The Scottish Government has launched a recruitment campaign for a national health chief to replace Paul Gray, who stepped down from the role earlier this year after a three-decade civil service career.
Gray had been the top civil servant for healthcare in Scotland since December 2013, and led the integration of the nation's health and social care service in 2016.
His dual role positioned Gray as chief executive of NHS Scotland and director of health and social care for the Scottish Government. The advertisement for his replacement offers a three-year fixed-term contract with an annual salary of “circa £180,000”, with the possiblility of a one or two-year contract extension.
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Scottish Government pay transparency data published in March 2018 gave Gray’s salary bracket as £145,000 to £149,999.
The job advert for the joint NHS Scotland and Scottish Government job describes it as “the most significant, high profile and influential leadership role in the Scottish public health sector” and an opportunity to be the Scottish Government’s principal policy adviser on health and social care.
“We are looking for an enthusiastic, inclusive leader,” it says. “You will have deep experience in delivering large-scale system change and be able to integrate measures which enhance outcomes and the quality of user experience with those that improve efficiency, productivity and performance.
“We are looking for someone who combines strategic policy judgement and political awareness with the experience and ability to lead, motivate and develop teams, work across boundaries and add value to the corporate team.
“The successful candidate will have a track record of leadership, achievement, resilience and delivery at senior level with experience of changing cultures and systems, ensuring value for money and translating strategic vision and challenges into clear objectives and delivery.”
The advert adds that successful candidates for the SCS pay band 3 role would be expected to undergo a medical exam.
The closing date for applications is 24 April, with interviews expected to take place in early June.