this week

NHS chief executive Sir Alan Langlands is looking for a deputy at a salary of at least£100,000.

The successful candidate will be the first deputy chief executive since Sir Alan took up his post five years ago and will be responsible for 'ensuring that the new structures and processes which are being established work in practice'.

An NHS Executive spokesperson said the post was being re-created in recognition of Sir Alan's growing role and 'to make sure there is a balance between national and local management'.

Sir Alan's own contract came up for renewal earlier this year and it is thought his deputy could be groomed as his successor.

But the successful candidate 'wouldn't necessarily be an NHS insider'. The advertisement for the job refers to a 'track record of achievement' in 'the public or private sector'.

Peter Griffiths, former deputy chief executive and now director of Health Quality Service, said the appointment should go to an NHS insider. 'You need that experience to carry the confidence of chief executives on the ground.'