1. Opportunity to develop your skills and commercial critical thinking
2. Opportunity for candidates based in the North West of England
About Our Client
MICHAEL PAGE'S MISSION WITH THE PROGRAMMEAt Michael Page, our purpose is simple but powerful: to Change Lives and help people realise their full potential.As a global professional recruitment business with deep roots in the HR community, we see first-hand the increasing expectations placed on senior People leaders. The HR Future Leaders Programme was created to respond to that reality - supporting the next generation of HR leaders with access, insight and development that is often only available through costly consultancy or executive education programmes.Launched in 2023, the programme reflects our long-term commitment to the HR profession across the North and Midlands, and our belief that exceptional People leadership changes organisations, careers and communities.
Job Description
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME - NORTH WEST of ENGLANDThe HR Future Leaders Programme is an immersive, in-person development journey for senior HR professionals who are already operating at a high level and want to accelerate their transition into People Director and Chief People Officer roles.Delivered through quarterly face-to-face sessions in Manchester, the programme combines board-level commercial insight, real-world casework, executive mentoring and peer challenge. Sessions are led by experienced People Directors, Chief People Officers, CEOs and CFOs from complex, high-growth and investor-led environments.Previous modules have explored topics such as:
3. Owning your seat in the boardroom and influencing at ExCo level
4. Commercial cost of employment and organisational design strategies
5. Reinventing employee experience to drive EBITDA and performance
6. Total reward strategy, governance and remuneration committees
7. CEO and CFO expectations of modern People leaders
8. Building credible People target operating models in scaling businesses
9. Navigating investment cycles, market volatility and executive hiring
Delegates also benefit from dedicated senior mentoring, peer learning through a private cohort network, and priority access to Michael Page HR leadership events and roundtables.This programme is fully funded by Michael Page. Comparable programmes delivered by specialist consultancies often require significant personal or organisational investment - this opportunity does not.
The Successful Applicant
WHO WE'RE LOOKING FORWe are seeking a diverse, high-calibre cohort of senior HR professionals who are ready for stretch, challenge and acceleration.You are likely to be:
10. A Head of HR, Senior HR Business Partner or developing People Director
11. Operating in a complex, fast-paced or transformational environment
12. Commercially curious, confident with data and business outcomes
13. Ambitious about stepping into a People Director or CPO role within the next few years
14. Open to challenge, peer learning and reflective leadership development
There is no single background or sector we are looking for - what matters is potential, commercial mindset, and readiness to operate at the next level.
What's on Offer
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOUBy joining the HR Future Leaders Programme, you will gain:
15. Board-level exposure and thinking without the consultancy price tag
16. Practical, commercially grounded capability you can apply immediately
17. A trusted senior mentor invested in your development
18. A powerful peer network of future People Directors and CPOs
19. Increased confidence, credibility and visibility as a strategic leader
Former programme delegate feedback:"This programme elevated my strategic thinking in ways I didn't realise I still needed. It pushed me to step back, think bigger, and approach decisions with a sharper commercial lens. I also gained a much deeper understanding of how to influence effectively and deliver the kind of impact the business truly needs. One of the most valuable outcomes was the transformation of my relationship with our CFO. Where I had previously found it challenging, I'm now working in a genuinely collaborative and productive partnership. I was recently promoted to Group HR Director, and this programme was the secret ingredient that helped me get there. Without it, I may not have been seen as the natural successor - if considered at all. I also built an incredible network and formed genuine friendships with peers who are navigating similar challenges. Thank you team MPHR." Group HR Director | Global technology business | £150m t/o | 2,500 employeesTo be considered, please apply with:
20. An up-to-date CV
21. A short covering letter outlining your motivation and readiness for the programme
All applicants should expect a formal interview process. Places are limited and offered only to those who demonstrate strong alignment with the intent and level of the programme.Your next step:
22. If you are serious about shaping the future of HR, and your own, this is your invitation