Chief Executive Officer

Royal College of Anaesthetists; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent medical royal college in the UK is seeking a new Chief Executive to guide the organization through its strategic phase. The successful candidate will have extensive leadership experience in complex, values-led organizations, and a strong understanding of membership dynamics within the health sector. This role requires a collaborative yet decisive leader who can navigate complexity and engage diverse stakeholders effectively. The position is hybrid based in Central London, offering an attractive salary package.

Qualifications

• Experience of leading at scale in a complex, values-led organization.
• Strong understanding of membership dynamics in health or not-for-profit sectors.
• Values-driven and collaborative leadership style.

Responsibilities

• Guide the College through its next phase and future strategy.
• Support members, specialties, and public engagement.
• Enhance patient care across the UK and beyond.

Skills

Leadership experience in complex organizations

Strong strategic acumen

Political navigation skills

Emotional intelligence

Job description

Circa £150,000 on a full-time, permanent basis. Hybrid, with a minimum of 40% in-office in Central London.

The Royal College of Anaesthetists is the professional body and registered charity responsible for the specialty of anaesthesia throughout the UK. We are the third largest medical royal college in the UK, serving more than 24,000 fellows and members, and our purpose is to ensure that patients benefit from the highest possible standards of care in anaesthesia, intensive care, pain medicine, and perioperative care.

With a strong, forward-looking culture and a proud heritage, the College stands at a pivotal moment for our members and specialties. We are shaping a modern, outward-facing organisation - one that champions our members and our specialties, delivers on our charitable aims and continues to enhance patient care across the UK and beyond. We also mark the beginning of a new chapter as we prepare to move to our new home in London Bridge in summer 2026.

Our 2022–2027 strategy gives us a clear sense of direction and shared purpose, and we have made significant progress. We are now seeking a new Chief Executive, who will play a vital role in guiding the College through its next phase and on our future strategy, ensuring we continue to deliver on our mission to support our members, our specialties, our employees, and the public whilst raising the profile of anaesthesia more widely.

Our new Chief Executive will demonstrate experience of leading at scale in a complex, values-led organisation, with a strong understanding of membership dynamics and the wider health or not-for-profit sectors. You will bring a values-driven and collaborative but decisive leadership style, as well as sharp strategic and political acumen and the ability to navigate complexity, including engaging with a diverse stakeholder community. Your strong sense of purpose, commitment to excellence, and emotional intelligence will be key to ensuring we deliver on our mission.

If this opportunity inspires you, and you believe you would bring the experience and skills we are looking for, we would be delighted to hear from you.

To find out more and apply for the role please visit:

https://starfishsearch.com/jobs/rcoa-ceo/

The closing date for applications is Monday 05 January 2026.