Bank Divisional Head of Workforce

NHS; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 64,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Cambridge is seeking a Divisional Head of Workforce. This role entails driving workforce planning and transformation while ensuring best HR practices within the organization. The ideal candidate will have strong HR skills, experience in complex employee relations, and a commitment to developing people. The position offers a flexible working pattern, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Development opportunities

On-site leisure facilities

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Proven HR skills and significant experience at a senior level in a complex organization.
• Experience in employee relations, performance management, and managing a team.
• Sound knowledge of employment legislation and HR practices.

Responsibilities

• Drive workforce planning and transformation initiatives.
• Champion HR best practices and develop management capabilities.
• Contribute to strategic workforce priorities of the Trust.

Skills

HR professionalism

Influencing skills

Expert knowledge of employment law

Passion for developing people

Transforming services

Education

MCIPD qualified or equivalent

Masters level or equivalent experience

Job description

Job Summary

We are looking to register a Divisional Head of Workforce who is a confident HR professional with strong influencing skills, expert knowledge of employment law and NHS workforce frameworks, and a passion for developing people and transforming services.

Main duties

The Divisional Head of Workforce drives forward planning, transformation initiatives, staff engagement, and workforce performance. The role champions the embedding of best HR practice and the development of management capability across the Division. In partnership with the Associate Directors of Workforce the Head contributes to the delivery of the Trust's strategic workforce priorities, ensuring the Division remains high‑performing, engaged and sustainable.

About us

Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke's Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 13,000 staff and more than 1,100 beds the Trust focuses on quality service and values people. The Trust is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community and welcomes applications from all positions irrespective of age, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage status or pregnancy and maternity status.

Details

Date posted 11 December 2025
Band 8b
Salary £64,455 to £74,896 p.a. pro rata
Contract Bank
Working pattern Flexible working
Reference number 180‑SB‑255277
Job location CUH – Staff Bank Services, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ

Job description and responsibilities

Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack for key duties and responsibilities. The advert will close at midnight on 28 December 2025. Interviews are due to be held on 14 January 2026.

Benefits to you

At CUH we offer development opportunities, on‑site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Hot food is available 24/7 at a reduced cost for colleagues. Flexible arrangements may include part‑time, job‑share, term‑time or flexible start and finish times.

Person specification – Qualifications

• MCIPD qualified or equivalent proven HR skills and experience
• Masters level or equivalent experience
• Evidence of further professional / personal development

Experience

• 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

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 requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check for any previous criminal convictions.