Strategic Planning Manager

NHS National Services Scotland; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A national healthcare organization in Scotland seeks a Regional Planning Manager to lead strategic planning initiatives and collaborate with stakeholders. The ideal candidate has a postgraduate degree and proven experience in strategic planning within the NHS. This role offers the opportunity to influence long-term healthcare changes, with a commitment to equality and diversity in the workforce.

Benefits

Opportunities for professional development

Collaborative work environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience in strategic planning or improvement roles within the NHS or public sector.
• Strong understanding of Scottish health and social care systems.
• Ability to work autonomously and manage complex priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of strategic delivery plans.
• Collaborate to drive integrated planning.
• Provide strategic insight to the Executive Team.

Skills

Strategic planning

Change management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Education

Postgraduate degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Overview

Regional Planning Manager
Location: Scotland-wide (with travel)
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full-time
Department: Finance and Logistics
Reports to: Director of Strategy, Planning and Programmes

About the Role

The Scottish Ambulance Service is a forward-thinking health board with a track record of developing and delivering successful change at pace. We are passionate about working with Scottish Government and our partners to help shape the future of health and social care in Scotland to ensure it meets the needs of our population. We are seeking a flexible and dynamic Strategic Planner with exceptional written and verbal communication skills. The ideal candidate will be a confident and effective leader, capable of influencing and negotiating across a wide range of stakeholders. They will demonstrate the ability to build and sustain strong networks and collaborative relationships both within the organisation and with external partners, ensuring alignment and shared commitment to strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of local, regional, and national strategic and operational delivery plans.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to align priorities and drive integrated planning.
• Represent the Service at national and regional forums and influence key decisions.
• Provide strategic insight and briefings to the Executive Team and Scottish Government.
• Develop planning frameworks, performance systems, and change management structures.
• Support and occasionally lead project teams to deliver strategic priorities.

What We’re Looking For

• Educated to postgraduate level or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience in strategic planning, change management, or improvement roles within the NHS or public sector.
• Experience in interpreting and implementing national policy.
• Strong understanding of Scottish health and social care systems and policy.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to work autonomously, manage complex priorities, and influence without direct authority.

Why Join Us

• Be part of a national organisation at the heart of Scotland’s healthcare system.
• Influence long-term strategic change that improves lives.
• Work in a collaborative, forward-thinking environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.

How to Apply

For an informal discussion, please contact Karen Brogan, Director of Strategy, Planning & Programmes on [e-mail]

To work in the United Kingdom, there is a legal requirement for an individual to demonstrate that they have the relevant permission to work in the country. This permission is, without exception, granted by the UK Visas and Immigration Service.

As part of the pre-employment checks for a preferred candidate, NHS Scotland Boards will check your entitlement to work in the UK. It can be evidenced through a number of routes including specific types of visa as well as EU settled and pre-settled status. To find out more about these routes of permission, please refer to the GOV.UK website here.

Please note that SAS is NOT licensed to issue certificates of sponsorship under current UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) regulations. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship to work with us.

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.