Chief Operating Officer

Working hours – full time (35 hours a week, Monday - Friday) 

Location – London, hybrid homeworking (minimum 6 days a month in office)

The 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.

Following a recent review, we are strengthening our executive leadership structure to support the Federation’s next phase of development. We are also recruiting a Chief Assessment & Quality Officer (CAQO)

Both 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.

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

A broad executive leadership role responsible for organisational performance, operational delivery and sustainability across the Federation core activities (excluding assessment) and infrastructure.

You will lead:

• Training, CPD, international and wider operational activity
• Finance, risk and corporate services
• Organisational systems, infrastructure and delivery capability

Working 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.

About you

We are seeking:

• Proven executive leadership experience in complex organisations
• The ability to lead at scale, through others, in high-performing environments
• Strong strategic thinking combined with operational delivery
• Experience working with Boards, senior stakeholders and external partners
• A collaborative, values-driven leadership style
• Experience leading transformation, change and organisational improvement

Why join us

This is an opportunity to:

• Play a key role in shaping the future of postgraduate medical training and assessment across the UK
• Lead complex functions at the highest level in a respected, mission-driven organisation
• Work with senior stakeholders across healthcare, education and regulation
• Drive meaningful organizational, operational and digital transformation
• Contribute directly to standards, quality and patient care.

Starting salary on appointment will be circa £90,000 depending on experience (Grade 9 of the RCP Pay scales). 

How to apply 

Please click "Apply Now" to submit your CV and a supporting statement (no more than 2 pages) explaining, with clear examples, how your skills and experience match the job description and person specification. Applicants who do not submit a relevant supporting statement as requested will not be shortlisted. 

For informal discussions about either role please contact Rachael O’Flynn, Federation CEO (Rachael.OFlynn@thefederation.uk).

For an informal discussion about the application process, candidates are welcome to contact our recruitment team on:  

Email: recruitment@rcp.ac.uk 

Telephone: 020 3075 1649 

Closing date: 01 June 2026

1st stage interviewing date: w/c 08 June 2026

2nd stage interviewing date: w/c 15 June 2026

The 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. 

The RCP is all about our people – our members, staff, volunteers and leaders. We educate, influence and collaborate to improve health and healthcare for everyone and know we can only do this by being inclusive, encouraging and celebrating diverse perspectives. Welcoming into our community people who represent the 21st-century medical workforce and the diverse population of patients we serve is a priority for us. 

Who we are

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is a rewarding and friendly place to work with an incredible history, dating back to our foundation in 1518 by King Henry VIII. We are a professional membership body for physicians – doctors who work in hospitals – with over 40,000 members in the UK and around the world working to improve patient care and reduce illness. Our activities focus on educating, improving and influencing for better health and care.