Director of Strategy
In the event of excessive applications being received this vacancy may close earlier than the stated closing date, you are encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible
IMPORTANT NOTE ON COMPLETION OF REFERENCE SECTION OF APPLICATION FORM
All references from current and previous employers will be sought and MUST cover a minimum of 3 years employment or education references covering 3 years. If you have gaps you will be required to provide character references. Therefore, when completing the reference section of your application form, please give the address, telephone number and work email address of each of your current/previous line managers that cover 3 years employment or education references covering 3 years.
Where possible this should be from two separate employers. Failure to complete this section may result in your application not being processed.
Job overview
The Director of Strategy is responsible for leading the development, communication, and execution of strategic initiatives to drive the organisation's growth, performance, and innovation.
This senior leadership role involves collaborating with key stakeholders to align the organisation’s long-term goals with its mission, vision, and values.
The Director of Strategy will evaluate industry trends, identify opportunities for improvement, and ensure the organisation is positioned to adapt to emerging challenges and opportunities.
The Director of Strategy will provide consulting services and strategic support to external organisations, particularly within the Great North Healthcare Alliance, to strengthen partnerships, enhance mutual value, and unlock opportunities for business growth.
Main duties of the job- Develop and lead the organisation’s long-term strategic planning process, ensuring alignment with corporate goals and objectives.
- Support the Commercial Director in the regular assessment of market trends, competitor activities, and industry developments to inform strategic decisions.
- Collaborate with executive leadership to identify new business opportunities and growth areas.
- Translate strategic goals into actionable plans and performance metrics providing oversight throughout the Organisation.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Partner with internal departments to align operational activities with strategic objectives.
- Engage with external stakeholders, including regulators, partner organisations, and community representatives, to foster collaboration and strategic alignment.
- Present strategic plans and updates to the Board of Directors and other key stakeholders.
Innovation and Continuous Improvement:
- Champion innovation by identifying emerging technologies, trends, and best practices relevant to the organisation’s goals.
- Lead change management initiatives to ensure the organisation remains agile and adaptive.
- Evaluate and improve current processes to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of services.
Performance Monitoring:
- Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of strategic initiatives.
- Ensure that all departments are accountable for meeting strategic targets and deliverables.
Working for our organisation
QE Facilities (QEF) is a wholly owned subsidiary company of Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust (GHNT), based in the North East of England.
We provide a range of non- clinical services to GHNT and other NHS organisations. Our services include: estates, facilities services, procurement, medical engineering and devices, endoscopy decontamination and sterile services, transport, out-patient pharmacy, and prevention & management of violence & aggression training (PMVA).
In addition we provide consultancy services, advising clients on all aspects of establishing a subsidiary company within an NHS body to the provision of VAT compliance advice.
QE Facilities work to their own Terms and Conditions and these are not the same as Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust Terms and Conditions. This is not an Agenda for Change Pay Rate.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities- Identifying and analysing challenges: The Director of Strategy is tasked with identifying both internal and external challenges that could hinder the organisation’s growth and performance. This includes evaluating market shifts, competitor movements, and internal inefficiencies.
- Developing actionable solutions: Once challenges are identified, the Director must develop creative, actionable solutions and strategies to mitigate risks and leverage opportunities.
- Adaptive problem-solving: The role requires continuous evaluation of emerging industry trends and organisational needs, with the Director proactively adjusting strategies to address unforeseen challenges and changes in the business environment
- Strategic decision-making: The Director of Strategy is responsible for making high-level, data-driven decisions related to the organisation's long-term goals and initiatives. This includes determining where to allocate resources, prioritizing projects, and making key choices that influence organisational growth.
- Collaborative decision-making: Decisions are made in consultation with executive leadership and other key stakeholders to ensure alignment with overall corporate goals and values.
- Risk assessment and mitigation: The Director will be expected to assess potential risks associated with strategic initiatives and make informed decisions that protect the organisation while enabling innovation.
- Organisational growth: The Director’s decisions and strategies will have a direct impact on the organisation’s long-term growth trajectory, performance, and market positioning.
- Stakeholder relationships: Their leadership in stakeholder engagement will strengthen external partnerships, unlocking new opportunities for collaboration, business growth, and mutual value within networks like the Great North Healthcare Alliance.
- Engagement with external stakeholders: This role involves maintaining strong relationships with regulators, partner organisations, and external collaborators. The working environment requires flexibility, as the Director must engage with a diverse range of stakeholders from various sectors, including healthcare and business.
Person specification
Knowledge & Skills
Essential criteria- Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts to diverse audiences.
- Proven ability to build relationships, influence stakeholders, and lead cross-functional teams.
- Knowledge of financial analysis and budget planning.
- Proficiency in project management methodologies.
Experience
Essential criteria- Proven track record in strategic leadership or a similar role.
Qualifications
Essential criteria- Master’s degree, or substantial, demonstrable experience at a senior level in Strategic Planning, Business Administration, or a related field.
Applicants who have not been contacted within 4 weeks of the closing date are to assume that their application has been unsuccessful.
Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust is a smoke free organisation in line with Smoke Free Gateshead