Hours:
35 hours per week
About The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) is a prestigious independent membership organisation committed to advancing education, training, and professional development for surgeons, dental surgeons, medical practitioners, and healthcare professionals involved in surgical patient care. With a membership nearing 29,000 spanning over 100 countries, the College is a global leader in its field.
Since its establishment in 1505, the College has championed the advancement of surgery and patient safety worldwide. With over five centuries of history, this is an exciting time to join RCSEd as it continues to grow and innovate.
Working with Us
At RCSEd, we aim to create an inclusive environment that reflects the diverse needs of our membership, supporting shared goals to further surgical and dental professions for the greater good of healthcare.
We also take pride in supporting our staff with a host of benefits, including:
- 42 days of annual leave
- Flexible working arrangements
- Enhanced employer pension contributions
- Discounts at Ten Hill Place Hotel, the 1505 Café, and free access to Surgeons’ Hall Museums
For further details on the role, please contact: [email protected]
About the Role
This is not your typical management position.
We are seeking a motivated individual who excels at navigating complex challenges, builds lasting relationships, and consistently finds practical and innovative solutions. Reporting to the Head of Faculties, you will take on the strategic and operational leadership of three of RCSEd’s six Faculties, working closely with world-leading surgeons and healthcare experts who volunteer their time to advance surgical education and improve patient outcomes globally.
You will also oversee and develop a small, high-performing team comprising a Faculty Development Lead, a Faculty Coordinator, and shared support from a Coordinator and an Administrator. Your role as a leader will be to foster a supportive and empowering environment in which your team can thrive, balancing day-to-day operational delivery with strategic planning and continuous improvements.
No two days will be the same. Whether advising a Faculty Chair on governance matters, developing a business case for a new educational initiative, or resolving unexpected operational hurdles, this role is diverse and dynamic. Collaboration will be critical to your success, as you’ll work across the organisation, rallying colleagues around shared goals and delivering projects that enhance member experiences and services.
We are looking for someone with a strategic mindset who isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves, seamlessly shifting between coaching colleagues, influencing senior stakeholders, leading cross-departmental projects, and solving complex problems.
You’ll join a supportive, forward-thinking leadership team that values curiosity, teamwork, and continuous improvement. We believe in providing autonomy for leadership, tailored opportunities for growth, and the chance to help define the future direction of the Faculties function.
About You
We are excited to hear from candidates with sound judgement, a collaborative spirit, and a problem-solving mindset.
Rather than all the answers, we value someone who is skilled in asking the right questions, leveraging team expertise, and guiding collaborative decision-making processes.
The ideal candidate will:
- Be calm, adaptable, and solutions-oriented, even when faced with shifting priorities or ambiguity.
- Build trust and rapport quickly, using diplomacy and strong interpersonal skills to influence senior stakeholders and volunteers.
- Have experience leading and developing teams, managing complex stakeholder networks, and delivering impactful projects or services—ideally within a professional, membership, healthcare, education, or charitable organisation.
We are especially keen on applicants who can demonstrate:
- Exceptional interpersonal, relationship-building, and emotional intelligence skills.
- Proven experience leading complex, cross-functional projects to deliver shared outcomes.
- A collaborative leadership style that develops staff and fosters partnerships.
- Financial management expertise (budgeting, financial analysis, and understanding commercial factors).
- Resilience and professionalism in challenging or sensitive situations.
- The ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining high-quality standards.
- Sound decision-making, outstanding judgement, tact, and diplomacy.
- Interest or experience in change management and organisational development.
- Curiosity, adaptability, and an eagerness to continuously improve services.
- Experience in international or intercultural environments (preferred but not essential).
If you’re excited by this role but don’t meet every specific qualification, we still encourage you to apply. We value attitude, potential, and a shared passion for our mission over ticking every box. What matters most is your drive, resilience, and desire to make a lasting positive impact.
Looking to the Future
As RCSEd Faculties grow, so does our commitment to innovation. You will have opportunities to develop expertise in areas such as:
- AI literacy and the application of emerging technologies
- Workflow automation and process optimisation
- Data visualisation and insight-driven decision-making
- Service design and continuous service improvement
- Systems thinking and sustainable solution design
You don’t need to have advanced knowledge in these areas now. What we value most is your willingness to learn and eagerness to shape the evolving future of the Faculties function.
Key Details
- Hours: 35 per week
- Location: Based at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
- Interviews: Face-to-face, date to be confirmed
- Deadline: Submit your application by 09:00 on 3 August
Please note that we do not accept CVs, and agency applications are not required.
Contact Information:
Email: [email protected]
Address: Human Resources
The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
Nicolson Street, Edinburgh EH8 9DW
Registered Charity No. SC005317