Associate Director of People Services

NHS; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 76,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Greater Manchester seeks an experienced Associate Director of HR. This strategic role involves shaping the delivery of HR services and supporting clinical leaders. Candidates must have substantial HR leadership experience and a deep understanding of NHS workforce challenges. The position offers a competitive salary with flexible working patterns, aimed at delivering an outstanding staff experience and supporting patient care.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Substantial senior-level experience in leading HR services and motivating teams.
• Experience advising on complex employee relations and organisational change.
• In-depth knowledge of NHS workforce challenges.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement plans to address workforce challenges.
• Nurture relationships with Joint Trade Unions.
• Lead HR/People Services to support operational and clinical leaders.

Skills

Negotiation

Strategic thinking

IT skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Education

Master’s level HR/OD qualification

MCIPD

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Summary

As a strategic and compassionate leader, joining WWL as our new Associate Director of HR will be a rewarding opportunity to influence and shape the delivery of our People Services function, as we strive to deliver efficient, customer‑focused and value‑adding services, that enhance staff experience and support outstanding patient care. Please note that this vacancy may close early if a sufficient number of applications are received. We encourage interested candidates to apply promptly to avoid disappointment.

Main Duties of the Job

As a key member of the People Services Senior Leadership Team, you’ll ensure that our operational and clinical leaders are supported by highly capable, professional and future‑focused Business Partnering and Medical Workforce functions. You’ll work closely with the Associate Director of OD and Inclusion, and Associate Director of Workforce Transformation and Planning to develop, implement and measure the impact of plans and strategies which address our key workforce challenges, now and for our future. You’ll also nurture our open and effective relationship with our Joint Trade Unions, ensuring partnership working is embedded in everything we do.

About You

With substantial experience of leading People Services, you’ll also have significant experience of advising on complex employee relations and organisational change matters. You’ll have an in‑depth knowledge of NHS workforce challenges and be steadfast in your commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. Our values will strike a chord with you, and you’ll share our ambition to be an outstanding organisation. If you’re up for the challenge, please get in touch for an informal chat.

About Us

Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is the proud provider of acute hospital and community services to the people of the Wigan Borough and surrounding areas. At WWL, we value our staff believing that "happy staff, makes for happy patients". We have a recognised track record in staff engagement and living our values. We are seeking to recruit people who share our values and beliefs.

Job Details

• Date posted: 15 December 2025
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: 8c
• Salary: £76,965 to £88,682 a year, pro‑rata
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full‑time, Part‑time, Flexible working
• Reference number: 302‑25‑7650034CPR‑A
• Job locations: Buckingham Row, Brick Kiln Lane, Wigan, WN1 1XX

Key Responsibilities

For a detailed list of the main responsibilities of the role, please view the job description and person specification.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications

• Master’s level HR/OD qualification
• MCIPD
• Evidence of continuing professional development

Desirable Qualifications

• Coaching qualification
• Employment law qualification
• Project management qualification

Experience

• Substantial senior‑level experience of leading HR/People services, motivating and developing the team, setting priorities, mentoring and coaching to maximise potential
• Experience of leading, developing and embedding a Business Partnering model
• Experience of working in a rapidly changing environment with multiple senior stakeholders, building trust, securing engagement and delivering sustainable change
• Experience of leading the development of HR/OD strategies to support service and workforce transformation
• Significant experience advising on complex employee relations and organisational change matters, including Employment Tribunal cases
• Experience developing and cultivating effective partnership working with Trade Union colleagues
• Experience in developing and implementing strategies that promote equality, inclusion and staff experience
• Experience working with different professional groups, including medical workforce
• Experience using digital HR systems

Desirable Experience

• Experience leading HR services within the NHS
• Experience within or leading a Medical Workforce function

Skills/Abilities

• Ability to provide and receive highly complex, sensitive and contentious information
• Ability to negotiate with senior stakeholders on difficult and controversial issues, and present complex and sensitive information verbally and through reports
• Ability to analyse complex facts and situations and develop a range of options
• Strategic thinking – ability to anticipate and resolve problems before they arise
• Ability to develop and maintain positive, high‑level relationships and professional credibility with key stakeholders and influencers
• IT skills – proficient in Microsoft Office
• Compassionate and inclusive leadership style
• Ability to drive efficiency, productivity and cost improvement through workforce interventions

Knowledge

• Highly developed specialist professional knowledge across a range of HR disciplines
• Demonstrable knowledge of complex change management principles and TUPE
• Up‑to‑date knowledge of employment legislation and its application
• Knowledge of NHS workforce challenges, including those related to medical workforce
• Knowledge of NHS strategic plans and priorities
• Knowledge of NHS Long‑Term Workforce Plan and NHS 10‑Year Plan

Desirable Knowledge

• Knowledge of NHS terms and conditions and employment policy
• Knowledge of NHS Job Evaluation process

Additional

• Commitment to the delivery of the highest standard of customer service
• Steadfast commitment to promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion
• Commitment to embedding, promoting and championing WWL values and behaviours
• Able to travel and work flexibly across the geographical footprint of the organisation

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required.

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. For further information, visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information, please see the NHS Careers website.

Employer Details

Employer name: Wrightington Wigan & Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Buckingham Row, Brick Kiln Lane, Wigan, WN1 1XX
Website: http://www.wwl.nhs.uk/