Operations Manager – Rapid Access Primary Care

NHS Highland; Dunoon; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

NHS Highland is seeking an ambitious Operations Manager to lead a fixed-term project in the Cowal locality, overseeing the Rapid Access Primary Care Service (RAPCS) to ease pressure on GP practices and improve primary care provision.

The role combines strategic oversight with operational delivery, leading service design and delivery, standards, compliance, evaluation and continuous improvement, with flexible location and travel across Argyll and Bute.

Qualifications

• Experience of working within complex public sector services or related health and social care sectors.
• Strong leadership with a proven track record of designing and delivering service improvements.
• Experience in negotiating change in partnership across a complex multidisciplinary system of internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Manage a fixed term project within the Cowal locality, overseeing planning and delivery.
• Lead a complex service design and delivery project and act as operational lead for standards, compliance, evaluation and continuous improvement.

Job description

Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership are looking to employ a dynamic and passionate Operations Manager to manage a fixed term project within the Cowal locality. The Operations Manager will oversee the planning and delivery of the Rapid Access Primary Care Service (RAPCS), a pilot service intended to reduce pressure on GP practices and enhance primary care provision.

This is a pivotal role combining strategic oversight with operational delivery offering a rare developmental opportunity for driven leaders. The post holder will lead a complex service design and delivery project and act as the operational lead for standards, compliance, evaluation and continuous improvement.

The post holder should have experience of working within complex public sector services or related health and social care sectors. They should demonstrate strong and personable leadership and a proven track record of designing and delivery service improvements. Experience in negotiating change in partnership across a complex multidisciplinary system of both internal and external stakeholders is beneficial.

The post holder will join the Primary Care Management Team on a fixed term, 12 month, basis. Working location is flexible although the ability to travel across Argyll and Bute to attend meetings, engagement events and site visits is essential.

For an informal discussion about the post please contact;

Rebecca Helliwell, Deputy Medical Director or,

Eilidh Gallagher, Head of Primary Care

Via Personal Assistant

Job ref: 253145

Closing date: Midnight Sunday 30th August 2026

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.

Additional Information For Candidates

• Applications are welcome from Gaelic speakers. / Tha fàilte air tagraidhean bho luchdlargument na Gàidhlig.

NHS Highland is geographically the largest of the 14 regional boards of NHS Scotland, covering an area of 12,500 square miles, across Highland and Argyll & Bute.

We employ over 10,700 people, making us one of the biggest employers in the area. As an organisation, we make a very significant contribution to the local economy.

Our staff are also important members of our communities. Our greatest asset is our workforce, and the way we go about our work comes from the values and behaviours we demonstrate on a daily basis. As a board we strive to ensure the environment is conducive to nurturing a positive culture, supported and delivered through .