Chief Operating Officer


Company:	NHS Jobs
Salary:	£112,782 - £129,783
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Southampton, SO16 7NP
Job type:	Contract
Posting date:	31 Jul 2026
Closing date:	23 Aug 2026

Apply for this job

Summary

Shape the Future of Health Innovation in Wessex and Beyond Health Innovation Wessex exists to accelerate the adoption and spread of innovation that improves lives, transforms health and care services, reduces inequalities, strengthens economic growth and positions our region as a leader in health innovation. As part of the national Health Innovation Network, we sit at the intersection of the NHS, academia, industry, local government and policy makers, helping to turn evidence into impact at scale. The NHS is entering a period of profound transformation, driven by the need to improve productivity, shift care closer to communities, harness the power of prevention, embrace AI and digital technologies, and support economic growth through innovation. At the same time, the UK's Life Sciences Vision places innovation at the heart of national prosperity and health improvement. We are seeking an exceptional Chief Operating Officer who is excited by this opportunity and ready to help shape the future. The Opportunity Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Operating Officer is a Board-level executive role with responsibility for translating strategic ambition into measurable impact. This is much more than a traditional operational leadership role. We are looking for a leader who can help position Health Innovation Wessex at the forefront of healthcare transformation, innovation adoption and life sciences growth. The COO will help drive organisational performance, operational excellence and sustainable growth, while ensuring Health Innovation Wessex remains agile, influential and equipped to deliver against an increasingly ambitious national and local agenda. Working closely with the CEO, Board and partners across the NHS, academia, industry and government, the successful candidate will help shape how innovation is adopted and scaled across Wessex and contribute to national programmes that improve care for millions of people. The post holder will deputise for the CEO when required and provide strategic leadership across programme delivery, business development, corporate services and organisational transformation. Why This Role Matters Health Innovation Wessex is uniquely positioned to: Accelerate the adoption of proven innovations that improve patient outcomes and health system productivity. Support the NHS's shift towards prevention, population health management and community-based care. Enable the responsible adoption of AI, digital and data-driven innovation. Strengthen the region's role as a leading health and life sciences ecosystem. Attract investment, partnerships and opportunities that support economic growth. Help address some of the most pressing challenges facing the NHS, including workforce pressures, financial sustainability and health inequalities. As Chief Operating Officer, you will play a central role in delivering these ambitions. What You'll Be Responsible For You will: Lead the delivery of Health Innovation Wessex's strategy, ensuring programmes, partnerships and services achieve demonstrable impact for patients, populations and the health and care system. Drive organisational excellence, ensuring the organisation has the systems, processes, capabilities and culture required to perform at the highest level. Champion innovation in how we work, including the adoption of AI, digital technologies and data-driven decision making to improve productivity, insight and organisational effectiveness. Oversee corporate services including finance, governance, people, communications, information governance and business support functions. Build and maintain influential partnerships across the NHS, Integrated Care Boards, universities, local government, industry, life sciences organisations and national bodies. Support business growth by identifying new opportunities, securing investment and developing sustainable income streams aligned to organisational priorities. Lead organisational transformation and continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen capability and maximise impact. Provide assurance to the CEO and Board regarding performance, governance, risk management, compliance and organisational resilience. Help shape the future direction of health innovation within Wessex and contribute to the development of the wider national Health Innovation Network. Join Us This is an exceptional opportunity for a visionary leader who wants to make a lasting difference to health outcomes, healthcare transformation and economic growth. If you are passionate about innovation, inspired by the future of the NHS and excited by the opportunity to shape the next chapter of Health Innovation Wessex, we would love to hear from you. Together, we can accelerate innovation, improve lives and create a healthier future for Wessex and beyond.

Apply for this job