Job summary
The closing date for applications is Sunday 26thApril 2026 We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. We recognise that candidates may not meet every criterion; if you believe you can bring the leadership, expertise and values needed for this role, we encourage you to apply. We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements. All applications should include;
- A covering letter explaining why this position interests you, how you meet the position
- criteria and what you would be able to bring to the position
- A Curriculum Vitae complete with full education and professional qualifications, as well
- as employment history. Please include daytime and evening telephone contact numbers
- and email addresses.
- The CV should include names and contact details of three referees. References will not be
- taken without your permission.
We will also require;
- All applications to be sent to royalmarsden@mlcpartners.co.uk
For an informal conversation about the post, please contact Adrian Watts at MLC Partners Adrian@mlcpartners.co.uk / 07816290865
Main duties of the job
The postholder will lead the strategic and commercial finance function and deputise for the CFO, whererequired.In this capacity, the postholder will lead on key initiatives within the financial strategy to enable financialsustainability of the Trust. ensure the Trust complies with the NHS financial regime including leading theco-ordination and delivery of the financial plan of the Trust.In support of this the postholder will promote and support better business decision making within the Trustand establish and ensure the delivery of a commercial focus and process in key strategic businessdevelopments.The postholder will develop the finance function to act as a professional advisor to the whole organisationon the complex financial and business issues facing the NHS, the Trust and the relevant areas for the post.
About us
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world-leading cancer centre. Our role is to offer our patients the best cancer care available anywhere in the world, and to continue to make a global contribution to finding better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. We employ over 4,500 staff in a diverse range of careers including nursing, medical, science, radiography, pharmacy, occupational therapy, finance and administrative services. We have two hospitals - one in Chelsea, London, and one in Sutton, Surrey - as well as a Medical Daycare Unit in Kingston Hospital.
At The Royal Marsden, we deal with cancer every day, so we understand how valuable life is. When people entrust their lives to us, they have the right to demand the very best. That's why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do.
At the heart of the hospital is our dedicated team. We offer a stimulating and dynamic working environment, a wide range of staff benefits, learning and development opportunities and clear career pathways. There are opportunities to work flexibly across a range of areas and specialities and we welcome flexible working requests from point of hire to support employees work life balance. We are looking for employees who aspire to excellence, share our values and can play a crucial role in our on-going achievements.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For further information on this role, please see the attached detailed Job Description and Person Specification:
Corporate Responsibilities Develop and maintain productive and supportive working relationships with Executive Directors and Non-Executive Directors, Divisional Directors, Service Managers and Clinical Directors. Liaise with external agencies representing the Trust and the Chief Financial Officer as required, in order to inform and further the Trusts strategic and operational agenda.
Financial Leadership To contribute to the development of the strategic vision and direction of the Finance function so that it is able to set challenging objectives in line with the Trusts strategic direction for the future in responseto changing needs. To direct, lead, plan, organise and control resources in order to implement the Trusts strategy as well as monitor and review effectiveness of the plans. To provide leadership and develop financial and analytical capability and profit and loss mentality of finance and operational management staff. To ensure the highest standards of professionalism within the Finance function to ensure compliance with external standards and best practice.Trust and financial strategy To provide strategic financial leadership to the Trust through the development and implementation of plans to ensure the Trust remains financially sustainable. To understand and interpret from a commercial and financial perspective changes in national
Job description
Job responsibilities
For further information on this role, please see the attached detailed Job Description and Person Specification:
Corporate Responsibilities Develop and maintain productive and supportive working relationships with Executive Directors and Non-Executive Directors, Divisional Directors, Service Managers and Clinical Directors. Liaise with external agencies representing the Trust and the Chief Financial Officer as required, in order to inform and further the Trusts strategic and operational agenda.
Financial Leadership To contribute to the development of the strategic vision and direction of the Finance function so that it is able to set challenging objectives in line with the Trusts strategic direction for the future in responseto changing needs. To direct, lead, plan, organise and control resources in order to implement the Trusts strategy as well as monitor and review effectiveness of the plans. To provide leadership and develop financial and analytical capability and profit and loss mentality of finance and operational management staff. To ensure the highest standards of professionalism within the Finance function to ensure compliance with external standards and best practice.Trust and financial strategy To provide strategic financial leadership to the Trust through the development and implementation of plans to ensure the Trust remains financially sustainable. To understand and interpret from a commercial and financial perspective changes in national
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential
- CCAB recognised accountancy qualification
- Management qualification or equivalent experience
- Continuing Professional Development
- Relevant master's degree qualification or equivalent experience
Experience
Essential
- Demonstrable relevant experience in finance at a senior management level
- Experience at working at a strategic level, able to recognise direction and implications of policy
- A thorough understanding of the NHS, its strategic directions and implications
- Experience in Business Planning processes.
- Experience in business case appraisal and assessment, to support capital resource allocation
- Experience of developing and setting strategy at all levels of the organisation.
- Experience developing, leading and implementing change to support strategic delivery.
Skills, abilities and knowledge
Essential
- Able to demonstrate sound analytical skills with the ability to deal effectively with large quantities of complex data, both financial and non-financial and producing clear and understandable recommendations from it
- Good knowledge of the Trust, its aims, targets to be delivered, structures and activities
- Able to demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the NHS as a whole, its strategic direction and implications of policy
- Able to make effective contributions to the decision-making process within the Division/Directorate and more widely for the Trust
- Able to ensure that the finance department matches operational needs of the Trust
- Able to contribute to the strategic direction of the Trust and to approach issues with a broad view
- Excellent communication skills and be able to communicate highly complex, highly sensitive or highly contentious financial information effectively and persuasively, both verbally and in writing to all levels of the organisation
- Able to predict or calculate the resources and/or time needed for an activity using knowledge and experience and aware of the need to make realistic predictions and contingency plans
Other Requirements
Essential
- Highly developed level of interpersonal skills that enable highly complex technical issues to be explained in clear and concise terms
- Able to manage a range of targets and objectives while ensuring that expert judgements and advice is provided to the Trust at all times
- Able to have discretion, initiative and act independently to interpret policies and standards in order to establish clear operational goals, policies and standards for use by others within the Trust
- Able to exercise judgement on financial decisions where there is no precedent and where leading opinions may conflict
- Able to understand risk and advise on appropriate action
- Able to adapt readily and respond constructively to change and to work effectively in a variety of situations with groups or individuals
- Readily makes decisions and takes action based upon logical assumptions which reflect factual information
- Applies a range of styles and approaches to situations to ensure good achievement or maximum effectiveness
- Visualises tasks, activities, processes and outcomes in a range of situations
- Previous staff management experience, and able to demonstrate an understanding of good leadership practice and its application
- Able to persuade others at all levels, including Executive Directors and clinicians, of a particular course of action or viewpoint, whilst respecting their point of view
- Able to establish a course of action for self and others to ensure that objectives are achieved
- Contributes to effective team working within the Finance Department and other senior teams in the Trust
- Promotes the Finance Department within the organisation
- Able to manage and motivate staff, focus on key issues and is committed to the organisation and personal staff development
- Maintains realistic and acceptable performance when under pressure
- Aligned to Trust values
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential
- CCAB recognised accountancy qualification
- Management qualification or equivalent experience
- Continuing Professional Development
- Relevant master's degree qualification or equivalent experience
Experience
Essential
- Demonstrable relevant experience in finance at a senior management level
- Experience at working at a strategic level, able to recognise direction and implications of policy
- A thorough understanding of the NHS, its strategic directions and implications
- Experience in Business Planning processes.
- Experience in business case appraisal and assessment, to support capital resource allocation
- Experience of developing and setting strategy at all levels of the organisation.
- Experience developing, leading and implementing change to support strategic delivery.
Skills, abilities and knowledge
Essential
- Able to demonstrate sound analytical skills with the ability to deal effectively with large quantities of complex data, both financial and non-financial and producing clear and understandable recommendations from it
- Good knowledge of the Trust, its aims, targets to be delivered, structures and activities
- Able to demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the NHS as a whole, its strategic direction and implications of policy
- Able to make effective contributions to the decision-making process within the Division/Directorate and more widely for the Trust
- Able to ensure that the finance department matches operational needs of the Trust
- Able to contribute to the strategic direction of the Trust and to approach issues with a broad view
- Excellent communication skills and be able to communicate highly complex, highly sensitive or highly contentious financial information effectively and persuasively, both verbally and in writing to all levels of the organisation
- Able to predict or calculate the resources and/or time needed for an activity using knowledge and experience and aware of the need to make realistic predictions and contingency plans
Other Requirements
Essential
- Highly developed level of interpersonal skills that enable highly complex technical issues to be explained in clear and concise terms
- Able to manage a range of targets and objectives while ensuring that expert judgements and advice is provided to the Trust at all times
- Able to have discretion, initiative and act independently to interpret policies and standards in order to establish clear operational goals, policies and standards for use by others within the Trust
- Able to exercise judgement on financial decisions where there is no precedent and where leading opinions may conflict
- Able to understand risk and advise on appropriate action
- Able to adapt readily and respond constructively to change and to work effectively in a variety of situations with groups or individuals
- Readily makes decisions and takes action based upon logical assumptions which reflect factual information
- Applies a range of styles and approaches to situations to ensure good achievement or maximum effectiveness
- Visualises tasks, activities, processes and outcomes in a range of situations
- Previous staff management experience, and able to demonstrate an understanding of good leadership practice and its application
- Able to persuade others at all levels, including Executive Directors and clinicians, of a particular course of action or viewpoint, whilst respecting their point of view
- Able to establish a course of action for self and others to ensure that objectives are achieved
- Contributes to effective team working within the Finance Department and other senior teams in the Trust
- Promotes the Finance Department within the organisation
- Able to manage and motivate staff, focus on key issues and is committed to the organisation and personal staff development
- Maintains realistic and acceptable performance when under pressure
- Aligned to Trust values
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
