Lead with Heart and Vision: People Director Opportunity
We are seeking a visionary and influential leader to join our senior team as People Director. This is a pivotal role at the heart of our organisation, responsible for shaping our People strategy and culture.
About Us
Primary Eyecare Services is the largest not-for-profit leading provider of NHS primary and community eye care services in England. We operate in 800 neighbourhoods working with multiple ICBs across England – delivering high quality eye care services via 3400 optometry practices. This year we are on course to support almost 1 million patients annually and we have ambitious plans to do more. The organisation has an annual turnover of circa 50million. We work with NHS commissioners and Trusts to provide accessible, high‑quality eye care services in local communities, supported by teams with expertise in NHS contracting, patient support, referral triaging, and telemedicine. We are committed to providing accessible eye care close to home for all patients, with a strong focus on health inequalities.
Role Overview
The People Director will oversee the company’s People strategy and planning, as well as HR operations. Working directly with the Chief Executive and the senior leadership team, the People Director will:
* Lead and shape the employee experience and HR strategy across the organisation
* Build and develop the HR team
* Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership aligning people strategy to organisational goals, embedding HR analytics into decision‑making, and ensuring compliance with employment law and governance frameworks.
Shift Pattern
This is a full‑time position, working 35 hours per week over 5 days, with flexibility around working hours and shift patterns.
Location
This is a hybrid role, offering flexibility to work from home alongside attendance at our Manchester Head Office of 40%. Applications from outside the UK cannot be considered.
General Responsibilities
* Act as a key member of the management team and support the Chief Executive and other senior managers in the development and running of the organisation;
* Direct input and development of people strategies aligning to business goals.
* Advise senior leadership team on culture, workforce risk, and HR metrics for inclusion in governance reports.
* Partner closely with Finance on headcount forecasting, workforce planning, compensation governance, and mobility to align with company strategy.
* Collaborate with senior stakeholders on succession planning strategies to safeguard business continuity and sustain high performance in critical positions.
* Operate at both strategic and hands‑on levels, shaping long‑term priorities while ensuring strong execution of day‑to‑day People operations.
* Act as a trusted advisor to the senior leadership team, guiding decision‑making, organisational design, and communication strategies that support scale.
Human Resource Management
* Lead and mentor the HR team, ensuring high performance and capability building.
* Oversee all HR functions: recruitment, learning & development, performance management, compensation, and employee relations.
Culture & Engagement
* Drive initiatives that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and employee well‑being.
* Shape organisational culture to support engagement and productivity.
* Lead the design and rollout of new People programs and processes, using strong change management principles to ensure adoption and impact including those focused on talent management.
Compliance & Employment Law
* Ensure policies and practices comply with employment legislation.
* Support with management of complex employee relations cases and mitigate legal risks.
* Oversee the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, performance, development, mobility, and well‑being.
* Offer expert counsel to managers on employee relations and performance matters, ensuring fair, consistent, and values‑aligned outcomes.
Data & Analytics
* Use HR metrics and analytics to inform decisions and measure impact.
* Report on workforce trends to senior leadership.
Change Management
* Lead organisational change projects, including restructures and transformation programmes.
People Management
* Directly manage the human resource team members, including responsibility for their performance reviews, development plans, and day‑to‑day support.
Governance & Board Engagement
* Develop strong working relationships with the Board, People & Remuneration Committee, and senior leadership team.
* Proactively seek input from Board members and committees to inform human resource strategy and decision‑making.
* Provide clear, accurate, and timely human resource reports to support governance and compliance requirements.
* Act as a trusted advisor on human resource matters, ensuring transparency and accountability in all board‑level interactions.
What We’re Looking For
* Evidence of completion of ongoing professional development
* Minimum of 3 years’ experience at Director level
* Extensive experience in developing/executing people strategy and leading change
* Strong knowledge of UK employment law; proficient at policy, ER risks, compliance
* Proven ability to use HR metrics and analytics for strategic decision‑making
* Track record driving inclusive cultures, high engagement, governance alignment
* Demonstrable experience of board‑level reporting
* Ability to implement and support new initiatives
* Excellent interpersonal skills
* Understand commercial levers and translate financials into people decisions
* Skilled coach, engaging and influencing senior stakeholders
* Evidence‑led, brand‑building, and resilient through uncertainty
* Experienced in corporate governance, risk management, and embedding culture
* Ability to cope effectively under pressure whilst delivering results
* Demonstrate ability to work effectively as a team member assisting colleagues to deliver objectives
* Ability to express information in a clear, concise and understandable way both verbally and in writing
* Ability to manage priorities
* Prior experience with the NHS
Why Join Us
* Pension match up to 5%
* Sick and critical illness pay cover
* Electric car scheme
* Enhanced family leave
* 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (rising to 30 days with service)
* Training and development opportunities
* Employee recognition awards
* Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
* NHS Blue Light Card
* Hybrid working (60% home, 40% office)
* Cycle to Work scheme
* Performance‑related pay
How to Apply
To apply, please submit your up‑to‑date CV along with a cover letter outlining your professional background and what motivates you to pursue this opportunity.
Be Part of Something Bigger – Join Primary Eyecare Services
Please note appointment to this post is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
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