At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead workforce strategy and transformation for a major NHS organisation.
- Company: Join the Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, serving over one million people.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, NHS pension, and extensive employee support services.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on healthcare by shaping workforce policies and strategies.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in NHS and strong strategic decision-making skills.
The predicted salary is between 112782 - 129783 £ per year.
Shape the future workforce of one of Yorkshire's largest NHS organisations. We are seeking an exceptional workforce leader to join us as Director of People. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, this Board-facing leadership role represents a unique opportunity to lead workforce strategy, workforce planning and workforce services across an organisation employing approximately 10,000 staff and serving communities across Wakefield, Pontefract, Dewsbury and beyond.
As the Trust's most senior workforce professional, you will provide expert advice and assurance to the Chief Executive, Trust Board and Executive Team on some of the most complex workforce challenges facing the NHS. You will oversee a broad portfolio including workforce business partnering, employee relations, recruitment, workforce planning, workforce information and strategic workforce programmes.
With experience operating at a senior organisational level, influencing strategic decision-making and leading large-scale workforce initiatives, you will be well placed to make a significant impact in this role. If you are excited by the opportunity to shape workforce strategy and lead transformation across a complex NHS organisation, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Main duties of the job:
- This is a role for a leader who combines operational credibility with strategic vision.
- You will play a central role in shaping the Trust's operational workforce strategy, supporting transformation and financial recovery, strengthening workforce sustainability and ensuring our organisation remains a great place to work and deliver care.
Key responsibilities include:
- Act as the Trust's highest professional authority on workforce operations, workforce planning and employment matters.
- Lead workforce contributions to organisational transformation, financial recovery and service redesign programmes.
- Lead the development and implementation of workforce components of the Trust operating plan.
- Lead the development, implementation and review of organisation-wide workforce policies, strategies and frameworks which have significant impact across all staff groups and services.
- Responsible for strategic management of workforce services budgets.
- Act as the Trust lead for strategic partnership working with recognised Trade Unions and professional bodies.
- Lead highly complex negotiations and consultations relating to organisational change, workforce transformation and employee relations matters.
About you:
- Significant senior workforce leadership experience within a large and complex NHS organisation.
- A track record of advising Boards, Executive Teams and senior leaders.
- Experience of leading workforce strategy, workforce planning and organisational transformation.
- Strong employee relations and partnership working credentials.
- The ability to navigate complexity, ambiguity and competing priorities with confidence and integrity.
- A collaborative leadership style and a commitment to developing high-performing teams.
Qualifications:
- Master's degree or equivalent experience; Chartered Fellow of the CIPD; evidence of continuing professional development.
- Evidence of ongoing management and leadership development.
Knowledge and awareness:
- Expert knowledge of NHS workforce policy, employment law, Agenda for Change, workforce planning, governance and workforce analytics.
Skills and abilities:
- Board-level influencing; strategic leadership; negotiation; workforce modelling; complex analysis; policy interpretation; balancing competing priorities.
Personal attributes:
- Politically astute; credible; resilient; collaborative leadership style; integrity; strong influencing skills.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and especially encourage members of the LGBTQ+ community, ethnic minority groups, and people with disabilities or neurodivergence to apply, as they are currently underrepresented in the Trust.
As a member of the team, you will have access to the NHS pension plan, a generous holiday allowance, employee health and wellbeing services and extensive benefits and support.
Director of People in Wakefield employer: National health service
The London Ambulance Service NHS Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises patient safety and service improvement. With a strong commitment to employee development, including leadership training and apprenticeship programmes, staff are empowered to grow their skills while contributing to the health of London. The Trust's inclusive culture and focus on quality management ensure that employees feel valued and supported in their vital roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of People in Wakefield
✨Join HR Networks
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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 National health service!
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We think you need these skills to ace Director of People in Wakefield
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 National health service. 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 National health service 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 National health service. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to National health service'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 National health service
✨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 National health service.
✨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 National health service 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 National health service and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
