Martin qualified as a doctor in 1981. He trained in general and vascular surgery before electing to enter General Practice. From 1990 until 2004 he was a GP partner in a training practice.

He has previously chaired a Primary Care Group and Professional Executive Committee and was Chief Executive of North Eastern Derbyshire Primary Care Trust from 2004-2006. From 2006-2012 he was Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Strategic Planning and Health Outcomes for NHS Lincolnshire as well as a member of the National Patient Safety Forum and Vice Chair of East Midlands Specialised Commissioning Group.

He was appointed his new role within the Medical Directorate of NHS England in 2012.