Deputy Director of People and Culture; SNEW

Deputy Director of People and Culture

Edinburgh

Salary £101,104 to £130,178 per annum (increasing to £104,895 - £135,060 per annum from 1st April 2026)

NHS Lothian is recruiting an outstanding Deputy Director of People & Culture, a pivotal senior leadership role at the heart of one of Scotland’s largest and most complex healthcare systems. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of the people profession at a time of major transformation across NHS Scotland, and to help lead a directorate central to delivering high‑quality, person‑centred care for our 28,000 colleagues.

We are a values‑driven organisation with an ambitious transformational change programme, and this role comes at a particularly exciting time. New sub‑national planning and delivery structures and the national procurement of an integrated HR, Finance, Procurement and Payroll ERP system provide a rare platform to reimagine the HR operating model across Scotland. NHS Lothian is one of two lead Boards for these reforms and has a well‑established business systems function, placing the successful candidate at the forefront of systemwide innovation.

As Deputy Director, you will provide senior strategic leadership across multiple People & Culture services including Employee Relations, HR Services, HR Systems, Job Evaluation, Pay, Policy, and Whistleblowing. You will ensure a consistent, equitable, modern, and people‑centred approach to workforce policy and practice, while delivering high‑quality services to Scotland’s second‑largest NHS workforce.

You will deputise for the Director of People & Culture and play a key part in delivering NHS Lothian’s People & Culture Strategy, Workforce Plan, and the transformation required for a healthy and high‑performing organisation.

We are seeking a senior leader with a strong track record of delivering impactful people and culture outcomes in complex, multiprofessional environments. You will bring substantial senior HR leadership experience within the NHS or a similarly complex organisation. NHS experience is beneficial but not essential; we welcome applications from leaders across sectors who can bring fresh thinking and experience in influencing large‑scale workforce change, improvement and effective partnership working.

Candidates considering relocation will find the Edinburgh and Lothians region offers exceptional work‑life balance, vibrant communities, and outstanding cultural and natural assets.

Watch the video below to find out more from our Director of People and Culture.

To Arrange Informal Discussion Please Contact.

Closing date for applications: midnight on 23rd February 2026.

A Stakeholder Assessment Event will take place on Monday 9th March 2026 for all shortlisted candidates and online Psychometric Assessments will be issued to shortlisted candidates in advance.

Interviews will be held in Edinburgh on Monday 16th March 2026.

Applications are by CV with a supporting statement, outlining the qualifications, experience and this opportunity. Please include the names and contact details of two referees, one of whom should be your current employer.