Chief Executive

The postholder will lead the people working in NHS Employers in line with the values and policies of the NHS Confederation. They will support the Group Chief Executive (and the Board) in the renewal of the organisation following the coming together of NHS Confederation and NHS Providers from 2026.

The NHS Employers Chief Executive acts as a key representative for NHS organisations in relation to people policy, liaising with colleagues across government, the NHS and trade unions.

They are accountable for the effective delivery of the NHS Employers contract and work programmes commissioned by the DHSC, and for enhancing the services available to members beyond those commissioned by DHSC.

NHS Employers is the employers organisation for the NHS in England and is part of theNHS Confederation. NHS Employers supports workforce leaders and represents employers to develop a sustainable workforce and be the best employers they can be.

It is a key part of the NHS Confederation which formally merged with NHS Providers as of 12

January 2026. The merged organisation will have a new name, identity and strategy that willbe launched at the start of April 2026. Its core purpose will be to improve the NHS and thehealth of the UK as the independent membership body providing an influential, trusted voicefor NHS leaders and supporting its members to drive improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: the development and effective implementation of strategic plans andgoals, 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 Employer steams 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 andDHSC/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 roleas 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 theproper 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 growthof 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…