Chief Operating Officer

Overview

King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a distinguished Chief Operating Officer to join its Board during a transformative phase. Reporting directly to the newly appointed Chief Executive, Matthew Trainer, this role involves guiding one of the UK’s largest and busiest teaching hospital Trusts in implementing its new five-year strategy and ambitious healthcare transformation vision.

King’s College Hospital serves over 1.5 million patients across south east London and beyond, providing exemplary local hospital services alongside internationally recognised specialist care supported by cutting-edge research, education, and innovation.

Role Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee operational delivery throughout the Trust to ensure patients receive safe, timely, and effective care.
• Drive improvements in operational performance, patient flow, productivity, and financial sustainability.
• Work collaboratively as part of the Trust Board with clinical and corporate leaders to translate strategic goals into practical, organisation-wide delivery.
• Foster strong relationships with clinicians, operational leaders, and staff, providing clear leadership to create momentum, clarity, and accountability for sustained improvement.
• Play a key role externally by collaborating with partners across South East London to strengthen healthcare pathways, enhance services, and support integrated care models for local communities.

Candidate Profile

• Seasoned operational leader with substantial experience in managing large, complex healthcare organisations.
• Proven track record at Board level leading operational services and driving major performance improvements.
• Sound judgement, resilience, and credibility combined with the ability to lead major change initiatives resulting in sustainable operational and financial gains.
• Strong commitment to collaboration, nurturing high-performing teams, and cultivating an environment that supports staff development and excellence.

Strategic Context

The Trust offers comprehensive local and specialist services across five sites. Recently launched 2026-31 strategy aims to transform healthcare by fulfilling six strategic ambitions: delivering high-quality patient care; creating an excellent workplace; leading innovation, research and education; building robust partnerships; ensuring timely, efficient care; and achieving long-term financial sustainability. These ambitions are supported by four core organisational values—Caring, Collaborative, Inclusive, and Innovative—which define team interactions and patient care.

Sustainability Commitment

King’s is dedicated to sustainable healthcare via its Green Plan, aligning with national NHS Greener goals. Targets include achieving net zero carbon by 2040 for the NHS Carbon Footprint and by 2045 for the NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. All staff are encouraged to minimize waste, emissions, and pollution to help meet these objectives.

Additional Information

Those interested in more information or informal visits can contact Frank McKenna, Global Managing Director, at [email protected] or 07721 613 260; or David Heaton, Principal Researcher, at [email protected] or +44 7842 003 200.