Interim Assistant Director of People
Salary: Circa £80,000
Contract Length: 12 months
Working Pattern: Full‑time (4 days per week considered)
Location: North of England
On site: Hybrid
Overview
A forward‑thinking, healthcare organisation in the North of England is seeking an experienced Interim Assistant Director of People to support an important period of organisational change. Reporting to the Executive Team and working closely with the Executive Team, this role will provide strategic leadership across the People agenda, ensure effective workforce planning, and support the development of a high‑performing culture.
This is a hands‑on leadership role suited to someone with strong emotional intelligence, proven experience in complex environments (ideally health or care), and the ability to quickly build trust and deliver meaningful impact.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide senior-level strategic advice on people‑related aspects of organisational change and transformation
- Lead the development and implementation of an equal pay structure with external consultants
- Improve employee relations, particularly around pay, grievances, and organisational change
- Review the current People function and recommend future structures, resources, and operating models
- Reduce sickness absence, turnover, and ER case volumes, working with managers to improve capability and confidence.
- Translate staff survey insights into practical actions that drive engagement.
- Analyse workforce data and triangulate trends (e.g., vacancies, agency use, sickness) to support strategic decision‑making.
- Develop a people strategy that positions the organisation as an employer of choice.
- Work with senior colleagues to forecast and plan upcoming workforce needs.
- Provide visible leadership as part of the Leadership Team, upholding organisational values at all times.
Essential Criteria
- CIPD-qualified (Level 7 preferred) with ongoing CPD
- Senior leadership experience within a People/HR function
- Experience in healthcare, community services, primary care, or similar complex environments
- Proven track record of leading organisational change, including T&Cs and transformation programmes
- Strong understanding of TUPE in a health-related context
- Demonstrable experience of improving culture, engagement, and ER outcomes
- Ability to develop managerial capability and embed performance management
- High emotional intelligence and strong stakeholder management skills
- Confident, warm, and personable, with the ability to influence across all levels of a maturing organisation
- Able to quickly adapt, build rapport, and drive progress at pace
How to Apply – If you would like to apply for this position, please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV that supports the criteria set out in the person specification as well as your contact details, availability, and desired rate. Due to the number of applications, we are currently receiving for roles, we will only be in contact with candidates who meet the required criteria to discuss the role further.