About The Organisation
National Services Scotland (NSS) is a national NHS Board operating right at the heart of NHS Scotland providing invaluable support and advice at a strategic and operational level. NSS supports customers to deliver their services more efficiently and effectively and we offer shared services on a national scale using best-in-class systems and standards. Our priority is always the same – to improve the health and well-being of the people of Scotland. We do this by working in partnership with colleagues across Health and Social Care to deliver fit for purpose solutions and systems, delivering high quality services that help our stakeholders to free up resources so they can be re-invested into essential services.
NHS Delivery
Earlier this year, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care introduced two key frameworks: the
Population Health Framework and the
Service Renewal Framework (SRF). The SRF sets out an ambitious vision to drive innovation and enable more integrated delivery across Scotland’s health and care services.
As part of this transformation, NHS National Services Scotland (NSS) and NHS Education for Scotland (NES) will come together to form a new organisation: NHS Delivery in April 2026. The new organisation will play a pivotal role in supporting the renewal and long-term sustainability of health and care services across the country.We are now inviting applications for the role of Director of National Procurement—a key leadership position within NHS Delivery. This is a unique opportunity to help shape a new organisation and lead strategic procurement at a national level. If you're passionate about innovation, collaboration and making a lasting impact on Scotland’s health and care system, we encourage you to apply.To learn more about NHS Delivery, please read the public consultation paper,
NHS Delivery – A New National Delivery Organisation, available on the Scottish Government website: NHS Delivery - a new national delivery organisation to lead transformation across our health and social care system - Scottish Government consultations - Citizen Space
The Post
This post operates at a National NHS Scotland level and reports to the Chief Executive. The primary purpose of this post is to provide national strategic leadership for the procurement function across NHS Scotland and direct leadership for the National Procurement Directorate.You will lead, drive and manage the development and delivery of a national contracting, supply chain and distribution service to all NHS Scotland Boards, offering the potential of this across the wider Health and Social Care environment.In addition to other responsibilities, you will lead, shape, and drive the successful implementation of policies and objectives agreed by NSS, the Scottish Procurement and Commercial Directorate (SPCD), and the Scottish Government Health and Social Care Directorate (SGHSCD). This includes providing regular, high-level policy advice and guidance to the Scottish Government and Ministers on a broad range of complex and sensitive procurement and commercial issues. You will also oversee all strategic sourcing activities, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s wider strategic goals and delivering third-party solutions that support healthcare delivery across NHS Scotland in both acute and community settings.
The Candidate
You should be an inspiring leader with the drive, insight, vision, and political acumen required to deliver clear and impactful leadership. Demonstrated success in senior management roles within complex, multidisciplinary settings is essential, along with substantial experience leading delivery within the NHS and/or industry environments.Additionally, you should also possess strong skills in influencing, negotiating, and facilitating, with the capability to build productive stakeholder relationships and thrive in environments where user engagement is a central priority.A degree-level education is essential, along with a postgraduate qualification in a management-related field and clear evidence of ongoing professional and personal development. Membership of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) is also requiredAny candidate who has lived/worked overseas for more than 12 months in the preceding five years will also be required to provide a criminal record check from the appropriate overseas agency.
Location and Working Pattern:
The base for this post is Canderside, Larkhall. We currently operate a hybrid working model.The working pattern for this role is Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per.It is a condition of this employment that you must live and remain a resident within the UK for the post in which you will be employed with NSS.
Benefits
Our benefits package includes pension scheme, comprehensive range of work life balance policies, occupational health services, learning resource centres and discounted leisure, financial and shopping benefits. https://www.nss.nhs.scot/media/4016/employee-benefits-brochure-nss-16-05-2024.pdf
Inclusion
NHS National Services Scotland (NSS) is a national board and, as an
anchor institution
, it is our ambition to be a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone feels welcome. We recognise that
flexible working
creates an inclusive workplace where employees can thrive and feel confident about their ability to balance their personal and professional responsibilities. This is supported through Once for Scotland flexible working policies. NSS has made a long-term commitment to staff health and well-being and offers many
learning and development opportunities
to support and improve our approaches to diversity, inclusion and mental health in the workplace. There are a number of equality
staff networks
in place which all staff are welcome to join. We are also an equal opportunities employer and as such guarantee to interview all
disabled applicants
who meet the minimum criteria for our vacancies. As an accredited
Disability Confident Leader
, it is the aim of NSS to offer a fully accessible and inclusive recruitment service that supports applicants on their candidate journey. If you are interested in any
reasonable adjustments
, please contact the Recruitment Team on NSS.wfrs@nhs.scot
Further Information
For an informal discussion on this post, please contact susan.ferguson4@nhs.scot to arrange an appointment with Mary Morgan, NSS Chief Executive.
Closing date for completed applications is 2 November 2025.
Please Note That While We Are Aiming For The Following Key Dates, They May Be Subject To Change Depending On Panel Availability
- Assessment process: Week commencing 24 November 2025
- Final panel interview: Week commencing 15 December 2025
- Anticipated start date: March 2026
Further information on NSS is available from: https://www.nss.nhs.scot/
Please note that the majority of correspondence is sent by e-mail only, so please check your e-mail regularly (including junk folders).NHS National Services Scotland is an equal opportunities employer and as committed participant in the disability confident scheme, guarantees to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for our vacanciesNHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.
