Chief Operating Officer

Job summary

We are seeking an outstanding and values-driven Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join our Executive Team at a pivotal moment in our transformation journey.

This is a rare opportunity to lead operational excellence across one of the largest and most complex NHS organisations in the country, delivering safe, high-quality and efficient services to the communities we serve.

As the Trust's senior accountable operational leader, you will ensure that all NCA services consistently meet NHS constitutional standards, strengthen urgent and emergency care performance, sustain elective recovery and enhance resilience across our multi-site footprint. You will play a major role in embedding our unified operating model and driving digital-enabled improvements that support long-term sustainability and better outcomes for patients.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a compassionate, strategic and influential leader who can operate confidently at scale, build strong partnerships across the system and inspire teams through change. If you are motivated by delivering excellence, tackling complex operational challenges and shaping the future of care across Greater Manchester, we want to hear from you.

To find out more about this exciting opportunity please click Chief Operating Officer, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust - Alumni Global

The assessment process will take place on the following dates:-

Stakeholder panel - 28th May 2026

Interview - 1st June 2026

Main duties of the job

As Chief Operating Officer, you will provide executive leadership and strategic oversight of operational performance, service delivery and transformation across the NCA. You will ensure the safe, efficient and effective running of services day to day, while shaping longer-term development aligned to Vision 10 and national priorities.

A core focus of the role is strengthening urgent and emergency care pathways, improving patient flow, ensuring resilient site operations and sustaining elective recovery. You will lead clinical and operational teams to deliver high-quality, responsive services, achieving regulatory standards and key performance targets.

You will oversee major transformation programmes and digital-enabled redesign, using data and technology to improve productivity, efficiency and patient experience. Working closely with ICS partners, local authorities, providers and community organisations, you will support the delivery of integrated pathways and population-level improvements.

As a visible, compassionate and motivational leader, you will foster collaboration, empower teams and champion continuous improvement and innovation. Your leadership will help shape the organisation's direction and reinforce our commitment to equitable, high-quality care for all.

About us

The Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust (NCA) provides hospital and integrated health and social care services to over one million people living across Greater Manchester. Our 20,000 colleagues care for people in hospital and in the community, working across Bury, Rochdale, Oldham and Salford, to save and improve lives.

As a large NHS trust we are committed to enhancing the health of our local population by delivering consistently high standards of care and working closely with local authorities and key partners. We believe in our power and potential to make a difference and we're always looking for people who demonstrate our three core values - care, appreciate and inspire - to join our team.

In return, we can offer you a job role with purpose and flexibility. The size and scale of the NCA means we can provide more challenge and opportunities so your career can always be moving in the right direction. By joining us you can also access a competitive benefits package, including, a fantastic annual leave allowance, flexible working opportunities and protected hours for health and wellbeing activities, helping you to achieve more personal downtime and a better work-life balance.