Role Summary
This is an exciting opportunity to join our People Function at a pivotal time, as we continue to deliver our ambitious workforce transformation programmes across the Trust.
We are seeking an experienced and credible Senior HR Programme Manager to lead the
design and delivery of complex, organisation-wide workforce programmes. Reporting to
the Assistant Director of People Business Partnering, you will play a key role in translating strategic priorities into deliverable programmes that support our operational, financial and workforce objectives.
Working closely with senior leaders across the Trust and wider system, you will ensure
programmes are effectively planned, governed and delivered—driving sustainable
change and real benefits for our staff and services.
About the Role
For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.
More detail about the role
Main duties of the role include:
- Leading the strategic planning and delivery of workforce transformation
programmes - Designing and implementing complex projects from concept to delivery
- Providing clear governance, assurance and reporting to senior leadership and Boards
- Building strong relationships across the Trust and with system partners
- Championing continuous improvement and developing capability across teams
About you:
You will bring significant experience of providing HR leadership to complex programmes
in a large and complex organisation, with strong programme management skills and the
ability to influence at senior level. You will be confident working with highly complex
information, using data to inform decisions and drive improvement.
You will also be someone who can lead through ambiguity, engage stakeholders, and
support the delivery of transformational change that improves outcomes for our people
and patients.
For an informal discussion, please contact Karen Desborough Assistant Director of
People Partnering or David Matthewman Director of People..
If you’re looking for a role where you can make a real organisational impact, we would welcome your application.
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday,
Interview Date: w/c 20th July 2026
For further information please contact: Karen Desborough Assistant Director of People Partnering karen.desborough@nhs.net
This is an internal vacancy for Royal Devon employees, therefore Bank workers are currently not eligible to apply for this vacancy
This is a fixed term contract until 30/06/2027. For current NHS employees this post could be a secondment opportunity.
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 believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
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 vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.
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.
Benefits
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.
