellence in a range of services and major specialities. Our vision is that by enabling our teams to be the best that they can be, we will provide exceptional healthcare, personally delivered.
North Bristol NHS Trust values all people as individuals. We aim to be an anti-discriminatory organisation and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We welcome applicants from all underrepresented groups.
Job description Job responsibilities The Role
As COO, you will be accountable for the end-to-end operational delivery of SWGMS, ensuring alignment with national priorities and driving innovation, quality, and performance across the service.
Working at executive level, you will lead across organisational boundaries to embed genomics into mainstream clinical pathways, translating research and technological advances into improved patient outcomes.
This is a high-impact system leadership role, requiring strategic vision, operational excellence, and strong partnership working across NHS organisations, academia, and industry.
About You We are looking for an accomplished and credible senior leader who can operate confidently at executive level across a complex system.
Essential Experience Significant senior leadership experience in large-scale NHS operational delivery Proven track record of leading services across multiple organisations or systems Experience delivering major transformation, service redesign, or reconfiguration Strong experience of stakeholder engagement at executive and system level Knowledge & Expertise Understanding of the national direction of genomic medicine and NHS policy Experience aligning strategy to measurable operational outcomes Knowledge of governance, quality standards, and regulatory requirements Skills & Attributes Strategic thinker with strong operational grip Excellent communication, influencing and negotiation skills Ability to lead across organisational boundaries and complex partnerships Passion for delivering patient-centred, high-quality services Qualifications Masters degree or equivalent senior leadership experience Evidence of continued professional development and leadership training For a more detailed job description, main responsibilities, and Person Specification, please refer to the job description document attached to this vacancy.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Minimum of Masters degree or extensive experience in NHS operational delivery and Genomic services
Knowledge, skills and abilities Essential
Ability to build effective relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders, including clinicians and partners Experience of working with Chief Executives at a regional level to ensure delivery and agile development of services Knowledge of national direction of travel for Genomic Medicine and demonstrate ability to lead across multiple diverse stakeholders Commitment and passion for patient-focused service with the ability to embed such an ethos at all levels of the organisation Ability to develop and maintain effective multi-disciplinary working relationships particularly during times of change Ensure that all staff managed by the postholder undertake individual performance appraisal, operate within the appropriate and required training plans, and contribute to workforce planning activities Ensure that managers and staff are treated consistently and fairly, feeling valued and supported to enable them to achieve their fullest potential in a working environment that is safe and stimulating to work in
Personal qualities Essential
Demonstrate participative leadership Innovative with strong quality focused approach, exceptional communication, interpersonal, negotiating and influencing skills Ability to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service Proven proactive approach to work Able to demonstrate commitment to continuous professional development
Nature of experience Essential
Proven experience of leading, developing and managing a large-scale service across multiple providers Significant experience in a senior leadership role and developing partnerships to deliver services Experience in services redesign, reconfiguration and consolidation Experience in developing and establishing new services, including a clear strategic vision and direction and translation into successful outcomes Experience in successfully supporting staff through large scale service change and service reconfiguration with knowledge of HR requirements and processes Experience of negotiating contracts with NHS, private and public sector partnerships
Analytical and Judgement skills Essential
Service and process improvement tolls and techniques
Professional / Managerial / Specialist knowledge Essential
Knowledge of appropriate legislation and its application to the running of a large and complex partnership
Desirable
Up to date awareness of national policies and legislation affecting the NHS and genomic testing A good knowledge of the requirements and delivery of rare disease genomic testing and somatic genomic testing
Other Essential
Able to travel across multiple sites where required
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 North Bristol NHS Trust
Address Southmead Hospital
Southmead Road
Bristol
BS10 5NB
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.nbt.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)