Head of HR Services, HR Systems and Workforce Information

Job overview

Head of HR Services, HR Systems and Workforce Information

Department  Human Resources

Band 8a  £57,528 - £64,750 Per annum

Hours: 37.5 per week, all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working

This is a senior leadership role at the heart of how we support our MKUH workforce. The postholder will lead HR Systems and HR Services (including our first line HR Service and Systems Desks), driving transformation with a strong focus on digitalisation and improving access to high quality first line support for staff and managers. The role will also provide leadership for payroll liaison, temporary staffing and Workforce Information functions, ensuring services are efficient, responsive and centred around the needs of our people.

We are looking for a values-led leader with significant senior experience in an NHS HR/People Services environment, with a strong track record of leading HR systems, HR transactional services and workforce information at scale. The successful candidate will bring credible expertise in ESR, e-rostering and workforce systems optimisation and integration, alongside the ability to deliver complex transformation programmes that improve quality, productivity and user experience through digitalisation and continuous improvement.

Please note that we are not able to offer sponsorship for this role.

Interview 19 August 2026

Main duties of the job

'We care We communicate We collaborate We contribute'

'94% of staff within this team, who participated in the 2025/26 NHS Staff Survey, reported a strong team culture and positive working relationships, reflecting a supportive, collaborative environment where colleagues feel respected, valued and able to work together effectively.' ''NHS Staff Survey 2025/26''

The post holder will effectively manage the delivery of the HR Systems, HR Services and Workforce Information teams.  They will lead on HR transformation projects/programmes, ensuring the successful delivery of benefits and efficiencies within the specified constraints of time and cost. They will work on the continual development of HR Systems and Services.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Managing HR Systems

Lead the implementation and development of HR Systems to ensure maximum benefits are derived from systems and robust service provision is provided trust wide.  This will include improvements to systems; improving optimisation and usage to improve data quality and decision making, which is pivotal to the delivery of the Trust People strategy and NHS People plan priorities.  This will be achieved by:

• Acting as the e-Rostering & ESR expert user.
• Ensure the Trust is developing efficiencies through the use of technology, reviewing and assessing system usage/functionality, existing and new modules.

Identifying risks and actions as required and review service provision as necessary to facilitate full use of system functionality.

HR Services (Helpdesk)

Lead the HR Services team to provide a helpdesk service to staff which includes first-line support on general HR queries with a focus on efficiency, quality and timely delivery of services, as well as a payroll liaison service and temporary staff booking service.  This includes working closely with the outsourced payroll provider to provide a timely, accurate and efficient payroll process that meets the needs of the organisation and employees including:

• Monitoring the service provided by the Organisation’s external payroll provider to ensure that it meets requirements.
• Reviewing payroll performance reports and staff over/underpayments.

Workforce information

To lead the Information Team, ensuring real time information is available and full interoperability between systems is provided.   •    Report, analyse, present and interpret workforce information to enable local, regional and national reports and to support the efficient workforce planning process. This includes managing Freedom of Information (FOI) for the Workforce Directorate.     •    Be expert users of ESR and monitor system usage to ensure best practice is being adhered to.

Automation and Improvement

Working with IT colleagues to identify improved ways of working through automation and innovation of approach and supporting the system roll out.

Managing People

Ensures excellent standards of staff management across all staff groups, ensuring staff appraisals and performance development plans are completed and implemented for all staff and that their mandatory training requirements are fulfilled as a priority.

Demonstrating Personal Qualities

• Ensures own professional and personal development demonstrating self-awareness and willingness to continually learn and develop.
• Acts with integrity and treats others with respect at all times.
• Acts as a role model to demonstrate the Trust’s values and behaviours at all times.

Please refer to the Job Description for further details