Head of People Digital Transformation

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire; Coventry; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust is seeking an innovative and influential leader to head the People Directorate's Digital Transformation, data and AI agenda. This senior role will shape how the Trust harnesses technology to improve workforce outcomes, employee experience and organisational performance.

You will develop long-term strategy, deliver large-scale programmes and lead data-driven insights while ensuring governance and compliance across the portfolio.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent in digital transformation, data analytics, or related field.
• Significant experience leading complex digital transformation or analytics programmes.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of the People Directorate's Digital, Data and AI Strategy.
• Oversee large-scale digital transformation and automation programmes across workforce services.
• Develop advanced workforce analytics, predictive modelling and insight capabilities.
• Drive safe, ethical and transparent adoption of AI technologies.
• Build digital capability and data literacy across the People function.
• Ensure governance, information management and risk/compliance across programmes.

Job description

Are you passionate about using digital innovation, data, automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform workforce services? UHCW is seeking an exceptional and forward‑thinkingHead of People Digital Transformationto lead our People Directorate's digital, data and AI agenda. This is a unique opportunity to influence how one out Trust harnesses technology to improve workforce outcomes, employee experience and organisational performance. As a senior leader within the People Directorate, you will develop and deliver our long‑term Digital, Data and AI Strategy, leading large‑scale transformation programmes that drive innovation, efficiency and continuous improvement across workforce services. Reporting to the Associate Director of People, you will provide strategic leadership for digital transformation initiatives across the People Directorate, ensuring alignment with Trust priorities, workforce transformation programmes and national NHS digital standards. You will:

• Lead the development and implementation of the People Directorate Digital, Data and AI Strategy.
• Deliver complex digital transformation and automation programmes.
• Develop advanced workforce analytics, predictive modelling and insight capabilities.
• Drive the adoption of AI technologies in a safe, ethical and transparent manner.
• Build digital capability and data literacy across the People function.
• Work collaboratively with operational leaders, People Business Partners, Digital and Informatics teams, and external partners.
• Ensure robust governance, information management, risk management and compliance across all programmes.

We are looking for an innovative and influential leader with a strong track record of delivering transformational change through digital technologies and data-driven solutions.

• Develop and deliver the People Directorate Digital, Data and AI long term Strategy, aligned to Trust and national priorities.
• Provide expert advice to senior leaders on digital innovation, AI adoption, and workforce analytics.
• Translate strategic objectives into clear, deliverable programmes and measurable outcomes.
• You will line manage an allocated Digital Developer and/or provide expert support and guidance to people directorate colleagues.

Programme & Transformation Delivery

• Lead complex, large-scale digital and AI-enabled transformation programmes across the People Directorate including financial oversight of allocated budget.
• Establish robust programme governance, including:
  • Benefits realisation frameworks
  • Risk management and controls
  • Reporting to senior governance forums
• Ensure delivery is aligned to UHCWi Lean principles, focusing on efficiency, standardisation, and value.

Advanced Analytics & Insight

• Lead the development of advanced workforce analytics capability, including:
  • Predictive modelling (e.g. absence, turnover, workforce demand)
  • Scenario planning and capacity modelling
  • Insight dashboards for operational and Board-level reporting

You will have Master's degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field such as digital transformation, workforce analytics, organisational development or data and have significant experience leading complex digital transformation or analytics programmes.

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, rated as good by the Care Quality Commission, is one of the largest teaching Trusts in the UK. We are extremely proud of our employees across our hospital sites, with high quality patient care at the heart of everything we do. Boasting some of the most modern facilities in Western Europe, the Trust is renowned for being at the forefront of research and innovation as part of its blossoming reputation as a worldwide leader in healthcare. We are proud to be recognised as a Pathway to Excellence® - University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire (uhcw.nhs.uk) designated organisation. By joining our exciting journey, you will form part of a passionate, talented team and will be able to access a wide range of learning and development opportunities. There has never been a better time to join our team. The Trust is committed to building an organisation that makes full use of the talents, skills, experience, and different perspectives available in our diverse society. We want everyone to feel they are respected, valued, can achieve their potential and receive the most appropriate and relevant care. We will create an environment where the equality and human rights principles of fairness, respect, equality, dignity and autonomy are promoted and are part of the organisation's core values.