Chief Executive Officer – HIWM

Chief Executive Officer – HIWM

Closing date is 09 February 2026

HIWM is a leading partnership organization bringing together universities, hospital trusts, and other stakeholders to deliver innovations across the West Midlands. The CEO will lead the organisation, ensuring it operates with autonomy as an arm’s‑length body while maintaining strong relationships with the National Health Innovation Network, local authorities, and the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Key responsibilities include:

• Representing HIWM on the National Health Innovation Network Executive and supporting joint Health Innovation Network work.
• Maintaining effective communication with partners such as the West Midlands Combined Authority, local authorities, and MPs.
• Influencing multiple stakeholders, including ICBs, the regional Board, and other CEO forums.
• Developing, leading, and directing all aspects of the organisational offer, shaping strategy, annual plans, operational practices, and ensuring sustainability.
• Upholding HIWM values, promoting equality and diversity, and ensuring an inclusive workplace.
• Providing strategic change options, leading consultations, and challenging the executive group and Board to maintain high governance standards.
• Being the accountable officer for the management board, ensuring delivery of annual objectives and executive business.

The role offers significant autonomy and the opportunity to influence the future of health and social care across the region.

• Master’s degree or equivalent in management or a related discipline.
• Evidence of relevant continuing professional development (e.g., NHS Top Leaders Programme).
• Minimum of 5 years at board level or equivalent executive experience.
• Comprehensive understanding of the NHS, either working within the system or closely with it.

• Leadership experience focused on social justice and health inequality.
• Deep knowledge of current national policy and the ability to lead within a changing environment.
• Demonstrated governance experience at board level with a successful track record of transformational and cultural change.
• Past responsibility for strategy, operational planning, budget development, management, and assurance.
• Track record of delivering innovative solutions and service improvement, securing new contracts, and driving business growth.
• Proven ability to build high‑performing teams, work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders, and delegate effectively.
• Senior leadership experience in health, social care, academia, or life‑science sectors, with business acumen and commercial awareness.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and partnership skills at all levels.

• Strategic leadership and vision, with the ability to interpret national policy and lead transformational change.
• Experience delivering complex clinical strategies across provider and commissioner boundaries.
• Political awareness and ability to negotiate on behalf of HIWM.
• Ability to forge connections with enterprise and industry in the West Midlands.
• Outstanding communication and influencing skills, with the capability to convey complex information clearly and persuasively.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, financial, and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience managing budgets, financial performance, and business growth within multi‑million value organisations.
• Operational and organisational management skills, including performance and professional development.
• Innovative, adaptable, and change‑oriented mindset with a proactive approach to opportunity identification.
• Solid IT skills using Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and e‑mail.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a Disclosure and Barring Service check for any previous convictions.

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust