Deputy Chief Operating Officer - Acute Services

NHS Scotland; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde seeks a strategic leader for the Deputy Chief Operating Officer role, responsible for the operational management and strategic development of Acute Services. The position involves oversight of major healthcare initiatives, requiring strong leadership in a complex environment to enhance service delivery and population health outcomes.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in large, complex healthcare environments.
• Demonstrable commitment to NHSGGC values of care, compassion, dignity, and respect.
• Experience in driving service improvement and transformation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operational management of Acute Services Division.
• Lead planning and delivery of the planned care programme.
• Drive major service modernization initiatives.

Skills

Operational leadership

Healthcare management

Performance management

Change management

Collaborative leadership

Job description

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is seeking to appoint a strategic, values-driven and highly experienced leader to the role of Deputy Chief Operating Officer. This is a key executive leadership post, responsible for the effective operational management and strategic development of our Acute Services Division, which has an annual budget of £2.15 billion and a workforce of approximately 22,000 staff. As the largest Health Board in Scotland, and one of the largest in the UK, NHSGGC provides acute, specialist, regional and national services to a population of 1.3 million people locally, 2.2 million regionally, and supports 42 national services for the population of Scotland.

The Deputy Chief Operating Officer will provide visible and effective leadership, overseeing the delivery and reform of acute services across North Glasgow, South Glasgow and Clyde, in addition to cross-site responsibilities for key clinical directorates including Women and Children’s Services, Regional Services, and Diagnostics. The postholder will lead the planning and delivery of our planned care programme, driving forward major service modernisation initiatives and transformation programmes. A key priority will be maintaining and improving unscheduled care performance across the Board area, working closely with Health and Social Care Partnerships and wider system partners.

The role requires a collaborative and inclusive leader with a strong operational track record in large and complex healthcare environments. The postholder will bring proven experience in managing performance, delivering sustainable improvements, and leading through change, with a demonstrable commitment to NHSGGC’s values of care, compassion, dignity and respect. As a senior member of the Corporate Management Team, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer will contribute fully to the strategic direction, governance, and performance of the organisation. This includes supporting the delivery of the Board’s Annual Delivery Plan, our longer-term strategic objectives, and deputising for the Chief Operating Officer/Deputy Chief Executive when required.

NHSGGC is committed to delivering Better Health, Better Care, Better Value and a Better Workplace. This role will contribute directly to these objectives by supporting evidence-informed approaches to improving population health and reducing inequalities, transforming clinical services to improve access and outcomes, achieving value through sustainable financial planning, and fostering a working environment that supports staff wellbeing, engagement, and resilience.

This is an outstanding opportunity to contribute to the future of health and social care in Scotland. If you are a senior leader with ambition, innovation, and a deep commitment to person-centred care, we would welcome your application.

To arrange a confidential discussion, please contact William Edwards, Deputy Chief Executive & Chief Operating officer via email: [e-mail]

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is one of the largest healthcare systems in the UK employing around 42,000 staff in a wide range of clinical and non-clinical professions and job roles. We deliver acute hospital, primary, community and mental health care services to a population of over 1.15 million and a wider population of 2.2 million when our regional and national services are included.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their application on the NHS Scotland Jobs website

Please note, CVs and resumes will not be accepted

Closing Date Sunday 22nd June 2025 at 23:39

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde encourages applications from all sections of the community. We promote a culture of inclusion across the organisation and are proud of the diverse workforce we have. Applications are welcome from UK, EEA and non-EEA candidates. All candidates must pass a Right to Work in the UK check.

NHSGGC encourages applications from all sections of the community and fosters a culture of inclusion. As a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, we actively support applications from military personnel, recognising their valuable skills and experience