Wrightington, Wigan & Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (WWL)
Attractive Executive Salary + Benefits
Location: Wigan, Greater Manchester | Hybrid with cross‑site presence
Overview
Wrightington, Wigan & Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (WWL) is seeking an outstanding, people‑centred and strategic Chief People Officer to join our Board at a pivotal moment for the organisation, the health system and the borough we proudly serve.
WWL is a major teaching Trust with a strong reputation for quality, partnership and innovation. We care for a population of over 329,000, operate from five hospital and community sites, and hold a CQC rating of Good. Our Wrightington Hospital site is internationally recognised for orthopaedic excellence.
What defines us
* Low turnover and high colleague engagement
* A genuine sense of belonging and purpose
* Strong system partnerships across Greater Manchester
* A deep commitment to education, improvement and research
* 70% of colleagues live locally, reinforcing our role as an anchor institution
We are now entering an exciting new chapter, driven by a £4.8m transformation programme with local authority and ICB partners, reshaping urgent and emergency care and accelerating our journey toward integrated, community‑focused delivery.
About the role
As Chief People Officer, you will be a visible and influential Board‑level leader — shaping the People & Culture agenda for a 7,000‑strong workforce and driving the culture, leadership and capability needed for the next decade.
You will provide strategic and operational leadership across:
* Workforce planning & modernization
* System working and transformation
* Colleague wellbeing and experience
* Digital people services
* Inclusion, belonging and fairness
* Employee relations and partnership working
This is a role for an inspiring, collaborative leader who can balance strategic transformation with operational grip, building trust, capability and confidence across the organisation.
What we’re looking for
* Experienced senior People/OD leader in a complex organisation (NHS or public sector desirable)
* Visible, inclusive and values‑led leader with strong personal credibility
* Skilled at organisational development, cultural transformation and workforce redesign
* Passionate about colleague experience, wellbeing and leadership development
* Collaborative, politically astute and confident influencing at Board and system level
* Committed to fairness, inclusion and positive organisational culture
* Energised by challenge and motivated by public service
Applications
Applications are via CV and cover letter. Email your application to: jp@seymourjohn.com quoting “WWL CPO Application” in the subject line.
For an informal conversation, contact Jonathan Phillips on 07817 988490.
Further information and full candidate pack: www.wwlopportunities.co.uk
Closing date for applications: Monday, 15 December 2025
Seniority level
Executive
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Human Resources
Industries
Staffing and Recruiting
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