Interim Associate Director of HR Operations & Wellbeing

About the role

This interim position offers a senior leadership opportunity within a large NHS Trust in Dorset, overseeing HR Operations and Wellbeing for a workforce of around 12,000 employees. Reporting to the Deputy Chief People Officer, you will shape strategic direction and ensure high‑quality, compliant people services.

Key responsibilities

• Lead HR Operations, Talent Acquisition and Workforce Resourcing services.
• Oversee Employee Relations, including complex casework, tribunals and senior medical workforce matters.
• Direct Occupational Health, Wellbeing and Psychological Support services to foster a healthy workplace culture.
• Provide expert guidance on employment law, workforce policy and organisational change.
• Drive service improvement, transformation and workforce modernisation initiatives.
• Develop, implement and govern workforce policies and procedures.
• Manage budgets, workforce planning and cost‑improvement programmes.
• Build effective relationships with trade unions, senior clinicians, executive leaders and external partners.
• Represent the People Directorate at senior leadership, governance and partnership forums.
• Support major organisational change programmes, including restructures, TUPE transfers and workforce redesign.

Required profile

• Seasoned NHS HR leader with a strong track record of leading large‑scale operational HR functions.
• Proven ability to drive service improvement and deliver effective workforce solutions in complex environments.
• Experience managing budgets, policy governance and stakeholder relationships at senior levels.

Required skills