Director of Strategy & Partnerships

Are you a visionary leader who can shape the future of community healthcare across Sussex? We are seeking an exceptional Director of Strategy & Partnerships to lead the development of our long-term strategic direction and drive system-wide collaboration. In this pivotal role, you will craft a clear, future-focused strategy that improves outcomes, tackles inequalities and supports sustainable, community-centred care. You will work at the heart of the Sussex Health & Care System-building influential partnerships, shaping integrated models of care, and leading the Trust's strategic planning, service development and external development agenda. You will bring significant senior leadership experience in the NHS or a comparable complex system, a proven track record of transformation at scale, and exceptional skills in strategic thinking, relationship-building and change leadership. Confident with data, performance and complex business cases, you will be an inspiring leader who embodies our values of compassionate care, achieving ambitions, working together, and delivering excellence. This is a rare opportunity to influence health outcomes for over 1.3 million people and help shape a healthier future for our communities. Join us and lead strategy with purpose. To Note - the interview date for those successfully shortlisted will be the 19th May 2026, You will lead the development of the Trust's long-term strategy, integrated business planning, commercial development and system partnerships. Working closely with executive colleagues, you will ensure our plans are aligned, evidence-based and deliver improved outcomes, reduced inequalities and sustainable community services. Key areas include: + Leading strategic planning (5-10 years) and enabling strategies. + Building influential relationships across the ICS, local authorities and partners. + Overseeing business planning, demand & capacity, and strategic capital development. + Driving commercial strategy, bids and new business opportunities. + Supporting major transformation programmes and strong governance. + Leading a high-performing, inclusive Strategy & Partnerships function.

+ Significant senior leadership experience in the NHS or similar complex system. + A strong track record in strategy, transformation and partnership working. + Excellent communication, analytical and financial skills. + Experience of business cases, bids/tenders and commercial development. + Compassionate, inclusive leadership aligned to SCFT values. + Master's degree (or equivalent experience) and evidence of ongoing CPD.

We are the main provider of NHS community services across East and West Sussex, with 6,000 staff serving 1.3 million people. We deliver essential care to adults and children, helping them manage their health, avoid hospital admissions, and reduce hospital stays. Our Trust vision is to provide excellent care at the heart of the community. We offer opportunities across medical, clinical, support, and corporate services. Why work for us?

• Positive 2024 NHS Staff Survey results, highlighting compassionate leadership and wellbeing
• Varied environments: community hospitals, patients' homes, and bases across Sussex
• Flexible working options: part-time, flexi-time, annualised hours, and flexi-retirement
• Excellent training, development, and research opportunities
• Accredited Living Wage Employer, we ensure fair pay for all our staff
• Cost-effective workplace nurseries in Crawley, Hove, and Brighton
• Active EMBRACE, Disability & Wellbeing, LGBTQIA+, and Religion & Belief networks
• Level 3 Disability Confident Leader and Veteran Aware Trust
Our values-Compassionate Care, Working Together, Achieving Ambitions, Delivering Excellence-guide everything we do.