Divisional Head of Workforce: Sponsorship Available

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Job summary

Are you an ambitious senior HR leader ready for your next challenge? As Divisional Head of Workforce, you will lead the people agenda for a major clinical division, partnering with senior leaders to shape workforce strategy and transformation. A broad, fast-paced role offering excellent development towards future Senior HR Leadership positions.

This is a unique opportunity to join Oxford University Hospitals as a Divisional Head of Workforce, leading the people agenda for one of our major clinical divisions and helping deliver exceptional patient care through our people.

Value Based Interview date: Tuesday 01 or Wednesday 02 September 2026

Panel Interview date: Friday 04 September 2026

Main duties of the job

Reporting to the Director of Workforce, you will work closely with divisional operational and clinical leaders as their trusted strategic workforce adviser. You will lead the development and delivery of the Divisional People Plan and Workforce Plan, using workforce data and insight to identify priorities and implement solutions that improve performance, engagement, retention and productivity.

This is a highly visible, fast-paced and demanding role, offering exposure to the full breadth of HR and workforce leadership. From workforce planning, organisational development and transformation to employee relations, wellbeing and leadership development, no two days are the same.

What makes this role particularly attractive is the opportunity to operate strategically within one of the largest and most complex NHS Trusts while maintaining broad HR experience across the entire people agenda. Working closely with specialist colleagues across the Workforce Directorate, you will gain valuable exposure across multiple disciplines, making this an exceptional development opportunity.

Ideal for an experienced Senior HR Business Partner, Deputy Head of Workforce or Associate Director, this role provides excellent preparation for becoming a future Director of Workforce, Deputy Chief People Officer or Chief People Officer.

Hybrid working is supported, with an expectation of at least two days per week on site at the John Radcliffe Hospital.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Chartered Member of CIPD
  • Educated to Masters or Equiv Experience

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

  • In-depth knowledge of workforce planning, principles and tools
  • In-depth knowledge of NHS Strategic People Priorities
  • Experience as working as a senior HR business partner
  • Extensive experience of providing specialist advice on a range of complex HR Issues
  • Extensive experience of interpreting and applying employment law

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 (formerly known as CRB) 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 (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Closing Date: 23 August 2026

To apply for this job please visit apps.trac.jobs.