Chief Medical Officer

NHS Blood and Transplant; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 174,000; Full time

Job summary

A national healthcare organization in the UK is seeking a Chief Medical Officer (CMO) to lead clinical strategy and workforce development. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in clinical leadership, a strong history of partnerships, and a commitment to inclusivity. This role offers an opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of millions by driving innovation and improving clinical services. Competitive salary of £174,000 with a focus on transforming healthcare operations.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of clinical leadership.
• Experience in delivering effective clinical strategies.
• Ability to inspire and improve clinical services.

Responsibilities

• Ensure NHSBT has an effective clinical strategy.
• Lead the development of the Medical Workforce.
• Drive sustainable improvement in quality of clinical services.

Skills

Clinical leadership in complex environments

Partnership working across organizations

Inclusive leadership

Job description

High profile medical leadership role in a national organisation dedicated to saving and improving lives

Chief Medical Officer National Role
Remuneration: £174,000 - Consultant pay scale up to 12 PAs, plus management supplement

As an essential part of the NHS, NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) works to make the most of every donation – from blood and organs to tissues and stem cells. We are more than a healthcare organisation: we are also a complex supply chain, a biomedical manufacturer, and a trusted partner in research and innovation.

At our heart, we enable daily acts of generosity – from the thousands of blood donors who give their time every day, to the families who, in moments of profound grief, consent for their loved ones to become organ and tissue donors. It is for these donors, their families, and the patients they help that we strive to be the very best in everything we do.

The environment in which we operate is changing. We face increasing demand, evolving technology, and the need to deliver more efficiently and sustainably. This brings significant opportunities for transformation – modernising our operations, embracing digital innovation, and strengthening partnerships to ensure we remain resilient and future‑ready.

Our ambition is clear: to save and improve even more lives by building a world where every patient receives the donation they need. To achieve this, we are focused on five priorities: growing and diversifying our donor base;modernising our operations;driving innovation into practice;collaborating with partners;and investing in our people and culture.

The Opportunity

As our new Chief Medical Officer (CMO), you will play a pivotal role in enabling the delivery of this strategy, working closely with our new CEO and the rest of our Board to support NHSBT through the next phase of our transformation. As CMO you will be responsible for ensuring that NHSBT has an effective clinical strategy and will lead the development of the Medical Workforce, along with inspiring an ethos and community which drives sustainable improvement in the quality of clinical services for patients and donors.

We are seeking an inspirational CMO with a track record of clinical leadership in complex operating environments, a proven background in working successfully in partnership across organisational boundaries and who can expand and build on our commitment to being an intentionally inclusive organisation.

This is a rare national medical leadership role with the potential to influence the lives of millions of people while shaping an organisation that combines purpose with innovation.

If you are looking for an opportunity to apply your leadership to a purpose‐driven organisation at the heart of the NHS, please visit www.odgers.com/95234 or email your application to [e-mail].

We are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment and help towards making NHSBT a great place to work for everyone. We welcome applications irrespective of people's age, disability, sex, gender identity and gender expression, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, neurodiversity or other personal circumstances. We are particularly keen to hear from those currently under-represented in the organisation.

Closing date is Monday 26th January 2026