Site Director of People and Culture

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust; Norwich; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent NHS organization is seeking a senior people and culture leader to drive strategic initiatives and support an inclusive workforce. This role requires extensive experience within the NHS, a strong understanding of people and culture strategies, and proven leadership in complex projects. The ideal candidate will exemplify integrity, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to equity and diversity. You will contribute to delivering exceptional care for patients across Norfolk, working closely with the Hospital Leadership Team.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Fast Track Staff Physiotherapy Service

Discounted gym memberships

Excellent pension scheme

Free 24-hours confidential counselling support

Qualifications

• Proven track record in developing effective people and culture plans.
• Experience in leading complex people and culture projects.
• Strong advocacy for equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Shape and deliver people and culture strategies.
• Provide strategic leadership for an inclusive workforce.
• Act as professional adviser on people and culture matters.

Skills

Emotional intelligence

Strong communication skills

Ability to provide strategic direction

Compassionate leadership

Education

MCIPD qualified

Masters degree in a relevant specialism

Tools

Microsoft Office programmes

Job description

Overview

At the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospitals NHS Trust, we’re building a healthier future together for the population of Norfolk, working collaboratively as part of the Norfolk and Waveney Acute Hospitals Group. We are therefore looking for an exceptional and experienced senior people and culture leader to be a key member of our Hospital Leadership Team (HLT) who shares our ambition, is driven by purpose and guided by values.

This is a pivotal role within the Trust, responsible for shaping and delivering our people and culture strategies to ensure an engaged, inclusive workforce that provides outstanding care for our patients.

Closing date: 11 January 2026

Interview date: 05 February 2026

Main Duties

Alongside HLT colleagues, you will be jointly accountable for all aspects of the Trust’s operations and performance. As an expert in your field, you will also act as a professional adviser to the HLT on all people and culture matters and will be responsible for strategic leadership and operational planning for people and culture, enabling an engaged, inclusive workforce, fit for the future, and delivering the best possible care to our patients. You will also provide professional leadership to the People and Culture function, ensuring a responsive, efficient and effective service, maximising use of digital advancements. You may also lead teams and portfolios of work across the Hospitals Group.

About Us

Join us at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and be part of a workforce of over 10,000 staff! The NNUH is one of the largest NHS trusts in the UK, providing first‑class acute care for around one million people in Norfolk and surrounding areas. We are a teaching and research hospital, at the forefront of innovation, home to state‑of‑the‑art facilities such as the Quadram Institute. We work closely with the University of East Anglia, providing teaching opportunities for our staff and placement opportunities for their students. We attract some of the best professionals from across the country and are proud that our workforce represents 94 countries from across the world. We are a friendly, collaborative hospital, working with local services and home to N&N Hospitals Charity.

Benefits

• Flexible working hours
• Fast Track Staff Physiotherapy Service
• Multi Faith prayer room at NNUH Colney Lane site
• Discounted gym memberships
• Excellent pension scheme and annual leave entitlement
• Wagestream – access up to 40% of your pay as you earn it
• Free Park & Ride service direct to NNUH Colney Lane
• Free 24‑hours confidential counselling support
• On‑site Nursery at NNUH Colney Lane
• On‑site cafes offering staff discounts at NNUH Colney Lane
• Support in career development
• Flexible staff bank
• Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars, Cycle to Work scheme and home electronics

Job Details

Date posted: 19 December 2025

Pay scheme: Very senior manager (VSM)

Salary: Depending on experience

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full‑time

Reference number: 234‑25‑SDPC

Job location: Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Colney Lane, Norwich, NR4 7UY

Responsibilities

You will have senior people and culture experience gained within the NHS, have a proven track record in the development and implementation of effective organisational people and culture plans and leading complex people and culture related projects and programmes of work. You will have strong and effective communication skills and be a positive advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion. Personal qualities such as integrity, emotional intelligence and alignment with our PRIDE values are essential to succeed in this role.

Please see the Job Description and Person Specification for further details on the job role and personal attributes required.

Qualifications & Training

• MCIPD qualified.
• Masters degree in a relevant specialism or equivalent level experience.

Experience

• Development and implementation of effective organisational people and culture plans.
• Senior management experience, including people, finance and risk management responsibilities.
• Leadership of complex people and culture related projects / programmes of work.
• Delivery of innovation / improvement.
• Cross‑organisational working.
• Senior people and culture experience within the NHS.
• Experience as Board / member of the most senior organisational leadership team within a large public sector or NHS organisation.

Skills, Abilities and Knowledge

• Emotional intelligence.
• Ability to provide strategic direction.
• Strong and effective communicator.
• Compassionate, inclusive leader; acts as a positive advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Competent user of Microsoft Office programmes and virtual platforms.

Attitude & Aptitude

• Personal integrity.
• Ability to work flexibly and travel, as required by role.
• Fit and Proper Person in accordance with the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulation 2014.
• Champions and role‑models Trust's Values.

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 to check for any previous criminal convictions.

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 NHS Careers website.

Employer Details

Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital

Address: Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Colney Lane, Norwich, NR4 7UY

Website: https://teamnnuh.co.uk/