Chief Executive

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust

Dartford, Kent

  • Location Dartford, Kent
  • Sector Health
  • Client Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust
  • Job Type Permanent
  • Salary/Remuneration Competitive
  • Reference GSe131509
  • Closing Date 9am Monday 13th April 2026

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust is seeking an exceptional Chief Executive to lead the next phase of our transformation. Serving one of the fastest‑growing populations in the region, we are an ambitious acute Trust committed to delivering outstanding, compassionate, and consistently high‑quality care.

Working closely with the Chair and Board, you will set the strategic direction for the organisation, lead a talented Executive Team, and act as a visible, credible system partner across the Kent & Medway system. You will champion continuous improvement, strengthen operational performance, and ensure our services evolve to meet the needs of our communities.

A key priority for the incoming Chief Executive will be stabilising the Trust’s financial position through our ambitious Cost Improvement Programme, working across the Trust and with our partners in the Kent and Medway ICS to ensure grip, discipline and clear accountability while continuing to support high‑quality care and a positive staff and patient experience.

You will be an inclusive, values‑driven leader who brings clarity of purpose, resilience, and strategic insight. With significant senior experience in complex healthcare settings, you will be adept at system partnership, confident navigating political and organisational complexity, and skilled at leading change at scale. Above all, you will role‑model our values and cultivate a culture where people feel respected, supported, and able to excel.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a committed organisation with a passionate workforce and a clear mission. If you are motivated by improving outcomes for patients, strengthening organisational performance, and shaping the future of acute care, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Only outstanding will do.
Join us and help shape the future of healthcare for North Kent and the surrounding areas.

For further information please visit https://www.gatenbysanderson.com/job/GSe131509/Chief-Executive/. For a confidential discussion please contact our retained recruitment partners at GatenbySanderson.

 

Julia St Clare, Senior Consultant and Research Lead

E: julia.stclare@gatenbysanderson.com   

T: +44 (0) 7807 631 564

 

Melanie Shearer, Partner

E: melanie.shearer@gatenbysanderson.com

T: +44 (0) 7785 616 548

 

Closing date: 13th April 2026

Final Panel: w/c 4th May 2026

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Documents

  1. Fit and Proper Person Declaration - New.docx

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