Associate Director – People Services
Band 8c | Full-time | Multi‑site role
A large, forward‑thinking NHS organisation is seeking an exceptional Associate Director of People Services to join its senior leadership team. This is an exciting opportunity to influence the people agenda across a diverse workforce of several thousand staff, supporting a culture that is inclusive, innovative and compassionate.
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced senior HR leader who can drive strategic people initiatives, improve operational delivery, and strengthen organisational culture during a period of significant transformation and growth.
You will lead multiple People Services functions, including:
* HR Business Partnering
* Employee Relations & Advisory Services
* Medical Workforce
* Recruitment & Talent Acquisition
As part of the wider Workforce & OD senior leadership team, you will play a key role in delivering the organisation’s People & Culture Strategy and supporting the ambitions of the NHS People Plan.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide strategic leadership across all People Services teams.
* Drive organisational workforce planning and develop business‑focused HR solutions.
* Lead complex employee relations cases and ensure safe, fair, consistent practice.
* Oversee recruitment, medical staffing, temporary staffing and e‑rostering functions.
* Develop and embed policies, systems and processes that support best practice.
* Use data and insight to improve performance, quality and staff experience.
* Build strong relationships with senior leaders, trade unions and system partners.
* Lead service improvement projects and business cases to support transformation.
About You
We are looking for someone who is:
* A highly experienced HR/People professional with senior NHS or equivalent experience.
* Capable of operating autonomously in a complex, fast‑paced environment.
* An influential communicator, able to navigate sensitive and contentious situations.
* Skilled in building trusted relationships at Executive and Board level.
* Passionate about delivering an excellent staff experience and enabling high‑quality care.
* Experienced in leading multiple teams and embedding high‑performing cultures.
What We Offer
* A senior, strategic leadership role with significant scope and impact.
* Opportunities to shape large‑scale people transformation programmes.
* A supportive culture committed to staff wellbeing, inclusion and development.
If you are an innovative, collaborative and values‑driven HR leader looking for your next challenge, we would love to hear from you.