At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead our life-saving helicopter and road-based critical care response service.
- Company: Join the Great North Air Ambulance Service, a top UK Helicopter Emergency Medical Service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Work in a collaborative culture that values commitment, courage, and care.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission that saves lives and supports communities every day.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in complex services, excellent communication, and relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 72904 - 84656 £ per year.
Join our life-saving mission as our Head of HEMS Operations.
Closing date: Friday 10th July 2026
£72,904, rising to £84,656 after 5 years
Hours: Full-time
Contract: Permanent
About the Role
This is a rare and exciting opportunity to join our team in a senior, high-profile leadership position. Reporting directly to our Chief Executive Officer, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across our helicopter and road-based critical care response service. You will oversee operational performance, workforce leadership, service resilience, governance, and continuous improvement, ensuring our teams can continue delivering safe, effective and responsive care to patients across our region.
As a member of the senior leadership team, you will work closely with trustees, medical leaders, senior paramedics, ambulance services and partner organisations to drive operational excellence and support the charity’s long-term ambitions.
We’re looking for an experienced and credible operational leader with a track record of leading complex services, driving performance and developing high-performing teams. You’ll be confident making decisions in fast-paced environments, managing risk, and delivering continuous improvement. You will bring strong leadership, excellent communication skills and the ability to build effective relationships across a wide range of stakeholders. Experience within healthcare, emergency services, aviation or another regulated operational environment would be advantageous.
Above all, you’ll share our values of being Committed, Courageous and Caring, and be motivated by the opportunity to lead a service that makes a real difference.
Why Join GNAAS?
Joining the Great North Air Ambulance Service is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact every single day. As one of the UK’s leading Helicopter Emergency Medical Services, we provide life‑saving critical care to people across the North East and North West of England, often at the most challenging moments of their lives. At GNAAS, our values are at the heart of everything we do. We are Committed to delivering excellence, Courageous in embracing new challenges and opportunities, and Caring in the way we support our patients, colleagues and communities. We foster a culture of collaboration, respect and continuous improvement, where leaders are empowered to help others succeed.
Apply Now
For further information about the role and details on how to apply, please visit our careers page via the link below. Closing date for applications: Friday 10 July 2026 (midnight) Interview date: Thursday 30 July 2026
Head of HEMS Operations in Eaglescliffe employer: Great North Air Ambulance Service
At Great North Air Ambulance Service, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the healthcare sector, offering a unique opportunity to lead a life-saving mission in a supportive and dynamic environment. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our collaborative culture, where leaders are empowered to drive operational excellence while making a tangible difference in the lives of patients across the North East and North West of England. With competitive salaries, a focus on continuous improvement, and a strong emphasis on our core values of Commitment, Courage, and Caring, GNAAS is an exceptional place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their careers.
Contact Details:
Great North Air Ambulance Service Recruitment Team
