Chief Operating Officer - Acute Services

Role Overview

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is looking for a dedicated, values-focused executive leader to fill the Chief Operating Officer (COO) position for Acute Services. This senior role involves overseeing one of Scotland's most extensive acute services networks, ensuring the delivery of safe, effective, patient-centered, and sustainable healthcare across various acute facilities and specialized services.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive and serving as a vital member of the Corporate Management Team, the COO will provide strategic and operational oversight of Acute Services. The role ensures alignment with Board priorities, national healthcare standards, and meets the healthcare requirements of the Greater Glasgow, Clyde, and wider West of Scotland populations.

There may be potential for assuming additional duties as Deputy Chief Executive based on experience, which would be compensated separately, though this is outside the scope of the current recruitment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Acute Services Division through extensive programs involving service transformation, recovery, remobilisation, and modernization.
• Guarantee integration across services and coordinate delivery of clinical and non-clinical operations in accordance with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s strategic vision.
• Oversee the provision of high-quality emergency and elective care, emphasizing unscheduled care performance, scheduled care programs, local cancer directives, and coordination of West of Scotland cancer services.
• Establish and maintain rigorous governance frameworks, including clinical and care governance, performance metrics, financial oversight, workforce management, and risk control with systematic internal review.
• Collaborate effectively with Executive Directors, Acute Directors, clinical leaders, Health and Social Care Partnership Chief Officers, staff representatives, and external stakeholders.
• Cultivate a supportive, inclusive, and values-driven workplace culture prioritizing quality improvement, staff welfare, patient experience, and prudent public resource management.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will have substantial leadership experience at senior levels such as Chief Executive, Chief Operating Officer, or Director within a complex organization, preferably NHS or public sector. Demonstrated success in operational leadership, strategic planning, performance enhancement, major service transformation, and partnership engagement is essential.

Applicants should possess a degree or equivalent qualification, with a postgraduate credential desirable. The role demands excellent interpersonal, strategic, and technical leadership abilities, with a visible, credible, compassionate, and inclusive approach that builds trust among colleagues and stakeholders while managing complex public healthcare changes.

Additional Details

• Salary: Executive and Senior Manager’s Cohort Grade H from £148,389 to £197,724 annually (pro rata)
• Tenure: Permanent
• Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week
• Location: JB Russell House, Gartnavel Royal Campus, 1055 Great Western Road, Glasgow G12 0XH
• Closing Date for Applications: 2nd August 2026
• Interview Period: Week commencing 24th August 2026

About NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

As Scotland’s largest health board and one of the UK’s largest healthcare providers, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde delivers a wide range of district, regional, and national acute services to a culturally diverse population. The organization collaborates closely with Health and Social Care Partnerships, local governments, academic institutions, staff representatives, and national agencies.

This position offers a unique chance to shape acute healthcare services substantially and lead dedicated clinical and professional teams through significant reform and advancement.

Inclusivity Statement

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is committed to encouraging applications from all community sectors. The organization fosters an inclusive culture and values its diverse workforce.