Job summary
East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (ESHT) is seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking Director of Finance to play a pivotal leadership role within our Finance Directorate. This is a rare opportunity to join a progressive, ambitious Trust and contribute to financial excellence, organisational transformation, and high-quality patient care across our hospitals and services.
Working closely with the Chief Financial Officer, the Director of Finance will help shape the Trust's financial strategy, lead the modernisation of the finance function, and support the development of a resilient, high-performing team. You will act as a visible leader across the organisation, influencing senior stakeholders and representing the Trust at internal and external forums.
We are looking for a leader who can inspire confidence and drive improvement. You will bring:
- CCAB or CIMA qualification (or equivalent) and evidence of ongoing professional development.
- Significant senior leadership experience in complex organisations, ideally within the NHS or wider public sector.
- Proven experience in financial management, governance, planning, and cultural change.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the authority to influence at Board level.
- A commitment to developing people, building strong teams, and living our Trust values.
Main duties of the job
As our Director of Finance, you will:
Strategic Leadership
- Support the CFO in delivering the Trust's financial strategy and ensuring alignment with organisational goals.
- Provide senior financial leadership to Executive Directors, Divisional teams, and system partners.
- Deputise for the CFO at internal and external meetings, committees, and collaboratives.
Finance Function Development
- Lead the transformation and continuous improvement of the finance function.
- Embed modern, digitally enabled financial practices and enhance strategic capability across the team.
- Foster a culture of partnership, customer service excellence, and professional growth.
Performance, Governance & Assurance
- Strengthen financial governance, oversight, and internal control frameworks.
- Provide senior scrutiny of financial plans, risks, and performance improvement activities.
- Support high-quality, timely reporting to the Board and key committees.
Leadership, People & Culture
- Build capability, succession planning, and talent development across finance.
- Champion an inclusive, supportive, learning-focused culture.
- Promote the Trust's values of Kindness, Inclusivity, and Integrity.
System & Partnership Working
- Work collaboratively with Sussex Integrated Care System partners.
- Build effective relationships with NHS England, auditors, and other key stakeholders.
- Provide strategic advice on major programmes, business cases and commercial initiatives
About us
A wide range of staff benefits are available to our staff including staff development, enrolment in the NHS pension scheme, auto-enrolment to our Temporary Workforce Service, access to onsite nurseries. staff restaurants and accommodation.
In addition to an internal Occupational Health department, all staff also have access to free psychological support through our confidential Employee Assistance Programme. Onsite parking is available from only £50 a year.
There has never been a better time to join East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, submit your application today.
Statement on the Use of AI
We value the individuality that each candidate brings to the application process. While we understand that AI tools are widely available, we strongly discourage applicants from using AI-generated content when applying for jobs with us. We believe that your application should reflect your true skills, experiences, and motivations, which are best conveyed through your own words and unique perspective.
Using AI for your application may not accurately represent your knowledge, skills, and experience and may result in a disconnect between your qualifications and our assessment of your application.
We encourage applicants to take the time to thoughtfully complete their applications; by doing so, you allow us to better understand your true potential and ensure a fair and transparent evaluation of your application. Over reliance on AI-generated content may diminish your chance of success.
Details
Date posted
08 April 2026
Pay scheme
Very senior manager (VSM)
Salary
Depending on experience Dependant on experience
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
374-LC6326
Job locations
Eastbourne District General Hospital
Kings Drive
Eastbourne
BN21 2UD
Employer details
Employer name
East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
Address
Eastbourne District General Hospital
Kings Drive
Eastbourne
BN21 2UD
Employer's website
http://jobs.esht.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Supporting documents
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