Job summary
As part of the ongoing consultation regarding the proposed new structure for HR Services, we are inviting applications for the role of Deputy Head of HR Services (Band 8a). This is a senior leadership role responsible for supporting the strategic and operational delivery of HR Services. The post holder will lead on service improvement, workforce initiatives and the development of a modern, responsive HR service that meets organisational needs. We are looking for a strategic and collaborative leader who can drive change, develop teams and deliver high-quality people services. You will:
- Support the leadership and development of HR Services
- Lead service improvement initiatives and transformation work
- Build strong relationships with senior leaders and stakeholders
- Ensure high standards of service delivery and continuous improvement
Application Requirements Please apply via
Trac, addressing the following in the supporting information:
- Why you are interested in the role
- How your experience meets the requirements of the role
- An example of when you have taken the initiative to improve your area of work
Interview date: 2nd April 2026
Main duties of the job
Key Responsibilities:
- Responsible for day to day delivery of the Group HR Services portfolio across GESH, deputising for the Group Head of HR Services to ensure an integrated, customer centred service.
- Will manage the operational performance of the HR Contact Centre and Virtual HR Assistant, oversees workforce compliance (Right to Work, professional registrations, DBS), coordinates HR governance (Risk Register, FOI/SAR in partnership with ER and IG), and leads Staff Benefits and Reward administration including NMW assurance
About us
St George's, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group cares for a population of four million people in South West London and North East Surrey.Our sites include St George's Hospital, one of 11 major trauma centres in the UK and the largest healthcare provider and major teaching hospital in the area; St Helier Hospital, home to the South West Thames Renal and Transplantation Unit and Queen Mary's Hospital for Children; and Epsom Hospital, home to the South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre (SWLEOC).
After years of collaboration, our two Trusts became a hospitals group in 2021. While remaining as two separate Trusts, being a hospitals group will help us to collaborate more closely on research, and the development, education, and training of our 17,000-strong workforce.
At gesh we are committed to supporting flexible working arrangements. Applicants are encouraged to discuss any flexibility they may need during the recruitment process.
Job description
Job responsibilities
As part of the ongoing consultation regarding the proposed new structure for HR Services, we are inviting applications for the role of Deputy Head of HR Services (Band 8a).
Job description
Job responsibilities
As part of the ongoing consultation regarding the proposed new structure for HR Services, we are inviting applications for the role of Deputy Head of HR Services (Band 8a).
Person Specification
Training & Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to degree level or equivalent experience.
- CIPD qualified (MCIPD) or equivalent HR expertise with evidence of substantial CPD
Desirable
- Chartered Member of CIPD. o Postgraduate qualification in HRM/Business/Public Administration. o Formal project/continuous improvement qualification (e.g., PRINCE2, APM, Lean/VI).
Experience
Essential
- Significant operational HR experience within large, complex organisations (preferably NHS/public sector).
- Proven delivery of customer facing HR service operations with measurable KPIs
- Experience of reward administration and benefits, including salary sacrifice and NMW assurance in partnership with Payroll/Finance.
- Administration/coordination of NHS Job Evaluation, including panel processes, record keeping and consistency checks.
- Leading policy implementation and process standardisation across multiple sites.
- Managing suppliers/contracts and small/medium projects to improve services and systems
Desirable
- Acute NHS provider and/or ICS experience
- Implementation/optimisation of a Virtual HR Assistant or similar self service knowledge base.
Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Strong knowledge of UK employment law, NHS Agenda for Change, and NHS JE principles
- Advanced communication skills with the ability to explain highly complex/sensitive information to varied audiences and negotiate with tact and diplomacy.
- Data literate; able to interpret workforce data and present clear reports/dashboards
- Coaching and people leadership skills; proven ability to build inclusive, high performing teams.
Desirable
- Knowledge management/content design for intranet/virtual assistant channels.
Person Specification
Training & Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to degree level or equivalent experience.
- CIPD qualified (MCIPD) or equivalent HR expertise with evidence of substantial CPD
Desirable
- Chartered Member of CIPD. o Postgraduate qualification in HRM/Business/Public Administration. o Formal project/continuous improvement qualification (e.g., PRINCE2, APM, Lean/VI).
Experience
Essential
- Significant operational HR experience within large, complex organisations (preferably NHS/public sector).
- Proven delivery of customer facing HR service operations with measurable KPIs
- Experience of reward administration and benefits, including salary sacrifice and NMW assurance in partnership with Payroll/Finance.
- Administration/coordination of NHS Job Evaluation, including panel processes, record keeping and consistency checks.
- Leading policy implementation and process standardisation across multiple sites.
- Managing suppliers/contracts and small/medium projects to improve services and systems
Desirable
- Acute NHS provider and/or ICS experience
- Implementation/optimisation of a Virtual HR Assistant or similar self service knowledge base.
Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Strong knowledge of UK employment law, NHS Agenda for Change, and NHS JE principles
- Advanced communication skills with the ability to explain highly complex/sensitive information to varied audiences and negotiate with tact and diplomacy.
- Data literate; able to interpret workforce data and present clear reports/dashboards
- Coaching and people leadership skills; proven ability to build inclusive, high performing teams.
Desirable
- Knowledge management/content design for intranet/virtual assistant channels.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
