Chief Executive, NHS Employers

Posting date:	21 January 2026
Salary:	£150,000.00 to £170,000.00 per year
Additional salary information:	£150000.00 - £170000.00 a year
Hours:	Full time
Closing date:	11 February 2026
Location:	Leeds, LS2 7JU
Company:	NHS Jobs
Job type:	Permanent
Job reference:	B0532-26-0000

Summary

Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership: the development and effective implementation of strategic plans and goals, aligning operations with mission and vision to represent and support NHS organisations. Lead the senior leadership team and wider leadership team to set clear direction, high quality delivery and service improvement. Leading People: ensuring a fair, productive and high impact culture across NHS Employers teams in line with the values of the organisation, supporting individual development and collaboration across teams Improvement & Thought Leadership: Act as a thought leader influencing health and employment policy, fostering strategic partnerships and supporting members in improving the sourcing, management and development of their people, in the service of more equitable and healthier communities Policy Oversight : ensure the effectiveness of the NHS Employers Policy Board, supporting its chair, seeking its advice and maximising its impact on the work of NHS Employers and DHSC/NHS England. Strategic Communications: ensure the provision of effective strategic communications activity and advice across NHS Employers Manage complexity : meet the obligations to the DHSC whilst also maintaining the independent voice of NHS Employers; ensure the strong identity and brand of NHS Employers whilst also supporting the collective success of the NHS Confederation Social Partnership: lead effective partnership working with trade unions; undertake the role as the management side Chair for the national Social Partnership Forum (SPF) working collaboratively with the staff-side Chair and advising the Ministerial Chair and officials in the proper functioning of the SPF Operational Management: hold Directors to account for ensuring programs and teams function efficiently and that contracts and programmes are delivered. Delegate responsibilities while providing clear guidance and expectations and ensuring prioritisation, review and learning. Financial Accountability: With the support of the SLT and Director of Finance, lead effective financial planning and resource allocation processes to ensure the financial health and growth of NHS Employers. Ensure compliance with applicable policies and transparency in reporting, reporting performance to the Board of Trustees and relevant sub-committees. Business Development: Provide leadership in fundraising and investment efforts, cultivating relationships with stakeholders to secure contract income, generating margin to support independent policy work that benefits members Governance: Support the Group Chief Executive and Board of Trustees in the effective management and governance of the charity. Ensure effective liaison between the Group Executive Team and SLT, facilitating communication and ensuring that decisions and policies are effectively, consistently and fairly implemented Risk Management: Manage potential risks to the organization, developing strategies to mitigate them ensuring that NHS Employers (and the wider group) remain financially, reputationally and operationally sound Communication and Advocacy: advocate for employers in the NHS, representing their interests to government, regulators, trade unions, parliament, other stakeholders, the media, and the public. Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain positive relationships with members, the DHSC, external partners, regulators, media, and other stakeholders to enhance impact of, and support for, NHS Employers and the needs of our members. Continuous Improvement and Evaluation: Ensure all programs and teams deliver and report against agreed quality standards, seeking out improvements in ways of working and delivery, maximising their impact and efficiency