Director of People

Rdehospital; Exeter; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare provider in the UK is seeking a Director of People to join their Senior Leadership Team. The successful candidate will have extensive experience in a complex acute NHS Trust and will be responsible for shaping the people strategy while influencing decisions for high-quality care. This role offers a supportive work environment, 27 days annual leave, and additional financial benefits including discounts and flexible working options.

Benefits

National discount services

Salary sacrifice options

Car lease schemes

NHS Pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Director of People in a healthcare setting.
• Strong leadership and strategic judgement skills.
• Ability to manage complex workforce and financial challenges.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of streamlined, digitally-enabled operating models.
• Champion innovative solutions for recruitment and retention.
• Drive strategic judgement and credibility within the organization.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic judgement

Political acuity

Compassion

Courage

Education

Experience in a complex acute NHS Trust

Job description

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is one of the most forward-thinking healthcare providers in the Southwest employing more than 14,500 colleagues across a complex multi‑site organisation. Our commitment to delivering outstanding care is matched by our determination to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and can truly thrive.

About the Role

We are seeking an outstanding Director of People ideally with a background in a complex acute NHS Trust to join our Senior Leadership Team and act as full deputy to the Chief People Officer. You will play a pivotal role, shaping our people strategy and influencing decisions that drive high‑quality, safe care and financial sustainability.

• Lead the development of streamlined, digitally‑enabled operating models.
• Improve workforce utilisation and champion innovative solutions that support recruitment, retention and new workforce models.
• Navigate complex challenges and deliver real, lasting improvements for colleagues and patients.
• Drive high‑level strategic judgement, political acuity and credibility within the organisation.

Qualifications

• Outstanding Director of People with experience in a complex acute NHS Trust.
• Compassionate, courageous and strategic people professional.
• Excellent leadership, strategic judgement, political acuity and credibility.
• Experience in managing complex workforce and financial challenges.

Working Pattern: 37.5 Hours Monday to Friday

Interview Date: Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th March 2026

For further information please contact: Emily Simpson, Executive and Specialist Lead – 07958931414 or [e-mail]

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities.

Preference will be given to staff with ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close the vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.

About Us

Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford). Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people’s own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).

Our state‑of‑the‑art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world‑class care to our local communities.

Our values are at the heart of everything we do; click here to find out more.

It has never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you will help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.

Looking after you is important to us.

We strive to help our staff create a healthy work‑life balance through flexible working schemes and our family‑friendly policies.

If you are starting out in the NHS, you’ll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.

You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.

We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team. This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we will help you get there.

Salary is not the only financial benefit

You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including:

• National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
• Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter.
• Car lease schemes.
• The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
• Cycle to work scheme.

These are just a few of the benefits available – if the role is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you.