Shape the future of workforce systems, data and insight in the NHS
We are seeking an experienced, forward-thinking Head of Workforce Systems & Data Analytics to lead one of the Trust’s most critical and high-impact transformation agendas.
This is a senior, strategic role at the heart of our People Services Division, with end-to-end responsibility for workforce systems, workforce data and workforce analytics. You will lead the integration, governance and continuous development of a single, coherent workforce systems and analytics capability that supports workforce planning, productivity, transformation and evidence-based decision-making across the Trust.
Main Base: Buckingham Row, Wigan. With hybrid working arrangements and Travel to all Trust sites required.
About you
You will have:
- Significant experience leading workforce systems, analytics or digital workforce functions in a complex organisation
- A strong track record of delivering large-scale, multi-workstream programmes
- Deep understanding of workforce systems such as ESR, e-rostering or equivalent platforms
- Expertise in data governance, assurance, analytics and reporting
- The confidence to influence, challenge and advise at senior leadership and Board level
- A leadership style that is inclusive, compassionate and values-led
Main duties of the job
About the role
Reporting to the Associate Director of Workforce Planning & Transformation, you will:
- Act as the Trust’s senior lead for workforce systems, workforce data and analytics
- Ensure workforce systems and analytics operate as a joined-up, future-ready ecosystem
- Lead the Trust’s readiness for, and transition to, the new NHS Workforce Solution
- Drive digital maturity, automation and data quality, reducing reliance on manual and paper-based processes
- Provide senior assurance for workforce reporting, analytics and statutory submissions
- Lead complex programmes and portfolios spanning systems, data, analytics and organisational change
- Build strong partnerships across People Services, Finance, Payroll, Digital, IT and Corporate Data
- Represent the Trust at Greater Manchester, regional and national workforce forums
You will lead and develop a skilled, multidisciplinary team, creating a high-performing, inclusive and psychologically safe culture aligned to WWL values.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to Masters level in relevant subject or equivalent level of experience of working at a similar level in specialist area – information / data analysis, programme management, Human Resources
- Evidence of relevant continued professional development
Desirable
- MCIPD
- Professional qualification relevant to HR, informatics, data or analytics
- Formal project or programme management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2, MSP, Agile) or equivalent experience.
Experience
Essential
- Significant experience within a data analysis role
- Experience of undertaking complex analysis of information from a number of sources
- Experience of producing, developing and designing workforce reports/dashboards
- Experience of dealing with conflicting priorities and meeting deadlines
- Experience of leading and managing a team/function
- Project Management experience
- Experience of developing and implementing service improvements/developments/ transformation
Desirable
- Experience within an NHS workforce information/systems department at a senior level
- Experience working with HR and Workforce data
- Experience of using ESR
- Experience of using Power BI
- Experience of sourcing & implementing digital workforce solutions
Knowledge
Essential
- Excellent understanding of confidentiality and data protection
- Knowledge of statistical techniques and their application
Desirable
- Good working knowledge of NHS workforce challenges
- Knowledge of NHS People Plan and the role of digital innovation within this
Additional
Essential
- Commitment to the deliver of the highest standard of customer service
- Commitment to promotion of equality, diversion and inclusion
Desirable
- Able to travel and work flexibly across the geographical footprint of the organisation
Skills
Essential
- Clear communicator with excellent writing, report writing and presentation skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accurately for diverse audiences
- Advanced data manipulation & interpretation skills using MS Excel, tools and techniques
- Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands
- Attention to detail combined with the ability to extract key messages from complex analysis
- Ability to prioritise and manage own workload and the workload of others
- Ability to build purposeful and lasting relationships and command the confidence of people at every level
- Ability to produce clear and concise reports from a variety of data sources, including statistical and narrative reports
- Ability to audit data, maintain high standards of data quality and interrogate errors
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.
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: 22 February 2026
