Executive Director – Professional Development Services

Executive Director – Professional Development Services Royal College of Surgeons of England

c. £120,000 per annum

Lead the future of professional education at a globally respected Royal College

Join the Royal College of Surgeons of England at a pivotal moment as it strengthens its “One College” approach and evolves its professional development offer across a global surgical and dental community.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a major, integrated directorate at scale - shaping the future of education, assessment and professional standards within one of the UK’s most prestigious institutions.

The Professional Development Services directorate sits at the heart of the College’s purpose - supporting surgeons and dental professionals throughout their careers, from training through to lifelong learning and advancement.

As Executive Director, you will lead the transformation of this directorate into a fully integrated professional development system
, bringing together education, examinations, learning and member-facing services to deliver a cohesive, high-quality and future-ready offer.

As Executive Director, you will:

• Provide leadership for a large,
  multi-functional directorate spanning education, assessment, examinations and professional services
• Shape and deliver the strategic direction of the College’s professional development provision
• Drive integration across education, standards and member services as part of the One College strategy
• Ensure high-quality, scalable and sustainable delivery of professional education and assessment systems
• Work closely with Council, senior clinicians, faculty and executive colleagues
• Lead organisational transformation, culture change and performance improvement

This role requires an established Executive Director who has already operated at this level of scale and complexity.

You will bring:

• A track record of leading professional education and assessment systems at scale
• Experience operating within regulated, membership or professional body environments with a strong education and assessment remit
• Demonstrable leadership of large, integrated service functions
• Strong strategic capability, with the ability to translate vision into delivery
• Experience engaging with senior stakeholders, boards and professional communities
• A commitment to quality, standards and professional excellence

Candidates will typically have operated at Executive Director or equivalent level within professional bodies, awarding organisations, higher education or similarly complex environments.

You will have led integrated education and assessment systems end-to-end, rather than contributing to individual components within them.

• A highly influential leadership role within a globally respected Royal College
• The opportunity to shape the future of professional education, assessment and standards
• A visible executive role with real impact across the surgical profession
• The chance to lead transformation at scale within a purpose-driven organisation

For a confidential discussion, please contact: