Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage Mental Health services at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital.
- Company: NHS Lothian is a major health system serving over 900,000 people in Scotland.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunities for professional growth, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Join a values-driven organisation focused on transformational change and collaborative leadership.
- Qualifications: Significant operational management experience in a senior NHS role or similar complex organisation required.
- Other info: Informal discussions available; apply by 28 March 2025.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 110000 £ per year.
£96,982 - £124,871
Permanent, 37.5 hours per week
Location: Royal Edinburgh Hospital
NHS Lothian covers Edinburgh city, East Lothian, Midlothian, and West Lothian. As one of the largest UK health systems and one of the largest teaching Boards in Scotland, we have strategic partnerships with local Universities, local authorities and our four integration Joint Boards. We serve a population of 903,000, providing a range of primary care, community based, mental health and acute services. We also provide a wide range of nationally commissioned specialist services for the whole country, as well as regional services to populations ranging from 1.4m to 2.5m.
We are looking for a highly motivated, innovative and enthusiastic individual to lead, manage and drive forward Mental Health services and management of the Royal Edinburgh Hospital Site. You will be responsible for the safe delivery of patient centred, safe and effective services in accordance with NHS Lothian’s corporate objectives and within the context of Scottish Government policy and priorities.
The Service Director will contribute to and participate in the setting of the strategic direction for health services in NHS Lothian working closely with Acute Directors, HSCP and Corporate Directors to ensure effective whole system working. This exciting and challenging post requires significant operational management experience in a senior leadership role within the NHS or similar complex organisation. You will have a proven track record of achievement in managing complex service change and improvement programmes.
As the lead officer on the REH site, you will be expected to lead and oversee complex QI and service transformation programmes through proactive visioning, collaborative working and collective leadership, engaging with partners and stakeholders. You must be able to balance demand management and capacity planning, whilst managing competing and conflicting priorities in terms of resources and timescales for delivery.
We are a values-driven organisation with an ambitious transformational change programme linked to our strategic development framework. We want to attract the best talent. Someone who acts with integrity and embraces and projects collective, compassionate and inspirational leadership. You will be recognised by your peers for your innately collaborative leadership style and natural ability to build trust across all stakeholders.
Closing date for applications: 5pm Friday 28 March 2025
Interviews will be held in Edinburgh week beginning Monday 7th April 2025.
Service Director (Royal Edinburgh and Associated Services) employer: NHS Lothian
Contact Detail:
NHS Lothian Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Director (Royal Edinburgh and Associated Services)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the NHS and mental health sectors. Attend relevant conferences or seminars to meet potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in service delivery. This can help you gain insights into the role and make valuable connections.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with NHS Lothian's strategic objectives and current initiatives. Understanding their goals will allow you to tailor your discussions during interviews, demonstrating how your experience aligns with their vision for mental health services.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your leadership experience in managing complex service changes. Highlight your ability to engage stakeholders and drive transformation, as these are key aspects of the Service Director role.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider reaching out to current or former employees of NHS Lothian for informational interviews. They can provide insider knowledge about the organisational culture and expectations, which can be invaluable in your preparation.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Director (Royal Edinburgh and Associated Services)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Service Director position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities, required skills, and the values of NHS Lothian. Tailor your application to reflect how your experience aligns with these aspects.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your operational management experience within the NHS or similar organisations. Provide specific examples of your achievements in managing complex service changes and improvement programmes.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Demonstrate your collaborative leadership style in your application. Use examples that illustrate your ability to build trust and engage with stakeholders effectively, as this is a crucial aspect of the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a strong cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your passion for mental health services and your vision for the role. Make sure to connect your personal values with those of NHS Lothian.
How to prepare for a job interview at NHS Lothian
✨Understand the NHS Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the structure and priorities of NHS Lothian and the wider Scottish Government policies. Being able to discuss how your experience aligns with their objectives will demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples of your past leadership roles, particularly in managing complex service changes. Highlight your collaborative leadership style and how you've successfully engaged stakeholders in previous positions.
✨Emphasise Patient-Centred Care
Be ready to discuss how you have previously ensured safe and effective patient care. Share examples that illustrate your ability to balance demand management with capacity planning while maintaining high standards of service delivery.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Anticipate questions that may require you to solve hypothetical challenges related to mental health services. Practising your responses to these scenarios can help you articulate your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking effectively.
