Chief People Officer

Seymour John; Wigan; Hybrid; GBP 200,000 +; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS organisation in Wigan is seeking a Chief People Officer to shape the People & Culture agenda for a workforce of 7,000. The role requires an experienced leader skilled in organisational development and cultural transformation. You will lead initiatives to enhance colleague wellbeing and drive strategic transformation, working collaboratively across the Trust. Join us to make an impact in a community-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Senior People/OD leader in a complex organisation is essential.
• Visible, inclusive leader with strong credibility.
• Skilled at organisational development and cultural transformation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the People & Culture strategy.
• Oversee workforce planning and modernisation.
• Drive leadership and talent development.

Skills

Organisational development

Cultural transformation

Workforce redesign

Leadership development

Inclusivity and fairness

Job description

Job Description

Chief People Officer

Wrightington Wigan & Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (WWL)

Attractive Executive Salary Benefits

Location: Wigan Greater Manchester Hybrid with cross-site presence

A rare opportunity to shape the future of a high-performing NHS organisation.

Wrightington Wigan & Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (WWL) is seeking an outstanding people‑centred and strategic Chief People Officer to join our Board at a pivotal moment for the organisation, the health system and the borough we proudly serve.

Why join WWL

WWL is a major teaching Trust with a strong reputation for quality partnership and innovation. We care for a population of over 329,000, operate from five hospital and community sites and hold a CQC rating of Good. Our Wrightington Hospital site is internationally recognised for orthopaedic excellence.

But it's our culture that truly defines us.

• Low turnover and high colleague engagement
• A genuine sense of belonging and purpose
• A collaborative, values‑driven Executive Team
• Strong system partnerships across Greater Manchester
• A deep commitment to education improvement and research
• Our role as an anchor institution with 70% of colleagues living locally

We are now entering an exciting new chapter driven by a £4.8m transformation programme with local authority and ICB partners reshaping urgent and emergency care and accelerating our journey toward integrated community‑focused delivery.

About the role

As Chief People Officer you will be a visible and influential Board‑level leader shaping the People & Culture agenda for a 7,000‑strong workforce and driving the culture leadership and capability needed for the next decade.

Responsibilities

• People & Culture strategy
• Workforce planning & modernisation
• Leadership & talent development
• System working and transformation
• Organisational development & culture change
• Colleague wellbeing and experience
• Education learning & development
• Digital people services
• Inclusion, belonging and fairness
• Employee relations and partnership working

This is a role for an inspiring collaborative leader who can balance strategic transformation with operational grip, building trust, capability and confidence across the organisation.

We are looking for

Qualifications

• Experienced senior People / OD leader in a complex organisation (NHS or public sector desirable)
• Visible, inclusive and values‑led leader with strong personal credibility
• Skilled at organisational development, cultural transformation and workforce redesign
• Passionate about colleague experience, wellbeing and leadership development
• Collaborative, politically astute and confident in influencing at Board and system level
• Committed to fairness, inclusion and positive organisational culture
• Energised by challenge and motivated by public service

If you are driven by impact, partnership and purpose and want to shape the future workforce of an organisation with a truly meaningful community legacy we would be delighted to hear from you.

Application information

Applications are via CV and cover letter.

Closing date for applications: Monday, December 15, 2025