Deputy Chief Operating Officer
The closing date is 25 March 2026
Job summary
We are seeking a fixed term (12 months) Deputy Chief Operating Officer to provide senior leadership for the effective day to day running of the QEH site
The postholder will:
deputise for the Chief Operating Officer as required in managing the day to day running of the QEH site and off site services and to support the Chief Operating Officer in the delivery of all operational issues.
ensure that services are delivered in a safe, efficient and effective patient centred way at all times throughout the Trust and in accordance with national and local quality standards.
monitor Trust operational performance targets and ensure the requirements are met and understood at Directorate level.
support the performance of Directorates in meeting targets ensuring there are robust frameworks and systems in place to monitor and manage them, maintaining a day to day overview of service delivery across the Trust.
provide in depth expert knowledge to the Trust regarding Department of Health and NHS rules and regulations.
support Directorates in their business planning, supporting and identifying changes and transformation opportunities. This will include financial targets and CIPs.
take responsibility for the provision of elective planned and non-elective care across the Trust to ensure emergency and planned patients attendances are managed effectively to make best use of Trust resources at all times.
Main duties of the job
1. Contribute to the annual capacity and demand model that reflects best practice and stretch targets.
2. Engender an environment where all staff are encouraged to make improvements to the service and deliver individual and Trust wide objectives.
3. To maintain an overview of service delivery across BSUH in associated with the wider healthcare community.
4. To work with the Chief Operating Officer to ensure the effective operational management of the Trust on a day-to-day basis and, in turn, maintain achievement of the Trust's key performance indicators.
5. Maintain continuous improvements to service delivery plans.
Plus additional duties as included in the job description as attached.
About us
There's never been a more exciting time to join Team QEH. We're working on a once in a generation opportunity to build a new state-of-the-art hospital due to open in 2031/32 and we are also carrying out on one of the biggest pieces of digital transformation work we've ever undertaken.
Our new electronic patient record (EPR) will replace paper-based patient records from 2026 and will lead to better, safer, joined-up care at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital and beyond.
At the QEH we provide a comprehensive range of specialist, acute, obstetrics and community-based services to around 331,000 people across west and north Norfolk, North Cambs and South Lincs.
We are an ambitious organisation that upholds our values of kindness, wellness and fairness. We strive for continuous quality improvement, recently demonstrated in our 2024 CQC maternity inspection rating our services as 'Good', and we are proud to be a place to learn and grow through recognised learning and apprenticeships.
We recognise and reward our 4,000 staff and volunteers, priding ourselves on a community atmosphere and positive team spirit. We have approx. 530 beds across 33 wards and have newly built education and training facilities, a range of modern award-winning centres alongside a talented team of people ready to give you a warm welcome. We love working here and think you will too.
Details
Date posted
23 March 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 9
Salary
£109,179 to £125,637 a year per annum
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
12 months
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
426-196-26JHS
Job locations
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Gayton Raod
King's Lynn
PE304ET
Employer details
Employer name
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King's Lynn NHSFT
Address
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Gayton Raod
King's Lynn
PE304ET
Employer's website
https://www.qehkl.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)
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Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Supporting documents
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