Divisional Head of Workforce
Closing date: 23 March 2026
Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced and forward‑thinking Divisional Head of Workforce to play a pivotal leadership role within our organisation. As the strategic workforce partner to a clinical division, you will lead the development and delivery of workforce plans, provide expert advice on complex employee relations matters, and drive transformational change that supports high‑quality patient care.
Main Duties of the job
As a member of the Divisional Board, you will shape and deliver strategic HR direction to support high‑quality patient care, operational efficiency, workforce productivity, and the achievement of both Trust and Divisional objectives. Working collaboratively with senior stakeholders, you will lead forward planning, transformation initiatives, staff engagement and workforce performance. You will champion the embedding of best HR practice and the development of management capability across the Division.
About Us
Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke's Hospital and the Rosie Hospital. With over 13,000 staff and over 1,100 beds the Trust focuses on a quality service that is all about people – patients, staff and partners. Recognised as providing ‘outstanding’ care, CUH receives a ‘Good’ overall rating from the Care Quality Commission. CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community and welcomes applications irrespective of age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy, maternity status or socio‑economic background.
Benefits
We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on‑site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. We provide subsidised Stagecoach bus travel, free park and ride journeys, and subsidised parking. On‑campus hot food is available 24/7, and a staff pod break space is located in the Deakin Centre, offering tea, coffee and a private outside area. Flexible arrangements may include part‑time working, job‑share, term‑time working and flexible start and finish times.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
* MCIPD qualified or equivalent proven HR skills and experience.
* Masters level or equivalent experience.
* Evidence of further professional/personal development.
Desirable
* Experience of working in an HR function in the NHS.
* Experience of working in a unionised environment.
* Experience of integrated workforce information systems.
* Experience of contributing to regional network meetings when required.
* Policy review and development.
Experience
Essential
* Significant experience of working in an HR function at a senior level in a large complex organisation.
* Extensive experience demonstrating competence across complex employee relations matters, including performance management and direct involvement in complex disciplinary and grievance cases.
* Significant experience of complex, large organisational change programmes including TUPE and redundancies.
* Experience of leading and managing a team, inspiring confidence and facilitating their development.
* Experience of developing long‑ranging workforce plans, recruitment and retention, and staff engagement strategies.
* Proven track record in board member responsibility and active participation in creating and executing divisional business plans and CIP programmes.
Desirable
* Experience of working in an HR function in the NHS.
* Experience of working in a unionised environment.
* Experience of integrated workforce information systems.
* Experience of contributing to regional network meetings when required.
* Policy review and development.
Knowledge
Essential
* Specialist and expert knowledge of agenda for change terms and conditions.
* Knowledge and understanding of key NHS and HR issues both local and national.
* A sound working knowledge of employment legislation and case law and its application to a wide range of professional groups.
* Understanding of the role of HR in the planning and delivery of the Trust Business Plan.
* Sound knowledge, understanding and direct experience of best practice in people management issues.
Desirable
* Appreciation of the requirements of working in a large complex organisation.
Skills
Essential
* Political awareness and sensitivity, especially when working with senior operational and clinical staff including Directors.
* Proven problem‑solving skills.
* Able to work in a multi‑disciplinary team.
* Strategic awareness – able to align Workforce activities with wider Trust and Divisional objectives.
* Planning and organisational skills – able to prioritise and work to tight timescales.
* Ability to deliver bespoke and management training.
* Self‑motivated with resilience and tenacity.
* Able to evaluate situations and assimilate information quickly.
* Excellent IT skills including use of the full range of MS Office applications.
* Responsive and outcome‑driven.
* Highly effective interpersonal skills including negotiation and influencing skills.
* Able to be assertive when appropriate.
* Able to manage pressure.
* Able to deal with emotionally difficult and challenging situations, sometimes including verbal aggression.
* Excellent verbal and written communication – able to draft well‑written and reasoned cases, investigation and appeal reports.
* Able to identify, interpret and analyse workforce reports, financial reports, complex legal decisions and case law.
* Leadership and drive to champion improvement initiatives.
* Proven coaching and facilitation skills.
Desirable
* Project management.
Additional Requirements
Essential
* The ability to understand and behave at all times towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of safe, kind, excellent.
* Customer focused and able to work within the Trust values.
* Ability to develop strong working relationships both internally and externally.
* Able to attend meetings or conferences outside the region and outside normal working hours as required.
* Undertake departmental and Trust induction.
* Undertake mandatory training on ongoing basis.
* Maintains own continuing professional and personal development.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.
Employer details
Employer name
Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Addenbrookes Hopsital-Division Corporate
Hills Road
Cambridge
CB22 0QQ
Employer's website
https://www.cuh.nhs.uk
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