At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformational change in HR services and develop a high-performing culture.
- Company: Join Mersey & West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, a leader in healthcare transformation.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: We value diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Be part of a pivotal transformation journey and make a real impact on employee experience.
- Qualifications: Degree level education and significant senior management experience in HR.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
37.5 hours (8 Days, Subject to AFC) Base: Whiston Hospital with frequent travel to other sites such as Ormskirk and Southport as required. Hybrid working opportunity.
Mersey & West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is embarking on an ambitious transformation of its HR Directorate. We are reshaping how workforce services are delivered, creating a service future that is digitally enabled, insight‑led and centred on employee experience. This is a rare opportunity to join the senior leadership team at a pivotal point in our transformation journey. We are seeking an exceptional leader who is energized by change and motivated by the opportunity to build something different.
As Assistant Chief People Officer you will be a visible, credible and values‑driven leader who leads through influence, accountability and delivery. You will work with the Chief People Officer and Deputy Chief People Officers to deliver an ambitious People Strategy, organisational transformation and a modern, digitally enabled people function. You will lead transformation, create a high‑performing culture, drive performance and hold yourself and others to account by building a strong team capable of delivering sustainable improvement.
Main Duties of the Job
- Help shape the future of people services at Mersey & West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
- Lead a portfolio of people services, drive transformational change, develop organisational capability and deliver a modern, digitally enabled and experience‑led people function.
- Influence the direction of the organisation, support the delivery of strategic priorities and help create a culture defined by accountability, inclusion, high performance and continuous improvement.
- Look for an exceptional leader who thrives in complexity, combines strategic thinking with a strong focus on delivery, and has a proven ability to build high‑performing teams, lead change at scale and improve organisational performance.
Qualifications
- Educated to degree level and/or equivalent qualification
- MCIPD professional registration
- Master’s degree in HR Management or related qualification and/or equivalent experience
- Postgraduate qualification in specialist area e.g. leadership or equivalent experience
- Evidence of CPD
Knowledge & Experience
- Significant senior management experience in HR
- Evidence of managing complex human and financial resource issues
- Experience of providing a professional HR Service in a customer focused environment
- A track record of managing innovation and service improvement
- Experience of contract management and delivery
- Experience of working with and influencing senior managers and customers
- Experience of writing business plans, policies, business cases and board papers
- Demonstrable knowledge of the NHS agenda
- Demonstrable knowledge of governance requirements
- Knowledge of contract management
- Knowledge of leadership development and its impact on transformational change
- Demonstrable experience of effective change management resulting in improved outcomes
- Knowledge and understanding of the national strategic context for NHS HR services
- Detailed knowledge and understanding of NHS workforce terms and conditions of service
Skills
- Ability to act with complete independence and express highest levels of initiative
- Ability to lead, motivate and develop a team effectively; and to motivate staff through delegation, review and support
- Able to analyse both strategic and operational issues, provide positive and innovative solutions progressing these through at a practical level
- Highly articulate and well‑developed communication skills and interpersonal skills; advanced presentation and written skills.
- Excellent social skills with proficiency in managing relationships and building networks
- Ability to manage complex relationships and to gain/ negotiate successful outcomes with key stakeholders where expert opinion may differ
- IT literate and advanced working knowledge and computer proficiency of all Microsoft Office
- Able to demonstrate impact and proactive customer relationship building, with the ability to respect, influence and motivate a range of stakeholders to deliver continuous improvement in services
- Highly developed problem solving, analytical and interpretive skills
- Strategic and business planning approach to delivery and development of services
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We actively cultivate a professional environment of fairness, equality, dignity and respect for all individuals. We welcome all applicants irrespective of race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and under‑represented groups. We are committed to offering an interview to all disabled applicants and all armed forces veterans who meet the minimum criteria for the job.
Assistant Chief People Officer employer: Merseywestlancs
At St Helens Hospital, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for our Therapy Assistants. Our commitment to professional development ensures that you will have ample opportunities to grow your skills while making a meaningful impact on patient care. With a focus on teamwork and collaboration, you'll be part of a dedicated team that values diversity and fosters innovation in rehabilitation services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Chief People Officer
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Merseywestlancs!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Merseywestlancs.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Chief People Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Merseywestlancs. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Merseywestlancs and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Merseywestlancs. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Merseywestlancs's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Merseywestlancs
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Merseywestlancs.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Merseywestlancs will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Merseywestlancs and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
