Head of Talent

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.

With effect from 01 April 2026, NHS Scotland is reducing its full‑time working week from 37 to 36 hours per week, with no change in full‑time pay.

NHS Tayside’s People & Culture Directorate is recruiting a Head of Talent Acquisition. This is an exciting role that will involve leading the delivery of an effective Recruitment, Medical Staffing, Staff Bank and Employability service for NHS Tayside, offering the unique opportunity to shape the experience of all staff and potential applicants, and to support managers in enhancing and reshaping services delivered to the population of Tayside.

The People & Culture Directorate provides a comprehensive range of services to approximately 14,000 employees across Angus, Dundee, Perth and Kinross.

As Head of Talent Acquisition you will provide strong leadership to large, diverse teams, supporting and encouraging workforce transformation initiatives that promote clinical and service excellence. You will ensure the organisation is supported by a highly capable and professional HR team, driving results and success, with a particular focus on Talent Acquisition, Employability and Attraction strategy. You will lead the development and application of effective and dynamic strategies that are positive, proactive and focused on delivering the Board’s strategic and operational priorities.

You will act as a senior source of expert HR advice, supporting leaders across NHS Tayside, up to and including Board Executives. You will provide excellent leadership, working in partnership with senior managers, partnership representatives and recognised trade unions to lead the delivery of an All‑Staff Bank, Employability, Recruitment and Attraction Service and Medical Staffing function.

You will work collaboratively with all our HR functions to ensure best HR practice is identified, implemented and reviewed, and will hold responsibility for this large, diverse HR portfolio, ensuring high‑quality governance for NHS Tayside.

We are seeking a leader with a strong track record of delivering impactful People and Culture outcomes in complex, high‑volume, multi‑professional environments. You will bring senior HR leadership experience within the NHS or a similarly complex organisation, and you will foster genuine partnership working, cultivating strong, trust‑based relationships with staff‑side colleagues and service users.

You will contribute active leadership at both regional and national levels, naturally leading by fostering a culture where equity, diversity, inclusion and wellbeing are truly lived values.

To arrange an informal discussion please contact Kevin Colcough, Deputy Director of People & Culture.

Short‑listed applicants will be contacted by email. Please check your email regularly, including your junk/spam folder.

• You should apply for this post by completing the application process on Jobtrain.
• DO NOT upload a CV as this will not be used for shortlisting purposes.
• Posts close at midnight on the indicated date.
• For help to complete an application on Jobtrain please follow this link:
• To view our accessibility statement, please follow this link:
• If you wish to participate in the Job Interview Guarantee Scheme and have been invited to interview, please contact the Hiring Manager as detailed in the advert to discuss any special requirements that you will need to enable you to attend the interview.
• Please note that our correspondence method is by e‑mail, therefore please ensure you enter your email address accurately.
• Please check your e‑mail regularly (including junk folders) and your Jobtrain account for updates.
• Please contact Jobtrain Candidate Support Hub for advice and support with any system issues.
• We recommend using the Internet Browser "Google Chrome" or "Microsoft Edge" when using Jobtrain.
• Once you have submitted your application form you will be unable to make any amendments.

If you are a current member of staff, please ensure you update your Jobtrain profile to reflect that you are employed by NHS Tayside.