Chief of Staff

This is a rare opportunity to join the Norfolk & Waveney University Hospitals Group at a defining moment as it continues to grow and develop after its formation in 2025. As part of that growth and development we are excited to be appointing a new Chief of Staff

As Chief of Staff, you will work directly alongside the Group Chief Executive, Board and Executive Team, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of one of the largest and most ambitious NHS Groups in the country. This is an influential and highly visible leadership position, offering the opportunity to help drive system-wide transformation, support strategic decision-making and help deliver outstanding care for patients and communities.

The role offers exceptional breadth and impact, combining strategic leadership, governance, performance oversight, programme delivery and stakeholder engagement at local, regional and national level. You will help translate ambition into action, ensuring priorities are coordinated, risks are managed and organisational objectives are successfully delivered.

Alongside the opportunity to influence healthcare at scale, you will benefit from flexible working, excellent NHS pension provision, career development opportunities and the chance to live and work in Norfolk, a region renowned for its quality of life, innovation and outstanding natural environment.

The Chief of Staff serves as the critical link between the Group Chief Executive, the Board and the wider organisation. Reporting at the most senior level, the postholder will lead the Chief Executive's Office, coordinate the business of the Executive Team and Board, and ensure that strategic priorities are translated into effective delivery across the Group.

Working across a complex multi-site organisation, the postholder will oversee integrated performance management arrangements, support governance and assurance processes, coordinate high-profile programmes and drive organisational improvement. They will provide expert leadership in managing strategic risks, resolving complex issues and ensuring Board decisions are implemented effectively.

The role extends beyond the Group, requiring close collaboration with NHS England, regional partners, local authorities, system stakeholders and national policymakers. The Chief of Staff represents the Group in politically sensitive environments, build consensus across organisations and influence policy, strategy and service development to support the Group's objectives. As such, we are seeking a highly credible leader with significant board-level experience, exceptional political awareness, strong governance expertise and a proven track record of delivering complex change within large healthcare, public sector or similarly complex organisations.

The newly formed Norfolk & Waveney University Hospitals Group (NWUHG) is placing people and culture at the heart of its transformation.

By working as one system, the Group is strengthening workforce development, improving staff experience, and creating consistent, supportive leadership across all three hospitals. This unified approach enables better training, enhanced well-being support, and a stronger culture rooted in compassion, flexibility, and continuous learning.

Focusing on people also supports national priorities—ensuring the workforce is skilled, adaptable, and ready for future models of care—and strengthens NWUHG’s overall performance by improving quality, resilience, and sustainability.

Together, this creates a Groupwide commitment to making NWUHG a great place to work, with clear benefits for staff including:

• Flexible working hours
• Fast Track Staff Physiotherapy Service
• Multi Faith prayer room at NNUH Colney Lane site
• Discounted gym memberships
• Generous pension scheme and annual leave entitlement
• Wagestream - access up to 40% of your pay as you earn it
• Free Park & Ride service direct to NNUH Colney Lane site
• Free 24-hours confidential counselling support
• On-site Nursery at NNUH Colney Lane
• On-site cafes offering staff discounts at NNUH Colney Lane
• Support in career development
• Flexible staff bank
• Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars, Cycle to Work scheme and home electronics
• For further details / informal visits contact: Name: Professor Lesley Dwyer Job title: Group CEO Email address: esme.johnson@nnuh.nhs.uk