NOVA Director Of Operations | Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
| Posting date: | 25 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | £109,179 - £125,637 per annum |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 27 March 2026 |
| Location: | Wickford, SS11 7XX |
| Company: | Essex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | 7831310/364-A-9798 |
Summary
The Nova Director of Operations for EPUT is a senior leadership role with responsibility for the operational delivery of the Nova Unified Electronic Patient Record (EPR) programme across the Trust and wider Care Groups.
As a key member of the Trust’s senior leadership and hospital executive team, the post-holder will share collective accountability for achieving the Trust’s strategic, operational and financial objectives. Working closely with the Nova Programme team, this role will play a critical part in delivering transformational change and embedding sustainable improvements in how care is delivered.
The post-holder will report jointly to the Nova Programme Director and the EPUT Chief Operating Officer (COO) and will provide visible, effective leadership to senior managers and programme colleagues. They will drive robust performance management, oversee capacity planning, and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
Patient and staff safety will be central to the role, particularly during implementation and go‑live phases, working in close partnership with the Trust’s CCIO and CNIO.
• Lead the Trust-wide deployment of the Nova Unified EPR, ensuring alignment with Trust priorities and programme objectives.
• Be accountable for the operational delivery of Nova programme activities across EPUT and its Care Groups.
• Monitor, track and report progress against key milestones, providing regular updates to the Implementation Group and Trust Delivery Group.
• Drive delivery of site-specific Nova implementation activities to ensure programme milestones are met.
• Proactively identify and manage risks, dependencies and resource challenges, implementing mitigations to prevent delays or operational impact.
• Lead the capacity planning process based on realistic and agreed demand assumptions, working closely with Directors of Operations across the wider group to ensure alignment.
• Embed strong governance, performance management and reporting arrangements to support successful delivery.
• Provide visible leadership throughout implementation and go‑live, supporting teams through change and maintaining operational grip.
• Safeguard patient and staff safety at all stages of the programme, working closely with the CCIO, CNIO and clinical leaders.
Valuing you. Recognising your dedication. At EPUT, we look after you.
• Receive supervision and support to help you fulfil your potential.
• Join an inclusive EPUT community and connect with others through engagement events and equality or champion networks.
• If you need help, we provide mental health and wellbeing services, occupational health advice and counselling.
• We run recognition awards to recognise staff's hard work and dedication.
Benefits
• 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years’ service.
• Excellent pension of up to14.5% of your pensionable pay.
• Staff discounts include Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and staff benefits.
• £8K relocation package if you move to Essex to join us
• Season ticket loans are interest-free to cover the cost of travelling to and from work via tram, rail, or bus.
Work that wraps around your needs
• Flexible working: available from day one for most roles.
• Job share: Applications for job shares are welcomed.
Personal Specification
Essential
• Significant senior operational leadership experience within the NHS or a similarly complex organisation
• Proven track record of delivering large-scale transformation or complex programmes
• Strong understanding of operational delivery, performance management and capacity planning
• Ability to influence, challenge and work collaboratively at executive and system level
• Demonstrable commitment to patient safety, quality and staff engagement
Desirable
• Experience of digital transformation and/or EPR implementation
• Experience of working across multiple services or organisation
Additional Information
This is a high-profile leadership role offering the opportunity to shape one of the Trust’s most significant transformation programmes. The successful candidate will play a key role in improving patient care, supporting staff, and delivering long-term operational sustainability.
This advert closes on Wednesday 11 Mar 2026