HEMS Group Operations Manager
Join our life-saving mission.
Closing date: Sunday 22nd February 2026
Location
Progress House (Teesside) & Langwathby (Cumbria)
Salary
£70,100 per annum
Hours
Full-time, 40 hours per week
Contract
Permanent
About the Role
This is a rare and exciting opportunity to join our team in a senior, high-profile leadership position, equivalent to an NHS General Manager role.
As HEMS Group Operations Manager, you will hold strategic and operational responsibility for the delivery of our clinical, operational and aviation activities across multiple sites. Reporting directly to our Chief Executive Officer and working closely with the Board of Trustees, Medical Directors and Senior Leadership Team, you will provide visible, inspirational leadership to a highly skilled HEMS workforce operating at the very highest level of pre-hospital critical care.
You will be based across our two aircraft operations sites in Teesside and Langwathby, with oversight of road-based Rapid Response Vehicles (RRVs) and a shared night base. This is a site-based role and cannot be undertaken remotely. Relocation to the operational area will be required.
To maintain strong clinical credibility and engagement with frontline teams, up to 20% of the role will involve operational duties, flying or responding on an RRV, subject to competency and scope of practice.
If you would like to discuss the role, please contact Dr Philip O’Donnell – Medical Director (Philip.ODonnell@greatnorthairambulance.co.uk) and Dr Laura Duffy – Deputy Medical Director (laura.duffy@greatnorthairambulance.co.uk).
About You
You will be a credible, experienced and confident leader with a strong background in HEMS or pre-hospital critical care, capable of operating effectively at board level while remaining visible, approachable and respected by frontline teams. You will bring significant leadership and management experience, including responsibility for budgets, workforce planning and performance in complex, high-pressure environments.
You will be an HCPC-registered Paramedic with a minimum of five years’ post-registration experience, educated to degree level with postgraduate study at Diploma or Master’s level (or working towards). Strong clinical judgement, a clear commitment to patient safety and quality improvement, and the ability to inspire and develop others are essential. You will hold a full UK driving licence (C1/D1) with blue light emergency driving qualification, and be willing to undertake additional specialist training as required.
Experience as a HEMS Critical Care Paramedic and holding a HEMS CCP qualification (or willingness to complete this within three months) would be advantageous.
Why Join GNAAS?
This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal leadership role within one of the UK’s most respected air ambulance charities. As HEMS Group Operations Manager, you will help shape the future direction of our operational and clinical services, working alongside nationally recognised clinicians, senior leaders and trustees.
You will make a direct, life-saving impact for communities across the North of England, while benefiting from competitive senior pay, an aviation allowance and the opportunity for long-term professional development within a values-led, mission-driven organisation.
Apply Now
For further information about the role and details on how to apply, please visit our careers page via the link below.
Closing date for applications: Sunday 22 February 2026 (midnight)
