MH234801 - Director of People & Culture, NHS Grampian

NHS National Services Scotland; Aberdeen City; On-site; GBP 111,000 - 148,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare organization is seeking a Director of People & Culture to lead the People & Culture Directorate in Aberdeen. The ideal candidate will have significant senior management experience and qualifications as a Chartered Member of CIPD or equivalent. Responsibilities include driving NHS Grampian’s People Strategy, ensuring compliance with national policy, and championing employee wellbeing and engagement. This position offers a competitive salary and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Significant senior management experience in a complex, comparable organisation.
• Proven expertise in workforce strategy and organisational change.
• High integrity, resilience, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of NHS Grampian’s People Strategy.
• Provide strategic leadership across People & Culture.
• Champion staff wellbeing and engagement.

Skills

Leadership

Workforce strategy

Employee relations

Change management

Communication

Partnership working

Education

Chartered Member of CIPD

Master's degree or equivalent experience

Job description

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

Summerfield House, Aberdeen, North East Scotland
Director of People & Culture
Executive / Senior Manager Grade F
Salary: £111,501 – £147,614 per annum (as of 1st April 2025)
Reference: MH234801
Shape the Future of Health & Care in North East Scotland

This is a unique opportunity to join NHS Grampian as our Director of People & Culture, leading a directorate at the heart of our organisation.

As a key member of the Executive Team, providing wider system leadership and specialist professional advice to the Board, you will provide strategic leadership for the People & Culture Directorate, championing staff experience, wellbeing, and organisational culture across one of Scotland’s largest teaching Boards. NHS Grampian serves a population of over 625,000, with around 18,000 staff, including approximately 1,200 Doctors in Training and 2,000 independent contractors. We are proud of our strong links with local universities and our commitment to world‑class services and being an employer of choice.

Your Impact

As Director of People & Culture, you will:

• Lead the development and delivery of NHS Grampian’s People Strategy, supporting the organisation’s Plan for the Future and enabling a positive, inclusive, and just culture.
• Provide strategic leadership across People & Culture, including Staff Experience and Engagement, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Learning & Development, Organisational Development, Occupational Health, Health & Safety, Operational HR, Recruitment, Staff Governance, Workforce Planning, Payroll, and Staff Nurseries.
• Champion staff wellbeing, engagement, and experience, ensuring all colleagues feel valued, safe, and respected.
• Drive major change and innovation programmes, including workforce implications of subnational collaboration and integration.
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation, national policy, and best practice, providing assurance to the Board and its committees.
• Foster strong partnership working with local authorities, universities, and third‑sector partners, supporting Health and Social Care Partnerships.
• Lead equality, diversity, and inclusion agendas, including anti‑racism and disability responsibilities, and role model NHS Grampian’s values of caring, listening, and improving.
• Oversee staff development, succession planning, and talent management to ensure a sustainable future workforce.
• Provide strategic HR leadership for the medical workforce and regulated professions, ensuring robust governance and assurance.
• Lead staff governance, organisational development, and payroll services, ensuring effective performance management and accountability.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking a visible, compassionate, and credible leader who:

• Is a Chartered Member of CIPD and educated to Master’s level (or equivalent experience).
• Has significant senior management experience in a complex, comparable organisation.
• Demonstrates expertise in workforce strategy, employee relations, organisational change, and financial management.
• Shows high integrity, resilience, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Is passionate about cultural improvement and transformational change.
• Has excellent communication, influencing, and partnership‑working skills.
• Is committed to NHS Grampian’s values and creating a positive, inclusive working environment.

Why NHS Grampian?

• Be part of a values‑driven organisation making a real difference to communities.
• Lead a talented and committed team during a pivotal period of transformation.
• Benefit from a supportive, collaborative culture and flexible working arrangements.
• Enjoy a highly competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for personal and professional development.

How to Apply

Informal enquiries are welcome. Please contact Laura Skaife‑Knight, Chief Executive, on 07766083251 or email [e-mail]

Please note: Portfolio responsibilities outlined in the job pack will be finalised with the successful candidate on appointment.

To obtain the recruitment job pack please contact Bronwen Colquhoun [e-mail] and Mandy Harper [e-mail].

To apply, please submit your application, CV, and supporting letter to Mandy Harper, Recruitment Team Leader [e-mail].

Closing date: Midnight, 18th January 2026.