Deputy Director of People – Operational Services

East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust is seeking an experienced and visionary leader to join our senior leadership team as Deputy Director of People – HR Operations & Workforce Services.

Reporting to the Director of People, this role provides strategic leadership and operational oversight across key workforce functions, including:

• Employee Relations
• HR Business Partnering
• Resourcing & Medical Staffing
• Occupational Health & Wellbeing

You will ensure the delivery of high-performing, innovative, and customer-focused services that meet statutory requirements, NHS standards, and best practice.

• Provide senior leadership and performance management across all HR operational services.
• Contribute to strategic direction and policy development, particularly in relation to People policies and procedures.
• Interpret and apply employment legislation, ensuring compliance and best practice across the Trust.
• Lead organisational change programmes and workforce transformation initiatives.
• Champion staff engagement, health, and wellbeing, and role-model values-based leadership across the Trust and Integrated Care System (ICS).
• Build capability within the People Directorate, setting and maintaining high standards for service delivery.
• Collaborate with senior managers, Executive and Non-Executive Directors, and IC S partners to deliver workforce strategies aligned with the Trust’s objectives.
• Support the development and implementation of the People Strategy, ensuring alignment with ESHT’s vision, regional priorities, and national workforce objectives.
• Act as a strategic communication link between Divisions, Operational Services, and external organisations to promote collaboration and consistency.
• Champion a coaching style of leadership, fostering empowerment and engagement across clinical and non-clinical teams.
• Ensure clinical, staff, and stakeholder engagement is embedded in decision-making processes and organisational change initiatives.

A wide range of staff benefits are available to our staff including staff development, enrolment in the NHS pension scheme, auto‑enrolment to our Temporary Workforce Service, access to onsite nurseries, staff restaurants and accommodation.

In addition to an internal Occupational Health department, all staff also have access to free psychological support through our confidential Employee Assistance Programme. Onsite parking is available from only £50 a year.

There has never been a better time to join East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, submit your application today.

We value the individuality that each candidate brings to the application process. While we understand that AI tools are widely available, we strongly discourage applicants from using AI-generated content when applying for jobs with us. We believe that your application should reflect your true skills, experiences, and motivations, which are best conveyed through your own words and unique perspective.

Using AI for your application may not accurately represent your knowledge, skills, and experience and may result in a disconnect between your qualifications and our assessment of your application.

We encourage applicants to take the time to thoughtfully complete your applications; by doing so, you allow us to better understand your true potential and ensure a fair and transparent evaluation of your application. Over reliance on AI-generated content may diminish your chance of success.

For further details / informal visits contact:
Name:
Jenny Darwood,

Job title:

Director of People, Email address: