HR Future Leaders Programme 2026-2027 in Manchester

Opportunity to develop your skills and commercial critical thinking.

About Our Client

At Michael Page, our purpose is simple but powerful: to Change Lives and help people realise their full potential. As a global professional recruitment business with deep roots in the HR community, we see first‑hand the increasing expectations placed on senior People leaders. The HR Future Leaders Programme was created to respond to that reality - supporting the next generation of HR leaders with access, insight and development that is often only available through costly consultancy or executive education programmes. Launched in 2023, the programme reflects our long‑term commitment to the HR profession across the North and Midlands, and our belief that exceptional People leadership changes organisations, careers and communities.

Job Description

ABOUT THE PROGRAMME - NORTH WEST of ENGLAND

The HR Future Leaders Programme is an immersive, in‑person development journey for senior HR professionals who are already operating at a high level and want to accelerate their transition into People Director and Chief People Officer roles. Delivered through quarterly face‑to‑face sessions in Manchester, the programme combines board‑level commercial insight, real‑world casework, executive mentoring and peer challenge. Sessions are led by experienced People Directors, Chief People Officers, CEOs and CFOs from complex, high‑growth and investor‑led environments.

• Owning your seat in the boardroom and influencing at ExCo level
• Commercial cost of employment and organisational design strategies
• Reinventing employee experience to drive EBITDA and performance
• Total reward strategy, governance and remuneration committees
• CEO and CFO expectations of modern People leaders
• Building credible People target operating models in scaling businesses
• Navigating investment cycles, market volatility and executive hiring

Delegates also benefit from dedicated senior mentoring, peer learning through a private cohort network, and priority access to Michael Page HR leadership events and roundtables. This programme is fully funded by Michael Page. Comparable programmes delivered by specialist consultancies often require significant personal or organisational investment - this opportunity does not.

The Successful Applicant

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

We are seeking a diverse, high‑calibre cohort of senior HR professionals who are ready for stretch, challenge and acceleration. You are likely to be:

• A Head of HR, Senior HR Business Partner or developing People Director
• Operating in a complex, fast‑paced or transformational environment
• Commercially curious, confident with data and business outcomes
• Ambitious about stepping into a People Director or CPO role within the next few years
• Open to challenge, peer learning and reflective leadership development

There is no single background or sector we are looking for - what matters is potential, commercial mindset, and readiness to operate at the next level.

What's on Offer

By joining the HR Future Leaders Programme, you will gain:

• Board‑level exposure and thinking without the consultancy price tag
• Practical, commercially grounded capability you can apply immediately
• A trusted senior mentor invested in your development
• A powerful peer network of future People Directors and CPOs
• Increased confidence, credibility and visibility as a strategic leader

To be considered, please apply with:

• An up-to-date CV
• A short covering letter outlining your motivation and readiness for the programme

All applicants should expect a formal interview process. Places are limited and offered only to those who demonstrate strong alignment with the intent and level of the programme.

Your next step: If you are serious about shaping the future of HR, and your own, this is your invitation. Apply now and take a decisive step toward becoming the People leader organisations truly need.