At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead workforce strategy and organisational development for a leading cancer centre.
- Company: The Royal Marsden, a top specialist cancer centre in Europe.
- Benefits: Inclusive workplace, professional growth, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to excellence and innovation in patient care.
- Why this job: Shape the future of cancer care and drive meaningful change in healthcare.
- Qualifications: Executive-level experience in people leadership within complex organisations.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
The next Chief People Officer will build on strong foundations and lead the next phase of the people agenda for the Trust. Reporting to the Chief Executive, Dame Cally Palmer CBE, and as a full member of the Executive Team and Trust Board, the CPO will lead the development and delivery of workforce strategy across The Royal Marsden. The role carries responsibility for workforce planning, organisational development, leadership and talent, equality, diversity and inclusion, employee relations, reward, workforce systems and analytics, and education and professional development. The CPO will be a trusted adviser to the Chair, Chief Executive and Board, and a credible, values-led partner to clinical, research and operational leaders at every level of the organisation.
Main duties of the job:
- We are seeking an exceptional executive leader with significant board or executive-level experience of successful people leadership in a large, complex organisation.
- Candidates will bring a demonstrable track record of shaping and delivering workforce strategy in environments of transformation and change.
- Deep experience of building high-performing people functions, and the credibility to operate at the top table of one of the NHS's most respected specialist trusts.
- Above all, we are looking for a leader who is strategic, intellectually curious and personally values-driven, with a track record of delivering excellence and impact, a genuine commitment to inclusion, and the resilience and judgement to lead through complexity.
Working for our organisation:
The Royal Marsden is one of the world's leading specialist cancer centres and the largest comprehensive cancer centre in Europe. Together with our academic partner, The Institute of Cancer Research, we are the UK's only National Institute for Health and Care Research Biomedical Research Centre dedicated solely to cancer. Rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission, we are recognised globally for the impact of our research on patient care and are honoured to count Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Wales as our Joint Patrons.
The Trust is entering an exciting period of growth. Patient referrals have increased by around 30% over the past five years, our partnership with the ICR continues to strengthen, and major investment is transforming our estate, digital infrastructure and clinical services. The Oak Cancer Centre, our Epic-based Digital Health Record, Connect, and plans to expand our Chelsea site are shaping the future of cancer care. As host of RM Partners West London Cancer Alliance, we also play a leading role in improving cancer services across the region.
At the heart of our success are our 5,500 colleagues. Their expertise, innovation and compassion translate scientific discovery into better outcomes for patients in the UK and around the world. We are committed to providing an inclusive, supportive and modern workplace where everyone feels valued, heard and empowered to deliver exceptional care.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities:
- Lead the development, delivery and continuous refresh of the Trust's workforce and organisational development strategy, anchored in the Five-Year People Plan and aligned to the Five-Year Clinical Strategy and the joint research strategy with the ICR.
- Represent The Royal Marsden externally at regional, national and international levels on workforce matters.
- Provide executive leadership of the Trust's equality, diversity and inclusion agenda as it relates to the workforce, including the Workforce Race Equality Standard, Workforce Disability Equality Standard and gender equality.
- Continue to modernise the people function's operating model, systems and processes, with a strong focus on user experience for managers and colleagues.
Person specification:
- Significant board or executive-level people leadership in a large, complex organisation, with the credibility and experience to operate at the top table of one of the NHS's most respected specialist trusts.
- A demonstrable track record of shaping and delivering workforce strategy in environments of transformation and significant change, ideally working with clinicians or in research-driven, scientific or healthcare environments.
- Evidence of building and leading high-performing people functions, with a clear point of view on operating model design, technology and analytics.
- Strong employee relations experience, including constructive partnership working with trade unions.
- Experience of leading in high-skill, knowledge-intensive environments, whether in healthcare, research, academia, professional services or comparable settings.
- Experience of operating in regulated and politically sensitive environments.
The Royal Marsden values diversity and is committed to the recruitment and retention of underrepresented minority groups. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates with disabilities.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we are working to create a workplace that enables all staff to reach their full potential. We are committed to this because we know that greater diversity and inclusion will lead to an even greater positive impact for the people we serve.
Chief People Officer employer: Royal Marsden
The Royal Marsden in Kingston upon Thames is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises patient care and employee development. With a focus on teamwork and professional growth, staff members benefit from ongoing training opportunities and a commitment to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, making it a rewarding place to contribute to meaningful healthcare outcomes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 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 Royal Marsden!
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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.
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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 Royal Marsden.
We think you need these skills to ace 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 Royal Marsden. 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 Royal Marsden 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 Royal Marsden. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Royal Marsden'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 Royal Marsden
✨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 Royal Marsden.
✨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 Royal Marsden 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 Royal Marsden and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
