People Programme Manager - Absence Improvement Programme Contract: Fixed Term 12months, 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 has arisen for a People Programme Manager to support the delivery of DHU Healthcare's Absence Improvement Programme across our services and sites. This is a key role where you will work 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. At DHU Healthcare, we are a team driven by compassion, respect and encouragement, where contributions are valued and every voice is heard. Together, we make a meaningful impact for our colleagues, patients and communities. Working across multiple DHU locations, you will support the implementation of programme initiatives, translating programme plans into practical local activity. You will identify risks and barriers, support the embedding of new tools and processes, and help ensure programme outcomes are delivered consistently and effectively. You will work closely with operational leaders, People Practices teams, Occupational Health, Wellbeing, Workforce Information and Learning and Development colleagues to improve colleague experience, strengthen management capability and support sustainable improvements in attendance performance. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced HR, workforce improvement, organisational development or operational leader who is confident coaching managers, influencing stakeholders and using workforce data to drive meaningful change. As a People Programme Manager, you will: 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 the 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 the embedding of programme outputs into business-as-usual practice You'll bring: 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 The ability to work effectively within complex operational environments The 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. For you, benefits that work. We'll support your health, happiness and future with benefits that put you first: Access to the NHS pension scheme Wellbeing support Flexible working options Career growth and development opportunities For more information on the full range of benefits available, click here. Learning, leading, shaping healthcare. At DHU Healthcare, we support your growth at every stage of your career. With clear career paths, tailored training and the DHU Academy, you'll have the tools and encouragement to explore new skills and opportunities, take the next step and make an impact. From leadership programmes and apprenticeships to essential role-specific training, development is part of how we work and shape healthcare together. Together, reflecting our communities. We believe great care starts with people feeling valued, respected and supported. That's why we're proud to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and welcome colleagues from all backgrounds. 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. For more information on how DHU can support you, please click here. Ready to make the difference? If you are passionate about supporting managers, improving colleague experience and helping create healthier, more resilient teams, we'd love to hear from you. IND2