Director of People

NHS; Exeter; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Exeter, UK, is seeking a strategic Director of People to join their Senior Leadership Team. This pivotal role involves shaping the people strategy and leading transformation across the people function. The ideal candidate will have a background in an acute NHS Trust, with strong leadership and political skills to navigate complex challenges. This position offers a competitive salary and promotes a workplace culture of inclusivity and support for staff development.

Benefits

27-33 days paid annual leave

NHS Pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Access to wellness activities

Qualifications

• Experience in a complex acute NHS Trust.
• Proven track record in leading people functions.
• Ability to drive transformation and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Shape the people strategy and influence high-quality care.
• Lead development of digitally enabled operating models.
• Champion solutions that support recruitment and retention.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic judgement

Political acuity

Compassion

Education

Relevant higher education degree

Job description

Go back Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Director of People

The closing date is 22 February 2026

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is one of the most forward‑thinking healthcare providers in the Southwest. Our commitment to delivering outstanding care is matched by our determination to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and can truly thrive.

Main duties of the job

For more detail about the main duties of this role, please see the job description section below. As a key member of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, you will be joining an exceptional team working together to help our patients to stay healthy, when they need it most.

About us

Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford).

Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people’s own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).

Our state‑of‑the‑art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world‑class care to our local communities.

Its never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you’ll help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.

Job responsibilities

For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.

More detail about the role

We are seeking an outstanding Director of People ideally with a background in a complex acute NHS Trust to join our Senior Leadership Team and act as full deputy to the Chief People Officer. You will play a pivotal role, shaping our people strategy and influencing decisions that drive high‑quality, safe care and financial sustainability.

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by leading transformation across our People Function. You will drive the development of streamlined, digitally enabled operating models, improve workforce utilisation, and champion innovative solutions that support recruitment, retention and new workforce models.

Your leadership, strategic judgement, political acuity and credibility will be essential in navigating complex challenges and delivering real, lasting improvements for our colleagues and patients.

If you are a compassionate, courageous and strategic people professional who can bring clarity, drive and compassion to some of our most complex workforce and financial challenges, we would be delighted to hear from you. Join us, and help shape the future of people, culture and workforce at the Royal Devon.

For more information, click on the link - https://rdehospital.pagetiger.com/new-recruitment-pack/new-recruitment-pack/?ptit=9224015B27E320413ABE6

Working Pattern: 37.5 Hours Monday to Friday

Interview Date: Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th March 2026

For further information please contact: Emily Simpson, Executive and Specialist Lead on 07958931414 or [e-mail]

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Preference will be given to staff with Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.

This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we'll help you get there.

Looking after you is important to us.

We strive to help our staff create a healthy work‑life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.

If you're starting out in the NHS, you'll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.

You’ll benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.

Salary is not the only financial benefit

You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers.

You will also have access to other benefits including:

National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.

Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter

Car lease schemes.

The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).

Cycle to work scheme

These are just a few of the benefits available if the role is something you are interested in, we'd love to hear from you.

Person Specification

General Requirements

• See job description text above, and (where applicable) you can download a copy of the full job description
• See job description text above, and (where applicable) you can download a copy of the full job description

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer name

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust