Job Advert
NHS SCOTLAND PROGRAMME DIRECTOR
SECONDMENT OPPORTUNITY
NHS SCOTLAND CHAIRS AND CHIEF EXECUTIVES
Agenda for Change 8c or above (the successful candidate will be seconded on their existing terms and conditions)
ROLE DESCRIPTION
This is a rare and exciting opportunity to contribute to supporting the leadership of NHS Scotland and to develop your potential as a senior executive.
The Chairs and Chief Executives in NHS Scotland work collectively to ensure the safe, effective and person-centred delivery of care, and in informing the policy and strategic direction of the health and social care system.
They now require an experienced and dynamic leader to support them as the Programme Director. You will also contribute to the effective operation of other national groups such as the representatives of NHS Medical Directors and Nurse Directors.
As a corporate team player, you will have opportunities to contribute to the breadth of activities across NHS Scotland and help to shape the future strategy and priorities. The role will require resilience, strength of character and political acumen.
In supporting and coordinating the work of the Chairs and Chief Executives of 22 territorial and national boards you will ensure a coherent and proactive approach to the development of national programmes and the policy relating to the NHS and social care. You will make a demonstrable impact in shaping the agenda, priorities and focus for the work across the NHS.
As Programme Director you are also responsible for managing interfaces between the executive groups and key partner bodies, such as the Health and Social Care Scotland Chief Officers Group, Scottish Government Directorate of Health and Social Care, and SOLACE. To that end you should have knowledge and understand of Governance both within NHS Scotland and Scottish Government.
You will build a close and positive working relationship with Scottish Government, ensuring that there is an open dialogue and support between the NHS Scotland senior leadership, Scottish Government officials, and Ministers.
EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
You will be educated to degree level or equivalent, with evidence of a post-graduate qualification. The post holder will demonstrate strong leadership, relationship development, facilitation, communication and presentational skills. The post holder will have considerable senior management experience and particularly in working with senior leadership, at or close to Board level.
The post holder will require significant experience of development of healthcare services within the NHS and a clear understanding of and commitment to the delivery of the agenda and direction of NHS Scotland.
As Programme Director, you will require a high level of credibility, diplomacy and influencing skills to generate the commitment and teamwork needed to impact on the development of policy and initiatives across organisational boundaries. You will be comfortable in handling ambiguity and conflicting imperatives.
Crucially, you must be a self-starter, who is able to motivate both themselves and others, to deliver the agenda in an environment of conflicting demands. Personal resilience and the ability to manage and deliver in a complex and often very diverse environment will be key to success.
LOCATION
To be agreed with the successful candidate.
APPLICATION PROCESS
There is a 3 part process to apply for the Programme Director role.
Part 1:
Interested candidates should contact Kyle Clark-Hay (NSS Associate Director, Corporate Governance) email: kyle.clark-hay@nhs.scot to arrange an informal discussion.
Part 2:
Candidates should formally apply for the post through JobTrain and a link will be provided following the informal discussion. Please note it is essential that candidates include a Statement of Support from a member of their Executive Team.
Part 3:
Candidates who meet the essential criteria for the role will be invited to attend a panel interview, with a standard competency based format.
Please note, closing date for completed applications is Monday 24th March 2025.