Search for more NHS jobs in London
Job overview
We are seeking an ambitious and innovative Workforce Recruitment & Retention Manager to lead the workforce agenda for a major Community Investment Programme at the Royal Free London.
Working closely with senior leaders, service managers, education providers and recruitment partners, you will develop and deliver recruitment and retention strategies that ensure community services in Enfield have the workforce needed to provide high-quality patient care.
You will lead workforce planning, attraction campaigns and talent pipeline initiatives, using workforce data and labour market insight to address recruitment challenges and support sustainable workforce growth. This role will play a key part in ensuring new and expanding services are staffed effectively and efficiently.
We are looking for an experienced workforce, HR or recruitment professional with strong stakeholder management skills, a proactive approach and a passion for delivering innovative workforce solutions.
This is an excellent opportunity to influence a high-profile programme, drive meaningful change and help improve healthcare services for local communities while working within an organisation committed to compassion, inclusion, integrity and excellence.
Main duties of the job
- Lead end-to-end recruitment pipeline for community investment roles
- Develop recruitment and retention plans
- Provide expert advice to stakeholders
- Maintain recruitment project plans and vacancy tracking
- Ensure compliance with NHS standards and policies
- Line manage Recruitment & Retention Co-ordinator
- Produce workforce reports and data analysis
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end recruitment pipeline for community investment roles
- Develop recruitment and retention plans
- Provide expert advice to stakeholders
- Maintain recruitment project plans and vacancy tracking
- Ensure compliance with NHS standards and policies
- Line manage Recruitment & Retention Co-ordinator
- Produce workforce reports and data analysis
Person specification
Experience
Essential
- Significant experience of leading end-to-end NHS recruitment activity at a senior level, with demonstrable accountability for outcomes and compliance
- Experience of developing and implementing recruitment and retention plans, including for hard-to-fill, specialist, or high-turnover roles
- Experience of building and managing a productive working relationship with NLPSS or an equivalent NHS shared service recruitment function, including performance management of service standards
- Experience of using TRAC, NHS Jobs, and ESR or equivalent NHS workforce systems at a senior or oversight level
- Experience of leading the design and delivery of onboarding and induction frameworks, including coordination across IT, Estates, and operational teams
- Experience of directly line managing and developing a junior team member
- Experience of representing a People or HR function at operational management meetings or stakeholder forums
Desirable
- Experience of working with or leading workforce programmes for community health services or a dispersed NHS workforce
- Experience of developing education institution partnerships, rotation programmes, or national/international recruitment pipelines
- Experience of developing or overseeing relocation and accommodation support packages for NHS candidates
Skills and aptitudes
Essential
- Thorough knowledge and practical application of NHS Employment Check Standards
Education and professional qualifications
Essential
- Educated to degree level or equivalent level of knowledge and experience gained through NHS or HR professional practice at a senior level
- CIPD Level 7/ working towards or equivalent postgraduate-level HR or Workforce qualification
- Evidence of substantial continuing professional development in recruitment, retention, or workforce management
Desirable
- Project management qualification or training (e.g. PRINCE2 Foundation, APM, or equivalent) or demonstrated experience of leading a complex recruitment programme
WhatsApp job alerts
Get instant WhatsApp alerts for Manager and Corporate roles in London
Create your Job Clerk account first. We'll collect your alert preferences during onboarding and help you turn on WhatsApp notifications for matching healthcare roles.
Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Workforce Recruitment & Retention Manager (Community Invest Prog) with Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust in London, London, England. It is listed as a Manager and corporate role. The advertised salary is £55,524 - £62,652 Per Annum Inclusive of HCAS. The contract type is Fixed term: 7 months (Until 31 March 2027). The application deadline is 04 Aug 2026.
Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (24 Jul 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHS job search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.
For more context, review related Job Clerk pages for the same profession, band or location where they exist, then use the application-support guides to tailor your statement and prepare for interview.