Deputy Chief Strategy & Partnerships Officer​/MD PCs

Deputy Chief Strategy & Partnerships Officer/MD PCs

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SPFT) is recruiting for a senior leadership role that oversees three Specialist Provider Collaboratives across the South-East, covering Adult Secure Mental Health, Tier 4 CAMHS, and Adult Eating Disorder Services.

The post holder will lead both the strategic planning and operational delivery of these collaboratives, ensuring high-quality care, strong partnership working with NHS and independent providers, and financial sustainability. A major priority is reducing out-of‑area placements so patients can receive care closer to home.

As Managing Director for the lead provider
, the successful candidate will be responsible for commissioning and oversight of services, managing specialist placement budgets, and expanding delegated commissioning arrangements in line with Trust strategy. The role includes strengthening collaboration with the voluntary sector and ensuring value for money.

The post holder will also play a pivotal part in integrating strategy, transformation, and continuous improvement
, ensuring all initiatives align with SPFT's long‑term  strategy/support a culture of innovation and quality improvement.

As DCSPOthe individual will report directly to the Chief Strategy and Partnerships Officer and lead on:

• Developing and implementing Trust‑wide strategy
• Coordinating annual and long‑term planning cycles
• Aligning transformation, improvement, and innovation programmes with strategic goals

The post holder will be:

• Accountable for the strategic development and operational delivery of the three Provider Collaboratives which SPFT lead on and the key contact for other Provider Collaboratives as are developed (e.g. specialist perinatal).
• Accountable for all aspects of delegated commissioner/lead provider responsibilities as agreed with the ICB.
• Responsible for strengthening SPFT's skills and competencies in being a commissioner as well as a provider of mental health, learning disability and autism services.

The postholder will be expected to work very closely with SPFT Executive, Executive/Director colleagues and other partners, including Local Authorities, NHSE, ICB and the voluntary sector to ensure that benefits of the Provider Collaboratives are maximised for the populations they serve.

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an experienced and collaborative senior leader to join us as Managing Director/ Deputy Chief Strategy & Partnerships Officer for our Provider Collaboratives.

In this key role, you will:

• Lead strategic planning and delivery for our four Specialist Provider Collaboratives (Tier 4 CAMHS; Secure Care; Adult Eating Disorders).
• Oversee the development and operationalisation of our delegated commissioning functions and lead provider arrangements.
• Build strong partnerships across the NHS, local authorities, VCSE partners and people with lived experience.
• Support delivery of our Trust strategy:
  People, Prevention and Partnership
  .

We are looking for a compassionate, innovative and influential leader with a strong track record in senior mental health, learning disability or autism services.

Sussex Partnership is rated 'Good' overall and 'Outstanding' for caring by the CQC. Join us to make a meaningful difference to communities across the South‑East.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly encourage candidates from underrepresented groups.

The post holder leads the Trusts strategic development, commissioning, and Provider Collaborative functions, reporting to the Chief Strategy and Partnerships Officer. They drive delivery of the Trust Strategy, develop 35year commissioning intentions, and build strong relationships with senior leaders, Local Authorities, national commissioners, and partner providers.

They ensure robust governance, high quality care, and effective performance across all Provider Collaboratives while maintaining financial sustainability and oversight of commissioning budgets. The role includes ensuring safe admission and discharge processes, high quality reporting, strong quality assurance, and alignment of…