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Chief Executive, NHS Employers

THE NHS CONFEDERATION
150,000 - 170,000 per year
Leeds or London
Full-time
11th February 2026

30 days holiday

Occupational health

Flexi time

Salary £150,000 - £170,000 per annum

Location Leeds or London; Agile with significant time required in London (as well as regular travel throughout England)

Expiry Date 11/02/2026 23:59

This is a Permanent, Full Time vacancy that will close in 21 days at 23:59 GMT.

The vacancy

Following the promotion of our present postholder, the NHS Confederation is seeking an outstanding leader to serve as Chief Executive of NHS Employers, representing NHS organisations on people policy and leading a high-impact team at the heart of the NHS Confederation.

About the role:

  • Act as the key representative for NHS organisations on workforce and people policy, working closely with government, NHS bodies, and trade unions, influencing health and employment policy to improve workforce management and support more equitable, healthier communities.
  • Lead our people in the delivery of the NHS Employers contract and work programmes, ensuring high-quality services for the DHSC, other commissioners and our members
  • Support the renewal and integration of the wider organisation as NHS Confederation and NHS Providers come together to represent and support the health sector.
  • Drive continuous improvement across all programmes and ensure operational excellence, financial health, and compliance, reporting to the Board of Trustees.

About you:

  • Proven executive leadership in complex environments.
  • Ability to define and communicate clear direction, translating vision into action.
  • Demonstrates inclusive leadership values, with a commitment to fairness, equity, diversity, and staff development.
  • Strong track record in financial stewardship and people management, ideally with NHS and HR experience..
  • Excellent communicator and advocate, credible in high-profile settings, and adept at building coalitions and engaging diverse stakeholders.

To apply

Please download the job description found at the end of this page and click apply to complete the application form. Please note we do not accept CVs.

For an informal discussion about the post and the NHS Confederation before applying please contact Danny Mortimer, CEO on 0113 306 3040 or Daniel.Mortimer@nhsemployers.org

Application deadline: 11th February 2026 (midnight)

Interview date: 26th February 2026

Join us to shape the future of NHS workforce policy and make a lasting impact on health and care across England.

About us

The NHS Confederation is the membership organisation that brings together, supports and speaks for the whole healthcare system in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The NHS Confederation is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive environment for our staff. A place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit. We offer a range of inclusive employment policies including family friendly policies and flexible working and we have range of channels to support staff from different backgrounds including our staff networks and a staff forum.

The NHS Confederation is committed to being a flexible employer. We understand the value and benefit to our employees being able to work flexibly and our agile working principles are designed to empower our people to work with optimal flexibility and minimal constraints to support a work life balance and take care of employee health and wellbeing.

You will receive an excellent benefits package, including 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), pension scheme, cycle to work scheme, salary sacrifice schemes and travel season ticket loans.

Benefits

Employee assistant (counselling)

Cycle to work scheme

Mindful employer plus

Occupational health

30 days holiday

Flexi time

Season ticket loan

Eye tests/ flu jabs

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Published

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Closing

in 21 days

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