Chief Executive – NHS Fife

Job Description

Responsible to the Board Chair, accountable to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care through the NHS Scotland Chief Executive.

NHS Fife is seeking to appoint a dynamic Chief Executive to drive innovation, champion patient-centred care, and lead one of Scotland’s most forward-thinking health boards.

We are looking for an exceptional individual with a strong, demonstrable track record to lead a talented and committed workforce and make a real difference to the people of our communities.

This is an opportunity to lead a pivotal role in one of Scotland’s largest territorial NHS Boards, serving a population of 374,760 people and employing around 9,500 staff, at a time of significant challenge, reform and opportunity for health and care services.

Job details at a glance Salary Grade H (See Recruitment Pack)
Closing date 9 February 2026
Location Queen Margaret Hospital, Dunfermline
Contract Type: Permanent About NHS Fife

NHS Fife serves a diverse and growing population, with a workforce of highly skilled and dedicated colleagues who demonstrate remarkable professionalism, teamwork and resilience every day. As Scotland’s newest University Health Board, we are deepening our strategic partnership with the University of St Andrews, including the launch of the new medical degree and a growing programme of joint research, innovation, and education. This strengthening relationship places NHS Fife at the forefront of developing the future healthcare workforce and shaping new models of academic and clinical collaboration.

We are also entering a new phase of regional working as NHS Fife becomes part of the emerging East of Scotland Sub-National Planning Group. The next Chief Executive will play a critical role in advancing cross-Board collaboration, ensuring we maximise the benefits of shared planning, collective resilience, and coordinated service transformation across the region.

Who we’re looking for

As the Chief Executive you will serve as the Accountable Officer for NHS Fife, representing the most critical leadership role for health and healthcare services across Fife. This role offers the opportunity to make a significant and lasting impact on the health and wellbeing of the people of Fife and with a supportive and highly motivated Board with excellent working relationships between non execs and execs, NHS Fife is fully focused on delivering now and into the future.

Application process

If you are a motivated, forward-looking and values-led leader with a track record of delivering improvement in complex systems, please read the recruitment pack below and learn more about the role at our recruitment partners website.

We would be delighted to hear from those with the right attitude, skills and aptitude to take on this key role in one of Fife’s pre-eminent anchor institutions.

Closing date for applications: 9 February 2026