Airedale NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an exceptional commercial leader to join its New Hospital Programme team. This is an exceptional opportunity to move client-side and take ownership of the commercial strategy, procurement, contracting and commercial governance of a £1bn+ hospital development that will transform healthcare delivery for future generations.
Airedale NHS Foundation Trust provides acute, elective, specialist and community services to a population of more than 200,000 people across Yorkshire and East Lancashire. Serving communities through Airedale General Hospital and a range of community-based services, the Trust has built a reputation for innovation, quality care and pioneering telemedicine services. At the heart of the communities it serves, Airedale combines clinical excellence with a strong commitment to continuous improvement, partnership working and the delivery of outstanding patient care.
The Trust is entering a defining period in its history through the delivery of its New Hospital Programme, one of the most significant healthcare infrastructure investments in the UK. As part of the national NHS New Hospital Programme, Airedale will develop a state-of-the-art replacement hospital on its Steeton site, creating modern, sustainable facilities that will transform healthcare delivery for future generations. With an investment expected to exceed £1 billion, the programme represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help shape the future of healthcare provision across the region.
Reporting to the Programme Director, you will act as the Trust's senior commercial lead for the programme, responsible for commercial strategy, procurement, contract management, cost assurance, commercial governance and partner performance. Working closely with NHS England, the Hospital 2.0 Alliance, consultants and delivery partners, the postholder will help ensure successful programme delivery whilst securing value, managing risk and maintaining programme certainty.
We welcome applications from Commercial Directors, Commercial Managers and Cost Management from major contractors, leading consultancies and complex infrastructure programmes seeking to take on a strategic client-side leadership role.
This is a career-defining opportunity for an ambitious commercial leader seeking to move into a strategic client-side role and shape one of the UK's most high-profile healthcare infrastructure programmes. The successful candidate will help deliver a landmark hospital development and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.
The candidate brochure can be viewed and downloaded at Head of Commercial
To arrange a confidential briefing discussion, please contact our retained search advisor Nick Coppard (nick.coppard@mrgglobal.com / 07896 079495) at MRG.
Should you have any questions on the application process, please contact Charley McCarthy (charley.mccarthy@mrgglobal.com)
Applications should consist of a CV and supporting statement and should be sent to Nick and Charley.
Closing date for applications: Sunday 30th August 2026
Interviews will be held: W/C 21st September 2026