Head of Service Delivery (Interim)
Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Secondment/Fixed-Term Interim role to lead the delivery of critical digital services that support patient care across one of the NHS's most ambitious digital organisations.
We are seeking an exceptional digital leader to join our Digital Services Department as Interim Head of Service Delivery (Technology Services).
This is a high-profile leadership role with responsibility for ensuring the delivery of safe, resilient, secure and customer-focused technology services across our Group. Reporting into the Director of Technology Services, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across infrastructure, service management, technical operations, cybersecurity, supplier management and business continuity.
As part of the senior digital leadership team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping a new service delivery model and ensuring our Technology Services enable outstanding patient care and staff experience.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced NHS or public sector technology leader who thrives in complex environments and can quickly establish credibility with senior stakeholders.
Main duties of the job
As a senior digital leader within the organisation, this role provides oversight IT service delivery, infrastructure, and operations, ensuring alignment with national digital health priorities and organisational goals.
The postholder leads high-performing, resilient and scalable technology services, integrating internal teams and external partners to deliver seamless, user-focused digital experiences.
With responsibility for governance, , and business continuity, the role ensures compliance with regulatory standards and promotes a culture of cyber resilience. As a senior member of the Digital Services Directorate, the postholder contributes to executive decision-making, and leads multi-disciplinary teams
They also oversee financial stewardship, supplier management, and sustainable technology practices, while fostering strong stakeholder relationships and ensuring inclusive, accessible digital services across BFT.
About us
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust brings together more than 28,000 staff to deliver over 160 clinical services across thirteen hospital locations,operatingfrom three main sites at Southmead, Bristol citycentreand Weston.
With an annual turnover of £2.3 billion, we are now one of the largest NHS trusts in the United Kingdom. Our hospitals are spread across Bristol and Weston, join us and you can enjoy the very best of both worlds; city living within a stone's throw of the countryside or beside the seaside, both with easy access to all that theSouth Westhas to offer.
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust values all people as individuals. As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit andretaina workforce whichrepresentsthe rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them. Anonymous information will be used from your applicationin order toensurewe'remeeting our pledge.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For a more detailed job description and main responsibilities, please refer to the job description document attached to this vacancy.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Training
- Educated to Master's level or equivalent demonstrable experience at a senior level in IT, Digital Services, or a related discipline.
- Evidence of continued professional development.
- Relevant professional certifications (e.g., ITIL, PRINCE2, Agile, ISO/IEC standards, CCIE, MCSE).
Experience
- Significant experience in senior IT leadership roles within complex organisations, preferably within the NHS or public sector
- Proven track record of delivering strategic digital transformation, infrastructure management, and service improvement.
- Demonstrable success in managing large technical teams and multi-million-pound budgets.
- Experience in implementing governance frameworks, cybersecurity strategies, and compliance with NHS digital standards (e.g., DSPT).
- Strong background in stakeholder engagement and partnership working at regional or national levels.
- Expertise in staff management, coaching, team building, and leading change.
Knowledge and Skills
- In-depth knowledge of IT service management, enterprise architecture, infrastructure, and emerging technologies
- Strong understanding of NHS digital strategies, the NHS Ten Year Plan, and national information governance frameworks
- Skilled in translating strategic vision into operational delivery and aligning local and national digital priorities.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to convey complex information to diverse audiences.
- Strong organisational and planning skills to implement national policies and long-term strategies.
- Proficient in risk management, business continuity, and performance monitoring
- Demonstrated ability to manage mission-critical, highly available infrastructure and services.
Behaviours and Attributes
- Collaborative leader who builds trust, drives engagement, and fosters inclusive team environments.
- Collaborative leader who builds trust, drives engagement, and fosters inclusive team environments.
- Passionate about improving patient outcomes through digital innovation and excellence.
- Persuasive and credible influencer with the confidence to operate in high-profile, complex settings.
- Demonstrates initiative, prioritisation, and problem-solving in unpredictable workloads.
- Strategic thinker with a proactive, solution-focused approach.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.
Employer details
Employer name
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Digital HQ
40 Southwell Street
Bristol
BS2 8EJ
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.uhbw.nhs.uk/