People Programme Manager – Absence Improvement Programme
Contract: Fixed Term 12 months, 37.5 hours. Location: Birch House B69 2AQ. Band: Band 7. Salary: £47,440 - £54,288 per annum.
Help managers build healthier, more supportive teams. An exciting opportunity arises for a People Programme Manager to support the delivery of DHU Healthcare’s Absence Improvement Programme across our services and sites. This role works alongside operational leaders and People colleagues to improve attendance management practice, build leadership capability, and support sustainable behavioural and cultural change.
You will act as a catalyst for improvement, using data, coaching and practical support to help managers address attendance challenges confidently, consistently and compassionately.
Key Responsibilities
* Support the delivery of the Absence Improvement Programme across assigned services and locations.
* Translate programme plans into practical local implementation activity.
* Coach managers to improve confidence in attendance management.
* Facilitate workshops, learning sessions and local engagement activity.
* Support managers to undertake high‑quality return‑to‑work discussions and wellbeing conversations.
* Review local attendance practices and identify opportunities for improvement.
* Support implementation of new tools, processes and ways of working.
* Use workforce data to identify trends, hotspots and targeted interventions.
* Promote fair, compassionate and inclusive attendance management practice.
* Work collaboratively with operational leaders, People colleagues and specialist services.
* Act as a trusted advisor and critical friend to managers.
* Support embedding of programme outputs into business‑as‑usual practice.
Required Qualifications and Skills
* CIPD Level 7 qualification or equivalent experience.
* Significant experience within HR, workforce improvement, organisational development or operational leadership.
* Experience leading or supporting change initiatives.
* Experience coaching and influencing managers.
* Experience using workforce data to inform interventions.
* Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills.
* Ability to work effectively within complex operational environments.
* Ability to influence without direct authority.
* Credibility, resilience and sound judgement in complex and sensitive workforce environments.
* Experience of attendance improvement initiatives, NHS, healthcare, contact centre or 24/7 operational environments would be advantageous.
Benefits
* Access to the NHS pension scheme.
* Wellbeing support.
* Flexible working options.
* Career growth and development opportunities.
EEO and Disability Statement
As a Disability Confident Employer, we welcome candidates to share any support or reasonable adjustments they may need during the recruitment process. We proudly support the Armed Forces community, recognising the strengths and dedication they bring.
If you are passionate about supporting managers, improving colleague experience and helping create healthier, more resilient teams, we’d love to hear from you.
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