Job overview
We are seeking a senior, credible workforce leader with a track record of operational delivery within a large, complex healthcare or public sector organisation. You will be committed to delivering high quality health care through world class people management practices and finance sustainability.
Our expectations are that you are/have: • Chartered CIPD membership (MCIPD) with degree-level education or equivalent experience • Deep expertise in operational HR, employment law, medical workforce governance, and NHS people policy • Proven experience in leading organisational transformation, managing complex employee relations, and maintaining strong union partnerships • Strong business finance knowledge and experience, with a track record of driving workforce cost improvement programs and controlling temporary staffing usage • An authentic, compassionate, and inclusive leadership style that aligns with our Trust values
Why Join Us? This is an opportunity to make a tangible impact in one of London’s most vibrant and diverse communities. You will join a supportive leadership and executive team committed to innovation, flexible working, continuous development, and delivering care we are proud of.
Main duties of the job
The Director of Workforce is the Trust's senior operational workforce leader, responsible for the delivery, performance and continuous improvement of workforce operations.
Reporting to the Chief People Officer, the postholder will lead the Trust's workforce operational services, ensuring they are efficient, responsive, financially sustainable and aligned to the Trust's strategic and operational priorities.
The Director is accountable for translating the Trust's People Strategy into operational workforce delivery through high-performing workforce services, workforce management excellence and continuous improvement.
Working in partnership with the Chief People Officer, Executive Directors, Clinical Group Directors, Trade Union representatives, the Director will strengthen workforce management across the organisation by improving workforce performance, reducing workforce risk, modernising workforce services and supporting leaders and managers to lead their teams effectively and fairly.
The Director of Workforce will provide senior oversight of workforce governance and assurance, ensuring workforce risks are identified, managed and Chief People Officer, the Executive Team and Trust Board.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
If you have any questions about the application process, require support in completing your application, or need any adjustments (for example, due to a disability), please contact Bali Dhani, Recruitment Manager via email Balvinder.dhani@nhs.net or 01708 435000 ext. 5718.
How to Apply For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact: Kenye Karemo, Interim Chief People Officer k.karemo@nhs.net
Person specification
Skills
Essential
- • Ability to set out a clear strategic direction, inspire others, together with an ability to translate strategic objectives into deliverable operational plans
Education
Essential
- • Educated to Masters in a relevant HR subject area or equivalent level leadership experience
- • Chartered Member of Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (MCIPD) or equivalent professional accreditation)
Desirable
- • Executive leadership qualification (NHS Leadership Academy, MBA in Leadership or equivalent)
Experience
Essential
- • Evidence of delivering workforce affordability, pay cost improvement, establishment control or agency reduction within a large complex organisation
- • Evidence of improving workforce services through digital technology, automation, workforce systems or process redesign
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Director of Workforce with Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust in Romford, London, England. It is listed as a Manager and corporate role. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 16 Aug 2026.
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