Chief Operating Officer

Working hours – full time (35 hours a week, Monday - Friday)\n\nLocation – London, hybrid homeworking (minimum 6 days a month in office)\n\nThe Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of physician training and standards across the UK and internationally. Through our work in assessment, training and professional development, we influence the quality of medical practice and patient care.\n\nFollowing a recent review, we are strengthening our executive leadership structure to support the Federation’s next phase of development. We are recruiting a new Chief Operating Officer following the planned retirement of the current postholder.\n\nBoth roles report directly to the Federation Chief Executive Officer, operate as peers within the executive leadership team, and will play a key part in leading organisational transformation and modernisation across complex, high-profile national functions.\n\nA broad executive leadership role responsible for organisational performance, operational delivery and sustainability across the Federation core activities (excluding assessment) and infrastructure.\n\nYou will lead:\n\n * \n\n Training, CPD, international and wider operational activity\n\n * \n\n Finance, risk and corporate services\n\n * \n\n Organisational systems, infrastructure and delivery capability\n\nWorking closely with the CEO and Chief Assessment and Quality Officer, you will ensure the Federation operates as a coherent, resilient and high-performing organisation and delivers effectively against its strategic and operational priorities.\n\nAbout you\n\nWe are seeking:\n\n * \n\n Proven executive leadership experience in complex organisations\n\n * \n\n The ability to lead at scale, through others, in high-performing environments\n\n * \n\n Strong strategic thinking combined with operational delivery\n\n * \n\n Experience working with Boards, senior stakeholders and external partners\n\n * \n\n A collaborative, values-driven leadership style\n\n * \n\n Experience leading transformation, change and organisational improvement\n\nWhy join us\n\nThis is an opportunity to:\n\n * \n\n Play a key role in shaping the future of postgraduate medical training and assessment across the UK\n\n * \n\n Lead complex functions at the highest level in a respected, mission-driven organisation\n\n * \n\n Work with senior stakeholders across healthcare, education and regulation\n\n * \n\n Drive meaningful organizational, operational and digital transformation\n\n * \n\n Contribute directly to standards, quality and patient care.\n\nStarting salary on appointment will be circa £90,000 depending on experience (Grade 9 of the RCP Pay scales).\n\nClosing date: 01 June 2026\n\n1st stage interviewing date: w/c 08 June 2026\n\n2nd stage interviewing date: w/c 15 June 2026\n\nThe RCP positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.\n\nThe RCP is all about our people – our members, staff, volunteers and leaders.