Director of People – City and Weston

Job summary

This is a defining moment to join Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, a newly merged organisation serving communities across Bristol,Westonand South Gloucestershire.

As Director of People for the City and Weston Hospital Operating Unit, you willalsobe a key member of the Hospital Management Team, providing strategic workforce leadership to support operational performance, patientcareand the delivery of hospital priorities. Working closely with clinical,operationaland corporate leaders, you will ensure the people agenda enables the delivery of safe,effectiveand compassionate care.

We areseekingan experienced,compassionateand inclusive senior people leader with the credibility tooperateata seniorlevel within a complex NHS environment. You will bring a strongtrack recordof leading cultural change, workforcetransformationand organisational integration, together with a passion for improving colleague experience and organisational effectiveness.

The role is offered as a12 monthfixed-termor secondment opportunity.The Chief People and CultureOfficerwouldbe delighted to hear from you if you would like an informal conversation aboutthis opportunity.

Main duties of the job

Thesuccessfulcandidatewill hold a significant Trust-wide portfolio, leading strategic priorities across Culture, Organisational Development, Health and Wellbeing, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Staff Engagement, and Leadership and Management Development. These areas sit at the heart of the recently published NHS Staff Standards and are central to creating a positive,inclusiveand high-performing culture across the Trust.

This is a unique opportunity to combine corporate responsibility for key people and culture services across the Trustandsenior operational leadership within a Hospital Operating Unit with. You will help embed a shared culture, strengthen workforceresilienceand create the conditions for colleagues to thrive while delivering outstanding care for our communities.Thisrole alsoworks very closely with the Director of People for the Southmead Hospital Operating Unit, andwould be expected todeputise for theChief People and Culture Officer.

Person Specification

Education and qualifications

Essential

• Educated to Master’s degree in organisational development or strategic HRM or equivalent level management qualification or equivalent senior practical experience
• Evidence of management leadership/training and continuous professional development.
• Fellow of CIPD or equivalent experience

Experience

Essential

• Significant senior management experience in an NHS Acute Trust operating at Board level with comparable scope, responsibilities, budget and resources
• Experience of leading a merger or integration, or equivalent, similar in size and significance.
• Experience of successfully developing and delivering people and OD strategies.
• Experience of increasing staff engagement and motivation to improve performance.

Desirable

• Experience working on national programmes or contributing to national policy development.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Essential

• Knowledge and understanding of Employment Legislation, best HR practices and workforce planning
• Knowledge and understanding of key NHS issues, including at a national level and has ability to establish local policy drivers
• Expert knowledge in organisational design and development practises
• Commercially astute and able to develop commercial strategic options

Desirable

• Understanding of service improvement and redesign techniques

Closing Date: 10 August 2026