Director of Financial Sustainability

Job summary

There has never been a more exciting time to join East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, and we are looking to appoint a Director of Financial Sustainability. This opportunity to join our leadership team comes at a time that has never been more important, as we shape and deliver our strategy and work towards better outcomes for patients.

This critical role will support the Chief Finance Officer (CFO) in influencing and driving the strategic development of the Trust. Reporting to the CFO, you will be involved in developing near term and medium-term strategic planning to support and inform effective decision making; helping to ensure the Trust can successfully meet its strategic objectives for patient care and improvement while returning to a balanced budget.

Main duties of the job

As Director of Financial Sustainability, your key responsibilities will include:

1. You will drive operational excellence and maximise the value and efficiency of resource utilisation across the Trust and its five sites which are spread across East Kent.
2. You will be leading the development and implementation of strategies to further enhance productivity, to streamline workflows, and to optimise operational efficiency across the organisation. A primary focus will concern identifying specific areas for focus and improvement to support the Trust's Medium Term Financial Sustainability Plan, by implementing best practice, achieving cost efficiencies without compromising quality of patient care.
3. You will be working with a range of other critical partners across the Kent and Medway Integrated Care System and the East Kent Health Care Partnership, to strive collaboratively to achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients, while maximising value for money.

This position requires: a supportive leadership approach, with the post holder adept at great team working; strong practical analytical skills and experience and great communication skills in explaining the opportunities; a robust understanding of healthcare operations and financial management in a financial recovery environment; and the ability to support the CFO in holding other leaders to account for delivery of identified improvements, embedding strong governance to support the CFO deliver lasting change.

About us

We are one of the largest hospital trusts in England, with five hospitals and community clinics serving a local population of around 800,000 people. Our vision is 'great healthcare from great people'. Everything we do is guided by our values: 'People feel cared for, safe, respected and confident that we are making a difference'. We have a new way of working at East Kent Hospitals, called 'We care'. It's about empowering frontline staff to lead improvements day-to-day. We're looking for compassionate people to be part of our improvement journey for the patients, families and carers we care for every day.

We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and foster a culture where all staff are valued, respected and acknowledged.

Date posted: 21 February 2025

Pay scheme: Very senior manager (VSM)

Salary: £130,000 to £145,000 a year per annum

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time

Reference number: 344-8461COR

Job locations: Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Ethelbert Road, Canterbury, CT1 3NG

Job description Job responsibilities

We are seeking a candidate with an outstanding track record of success at in the NHS or wider public sector, you will possess first class financial leadership and influencing skills with the ability to forge effective working relationships across a wide set of internal and external stakeholders. You will be an exemplary ambassador for the Trust and have the political nous to support the Trust's interests across the region.

If you would like a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Adrian Watts from our recruitment partners on eastkent@mlcpartners.co.uk. Please send your CV and personal statement, stating your motivations to apply and then describing how you meet the role specific requirements given your skills and experience.

Person Specification

Qualifications and training

Essential

• Educated to degree level or equivalent level of knowledge and experience
• Fully qualified accountant (CCAB - CIPFA, ICAEW, CIMA or Certified) with 5 years post qualification experience
• Evidence of relevant continued professional development

Desirable

• PRINCE2 or equivalent level of project management experience/qualification

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

Employer details

Employer name: East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust

Address: Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Ethelbert Road, Canterbury, CT1 3NG

Employer's website: https://www.ekhuft.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/