Deputy Chief Operating OfficerNHS
Job summary
Applications to be submitted via CV and cover letter to Neil Fineberg at [email protected]
"If you're the sort of operational leader who enjoys creating grip, empowering clinical leaders and quietly getting things done, this is a role where you'll thrive."
West London NHS Trust is one of the country's leading integrated providers of mental health, community and specialist services. Following significant investment and sustained organisational improvement, the Trust has established itself as one of the NHS's strongest performing organisations, achieving four consecutive quarters in Segment 1 of the National Oversight Framework and being selected to progress towards Advanced Foundation Trust status.
As the Trust continues to expand its community services, neighbourhood models and place-based partnerships across Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham and Hounslow, an exciting opportunity has arisen for a newly created Deputy Chief Operating Officer (Local Services).
The Recruitment Process
Applications Close: 13th September 2026
Pre-Shortlisting interviews: w/c 14th September 2026
Stakeholder Virtual Panel: Friday 2nd October 2026
Final On-Site Interviews: Monday 5th October 2026
Applications to be submitted via CV and cover letter to Neil Fineberg at [email protected]
Main duties of the job
The opportunity
Reporting directly to Dr Christopher Hilton, Chief Operating Officer, this newly established VSM role has been created to provide greater operational leadership across the Trust's Local Services portfolio.
Unlike many Deputy COO roles, this position carries direct accountability for the Clinical Directors leading six major service lines, creating clear operational leadership and strengthening delivery across the organisation. The role has been deliberately redesigned to provide greater operational grip, performance oversight and leadership capacity.
What we are looking for
We are looking for an experienced NHS provider leader who enjoys operational management and takes pride in delivering excellent services through strong leadership, clear accountability and meaningful relationships.
You will bring:
- significant senior operational leadership experience within an NHS provider organisation
- a proven track record of improving operational performance, quality, productivity and patient flow
- experience leading complex community and/or mental health services
- confidence managing senior clinical leaders while building trust and credibility
- the ability to balance supportive leadership with robust performance management
- outstanding communication skills and the emotional intelligence to influence across complex systems
Most importantly, you will be someone who is comfortable being given responsibility, trusted to lead and expected to deliver.
Job description
The Candidate Pack provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. Please view as attached
The person specification below is not the full person specification, but outlines the criteria against which your application form will be assessed.
For an exploratory and confidential conversation about the post with further details on the application process, please contact Neil Fineberg at [email protected]
About us
Working for our organisation
West London NHS Trust is one of the most diverse healthcare providers in the UK, delivering a range of mental health and physical healthcare and community services. The Trust runs Broadmoor Hospital, one of three high secure hospitals in the country, with an international reputation.
Our high secure services care for patients from South of England and we provide low and medium secure services across eight London boroughs. The Trust also provides mental and physical healthcare in three London boroughs (Ealing, Hounslow and Hammersmith & Fulham). We employ 4,500 staff, of whom 56% are BME. Our turnover for 2023-24 is £426m.
The Trust is rated as 'Good' overallby the Care Quality Commission. Forensic services are rated as 'Outstanding'.
The Trust is an established partner and contributor in the development of the evolving North West London Integrated Care System and the Integrated Care Board. The Trust leads the NW London Children and Adolescent Mental Health provider collaborative.