Operational Director of Finance


Company:	NHS Jobs
Salary:	£112,782 - £129,783
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Durham, DH1 5TW
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	24 Jul 2026
Closing date:	7 Aug 2026

Apply for this job

Summary

This is a high-profile executive leadership position responsible for shaping and delivering the Trust's financial strategy and ensuring long-term financial sustainability. The Operational Director of Finance will lead the development of annual budgets, financial plans, savings programmes and financial recovery initiatives, while providing assurance that the Trust meets all statutory, regulatory and governance obligations. The role includes oversight of a revenue budget of approximately £780 million, a capital programme of approximately £20 million and significant productivity and transformation programmes. The postholder will lead and develop a high-performing finance function, building on the Trust's level 3 Future Focused Finance accreditation and promoting continuous improvement, workforce development and succession planning. They will ensure finance teams provide high-quality support and challenge to operational and clinical services, enabling informed decision making and strong financial accountability throughout the organisation. Working closely with Executive Directors, clinical leaders, managers and external stakeholders, the postholder will drive financial improvement, service transformation, productivity and value for money. They will be responsible for monitoring delivery of cost improvement programmes, ensuring financial implications are fully considered in strategic decisions and developing analytical capabilities to support performance improvement. The role also includes maintaining the Trust's financial risk register, leading relationships with internal and external auditors, supporting major capital projects and providing strategic oversight of the Trust's wholly owned subsidiary and Private Finance Initiative arrangements. The postholder will represent the Trust in Integrated Care System finance forums, provider collaboratives and national networks, influencing financial strategy and contributing to wider NHS objectives. In addition, the successful candidate will operate effectively within a complex and demanding environment, managing sensitive stakeholder relationships, leading through change and providing visible leadership across the organisation. They will deputise for the Chief Finance Officer when required and participate in the Trust's strategic on-call rota, contributing to corporate leadership and organisational resilience

Apply for this job