Chief People Officer

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.

We are known for:

Low turnover and high colleague engagementA genuine sense of belonging and purposeA collaborative, values-driven Executive TeamStrong system partnerships across Greater ManchesterA deep commitment to education, improvement and researchOur role as an anchor institution, with 70% of colleagues living locally

We are now entering an exciting new chapter, driven by a GBP4.8m 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.

You will provide strategic and operational leadership across:

People & Culture strategyWorkforce planning & modernisationLeadership & talent developmentSystem working and transformationOrganisational development & culture changeColleague wellbeing and experienceEducation, learning & developmentDigital people servicesInclusion, belonging and fairnessEmployee relations and partnership workingThis is a role for an inspiring, collaborative leader who can balance strategic transformation with operational grip, building trust, capability and confidence across the organisation.

What we're looking for

You will be:

An experienced senior People/OD leader in a complex organisation (NHS or public sector desirable)A visible, inclusive and values-led leader with strong personal credibilitySkilled at organisational development, cultural transformation and workforce redesignPassionate about colleague experience, wellbeing and leadership developmentCollaborative, politically astute and confident influencing at Board and system levelCommitted to fairness, inclusion and positive organisational cultureEnergised by challenge and motivated by public serviceIf 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.

Apply now

Applications are via CV and cover letter.

For an informal conversation, contact Jonathan Phillips

Closing date for applications: Monday December 15th 2025

Ad ID: 5417471831