At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead workforce strategy and cultural transformation to support over one million people.
- Company: Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, known for compassionate care and collaboration.
- Benefits: Join a supportive team with a clear purpose and ambitious future plans.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence strategy and work with dedicated colleagues who care.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on colleagues and communities while shaping the future of healthcare.
- Qualifications: Experienced senior People leader with Board-level experience in complex organisations.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 117800 £ per year.
Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP) is seeking an exceptional Director of People to join its Board and Executive Team at an exciting time for both the organisation and the wider NHS. This is an opportunity to help shape the future of a highly regarded Trust that supports over one million people across Cheshire and Merseyside through mental health, community, learning disability and specialist services.
With more than 5,000 colleagues, CWP has built a strong reputation for compassionate care, collaborative working and a culture where people feel valued, respected and supported. The Trust's values – Care, Compassion, Communication, Competence, Courage and Commitment – are at the heart of the organisation and the way its leaders work together.
The Director of People will play a pivotal role in creating the conditions for colleagues to thrive. Working alongside an experienced and supportive Executive Team, the successful candidate will lead workforce strategy, organisational development, staff wellbeing, inclusion, leadership development and cultural transformation. They will help ensure that CWP remains a great place to work whilst delivering the workforce innovation needed to meet future challenges.
The role offers a great blend of strategic influence and visible leadership. The Director of People will contribute to the overall direction of the Trust whilst working closely with colleagues across services and with partners throughout Cheshire and Merseyside to shape the future workforce agenda.
CWP is looking for a leader who combines strategic insight with warmth, authenticity and compassion. The successful candidate will be an experienced senior People leader, ideally with experience of operating at Board level within a large and complex organisation. Most importantly, they will understand that outstanding patient care starts with a supported, engaged and empowered workforce.
In return, the successful candidate will join an organisation with a clear sense of purpose, ambitious plans for the future and a culture that encourages collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement. They will have the opportunity to make a lasting difference to the experience of thousands of colleagues and the communities they serve.
For senior People leaders seeking a role where they can shape culture, influence strategy and work alongside talented and committed colleagues who genuinely care about making a difference, this represents an outstanding opportunity.
PLEASE NOTE, TO APPLY FOR THIS ROLE YOU WILL NEED TO SEND A CV AND COVER LETTER TO jp@seymourjohn.com. CLICKING ON APPLY WILL NOT ENSURE A COMPLETED APPLICATION.
Closing Date: 22 June 2026
Final Interviews week commencing 6 July 2026
Director of People in Chester employer: Seymour John
Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP) is an exceptional employer, renowned for its commitment to compassionate care and a supportive work culture. With over 5,000 dedicated colleagues, CWP fosters an environment where staff feel valued and empowered, offering ample opportunities for professional growth and development. As a leader in mental health and community services, joining CWP means being part of a forward-thinking organisation that prioritises employee wellbeing and innovation, making a meaningful impact on the lives of those it serves across Cheshire and Merseyside.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of People in Chester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at CWP on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding CWP's values inside out. Think about how your experience aligns with their focus on care, compassion, and collaboration.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive workplace culture in previous roles. Authenticity and warmth go a long way.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of People in Chester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling CV:Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant achievements that align with the role of Director of People. Tailor it to showcase how your skills can contribute to CWP's mission.
Write a Personal Cover Letter:This is your chance to show us your personality! Use your cover letter to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your values align with CWP's. Be authentic and let your warmth shine through.
Showcase Your Strategic Insight:As a potential Director of People, we want to see your strategic thinking. In both your CV and cover letter, include examples of how you've successfully led workforce strategies or cultural transformations in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to send your application to the specified email address! Applying through our website is a great way to ensure your application is received correctly. We can't wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Seymour John
✨Know the Trust's Values
Before your interview, make sure you’re familiar with CWP's core values: Care, Compassion, Communication, Competence, Courage, and Commitment. Think about how these values resonate with your own leadership style and be ready to share examples of how you've embodied them in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Insight
As a Director of People, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to influence workforce strategy. Prepare specific examples of past initiatives you've led that improved organisational culture or staff wellbeing. Be ready to discuss how you would approach similar challenges at CWP.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Inclusion
CWP values collaborative working, so highlight your experience in fostering inclusive environments. Share stories of how you've successfully worked with diverse teams and stakeholders to achieve common goals, ensuring everyone feels valued and heard.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions that show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation. Ask about their current workforce challenges or how they envision the future of staff engagement at CWP. This will not only demonstrate your enthusiasm but also help you assess if the role is the right fit for you.
