Deputy Director of People & Culture

Cipd Hr30; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 101,000 - GBP 131,000; Full time

Job summary

A top healthcare organization in Edinburgh is seeking a Deputy Director of People & Culture to lead strategic initiatives and ensure modern workforce policies. This pivotal role focuses on delivering high-quality services across employee relations and HR systems. Ideal candidates will have substantial HR leadership experience in complex settings and the ability to influence large-scale workforce changes. Applications require a CV and supporting statement, with details for two referees. Closing date: 23rd February 2026.

Qualifications

• Strong track record of delivering people and culture outcomes in complex environments.
• Experience within the NHS or a similarly complex organisation is beneficial.
• Ability to provide strategic leadership across People & Culture services.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior strategic leadership across multiple People & Culture services.
• Ensure equitable and modern approaches to workforce policy.
• Deputise for the Director of People & Culture and lead workforce transformation.

Skills

Senior HR leadership experience

Ability to influence workforce change

Multi-professional collaboration

Job description

- **Deputy Director of People & Culture**# Deputy Director of People & Culture£0.00Edinburgh£101,104 to £130,178 per annum (increasing to £104,895 - £135,060 per annum from 1st April 2026)Full TimeCIPD Member23 February 2026PermanentCorporate Strategy, Employee Relations, General HR Function, Organisational DevelopmentPublic Healthcare, Public SectorAdvisorNHS 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.**A Career‑Defining Moment for People & Culture Leaders**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 system‑wide innovation.Learn more about why it’s a fantastic time to join us, through a short . **About the Role**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.**What We’re Looking For**We are seeking a senior leader with a strong track record of delivering impactful people and culture outcomes in complex, multi‑professional 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.To arrange informal discussion please contact: [e-mail] date for applications: 12 midnight 23rd February 2026.A Stakeholder Assessment Event will take place on Monday 9th March 2026 for all shortlisted candidates and on-line 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. These should be returned to: [e-mail]