Director of People

Job summaryShape the future workforce of one of Yorkshire's largest NHS organisations.We are seeking an exceptional workforce leader to join us as Director of People. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, this Board-facing leadership role represents a unique opportunity to lead workforce strategy, workforce planning and workforce services across an organisation employing approximately 10,000 staff and serving communities across Wakefield, Pontefract, Dewsbury and beyond.As the Trust's most senior workforce professional, you will provide expert advice and assurance to the Chief Executive, Trust Board and Executive Team on some of the most complex workforce challenges facing the NHS. You will oversee a broad portfolio including workforce business partnering, employee relations, recruitment, workforce planning, workforce information and strategic workforce programmes.With experience operating at a senior organisational level, influencing strategic decision-making and leading large-scale workforce initiatives, you will be well placed to make a significant impact in this role. If you are excited by the opportunity to shape workforce strategy and lead transformation across a complex NHS organisation, we would be delighted to hear from you.Closing date: 5pm, Tuesday 18 AugustInterview and assessment dates: Monday 7 and Tuesday 8 SeptemberMain duties of the jobThis is a role for a leader who combines operational credibility with strategic vision. You will play a central role in shaping the Trust's operational workforce strategy, supporting transformation and financial recovery, strengthening workforce sustainability and ensuring our organisation remains a great place to work and deliver care.Key responsibilities include:Act as the Trust's highest professional authority on workforce operations, workforce planning and employment matters.Lead workforce contributions to organisational transformation, financial recovery and service redesign programmes.Lead the development and implementation of workforce components of the Trust operating plan.Lead the development, implementation and review of organisation-wide workforce policies, strategies and frameworks which have significant impact across all staff groups and services.Responsible for strategic management of workforce services budgets.Act as the Trust lead for strategic partnership working with recognised Trade Unions and professional bodies.Lead highly complex negotiations and consultations relating to organisational change, workforce transformation and employee relations matters.For an informal conversation regarding the role, please contact Charlotte Winterburn, Executive Assistant, who will be able to facilitate discussions with Brent Kilmurray, Chief Executive.Call: 01924 543617Email: [email protected] usWe are an acute trust caring for over one million people in Wakefield and Kirklees. Our 10,000 staff members work in patients homes, the community, and our three hospitals in Pontefract, Dewsbury, and Pinderfields (Wakefield). Committed to continuous improvement, we prioritise our people and values so we can deliver excellent patient experience. Our team is friendly, passionate and always seeking better ways to work through research and innovation. We support work-life balance and foster a diverse, inclusive environment where everyone belongs. Our staff networks offer safe spaces for honest conversations and to share ideas, thoughts and concerns so we can increase awareness and appreciation of equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and especially encourage members of the LGBTQ+ community, ethnic minority groups, and people with disabilities or neurodivergence to apply, as they are currently underrepresented in the Trust. As a member of the team, you will have access to the NHS pension plan, a generous holiday allowance, employee health and wellbeing services and extensive benefits and support. These include onsite nurseries, childcare vouchers, home electronics schemes, working carers support, carer-friendly policies, and more. If you value caring, high standards, improvement, and respect, join the MY team to make a difference every day.DetailsDate posted05 August 2026Pay schemeAgenda for changeBandBand 9Salary 112,782 to 129,783 a year ContractPermanentWorking pattern Full-time Reference number001505Job locationsPinderfields HospitalWakefieldWest YorkshireWF1 4DGUnited KingdomJob descriptionJob responsibilitiesAbout you:Significant senior workforce leadership experience within a large and complex NHS organisation.A track record of advising Boards, Executive Teams and senior leaders.Experience of leading workforce strategy, workforce planning and organisational transformation.Strong employee relations and partnership working credentials.The ability to navigate complexity, ambiguity and competing priorities with confidence and integrity.A collaborative leadership style and a commitment to developing high-performing teams.QualificationsMaster's degree or equivalent experience; Chartered Fellow of the CIPD; evidence of continuing professional development.Evidence of ongoing management and leadership development.Knowledge and awarenessExpert knowledge of NHS workforce policy, employment law, Agenda for Change, workforce planning, governance and workforce analytics.Skills and abilitiesBoard-level influencing; strategic leadership; negotiation; workforce modelling; complex analysis; policy interpretation; balancing competing priorities.Personal attributesPolitically astute; credible; resilient; collaborative leadership style; integrity; strong influencing skills. Job description Job responsibilitiesAbout you:Significant senior workforce leadership experience within a large and complex NHS organisation.A track record of advising Boards, Executive Teams and senior leaders.Experience of leading workforce strategy, workforce planning and organisational transformation.Strong employee relations and partnership working credentials.The ability to navigate complexity, ambiguity and competing priorities with confidence and integrity.A collaborative leadership style and a commitment to developing high-performing teams.QualificationsMaster's degree or equivalent experience; Chartered Fellow of the CIPD; evidence of continuing professional development.Evidence of ongoing management and leadership development.Knowledge and awarenessExpert knowledge of NHS workforce policy, employment law, Agenda for Change, workforce planning, governance and workforce analytics.Skills and abilitiesBoard-level influencing; strategic leadership; negotiation; workforce modelling; complex analysis; policy interpretation; balancing competing priorities.Personal attributesPolitically astute; credible; resilient; collaborative leadership style; integrity; strong influencing skills.Person Specification Qualifications EssentialPlease download the candidate pack, job description and person specification. Person Specification Qualifications EssentialPlease download the candidate pack, job description and person specification. Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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 detailsEmployer nameThe Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS TrustAddressPinderfields HospitalWakefieldWest YorkshireWF1 4DGUnited KingdomEmployer's websiteEmployer detailsEmployer nameThe Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS TrustAddressPinderfields HospitalWakefieldWest YorkshireWF1 4DGUnited KingdomEmployer's website