Band 9 - Awaiting Job Evaluation outcome
37.5 hours per week
Thurrock Hospital / Hybrid Working
Fixed Term Contract until 11 July 2027
We are seeking an outstanding and credible senior finance leader to join our organisation as Associate Director – Financial Management and Efficiency on a 12-month fixed-term (interim) basis.
This is a pivotal leadership role within the Finance Directorate with a strong and explicit focus on driving efficiency, productivity and value across the organisation. The postholder will lead the Trust’s Financial Management function while acting as the strategic finance lead for efficiency and productivity, ensuring robust financial planning, performance management and business partnering are fully aligned to delivering sustainable improvement.
At a time of increasing demand and financial challenge, this role is central to ensuring the Trust delivers high-quality services within available resources, maximising productivity, reducing unwarranted variation and supporting transformation.
This opportunity offers the chance to take on a high-impact leadership role at pace, shaping financial performance, strengthening financial grip, and driving a step-change in efficiency delivery during a critical period for the Trust.
The successful candidate will:
- Lead and modernise the Financial Management function to operate as a high-performing, efficiency-focused business partnering service. Ensure monthly reporting deadlines are met.
- Act as the Finance lead for efficiency and productivity, driving delivery of savings and value improvement programmes across the Trust
- Ensure efficiency and productivity plans are financially robust, measurable and deliverable, with clear governance and benefits realisation
- Oversee budget setting, financial planning and performance reporting, ensuring alignment with productivity and transformation priorities
- Provide expert financial challenge and insight to support service redesign, cost improvement and resource optimisation
- Ensure strong financial governance and control, with clear oversight of risks to delivery of financial and efficiency targets
- Advise Executive Directors, Board and Committees on financial performance, productivity and value delivery
- Represent the Trust at Senior Oversight meetings and build strong relationships with NHS England, the Integrated Care Board and system partners to support system-wide efficiency
- Lead, develop and inspire a high-performing finance team focused on continuous improvement and value delivery
- Support both the Internal and External audit programmes.
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.
Benefits
27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years’ service.
Excellent pension of up to 14.5% 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
Job share: Applications for job shares are welcomed.
Essential:
- Fully qualified CCAB accountant (or equivalent)
- Significant senior finance leadership experience in a complex organisation
- Strong track record of delivering efficiency, productivity or cost improvement programmes
- Extensive experience of financial planning, performance management and reporting
- Proven ability to influence and challenge at Executive and Board level
- Strong understanding of financial governance, risk and assurance
- Experience of leading and developing high-performing teams
Desirable:
- NHS or public sector experience
