Job summary This is an exceptional opportunity for an ambitious Chief People Officer to play a central leadership role in one of the few Trusts to be in wave one of the national New Hospitals Programme. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future services for a population of circa 300,000 and the way they are delivered. Main duties of the job The Chief People Officer is a voting member of the Board of Directors, and a will play a pivotal role in the Executive team, shaping and delivering the People agenda across the Trust, Cheshire and the wider geography of the Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care System. They will be integral in our transition to becoming a truly listening, involving and empowering organisation, as part of our strategic objective 'Empowering our staff to be the best that they can be' and will build on the work done over the past twelve months to further develop our values and define their underpinning behaviours. About us Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides comprehensive hospital and community services for East Cheshire (population 399K) and West Cheshire and Chester (population 357K). Our services include planned and unplanned/emergency care, cardiac and critical care, child health, maternity, and intermediate care across Leighton Hospital in Crewe, Victoria Infirmary in Northwich, and Elmhurst Intermediate Care Centre in Winsford. Through our community arm, Central Cheshire Integrated Care Partnership, we deliver extensive services in 26 medical centres and schools in collaboration with Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS FT and the South Cheshire and Vale Royal GP Alliance. With 500 beds and around 5,500 staff, we are one of the area's largest employers. Since the formation of Integrated Care Systems in July 2022, the Trust has become a key partner in Cheshire East & Cheshire West and Chester and in two provider collaboratives, aligning our strategic goals with the Cheshire & Merseyside Integrated Care System. As part of the national New Hospital Programme, we're reimagining Leighton Hospital to create a new health and care neighbourhood, transforming healthcare delivery for a Healthier Future. Learn more on our Healthier Futures website. At Mid Cheshire, our mission is to inspire hope and provide unparalleled care for the people and communities of Cheshire, helping them to enjoy life to the fullest. Details Date posted 23 May 2025 Pay scheme Very senior manager (VSM) Salary Depending on experience Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 412-Trust-Executive Job locations Leighton Hospital Middlewich Road Crewe CW1 4QJ Job description Job responsibilities An exceptional leader of people is sought, with drive, vision, a strategic mindset, clarity of purpose, and high levels of integrity. Whether an existing or aspiring CPO, values driven leadership, a collegiate approach and genuine commitment to patients and population health are essential. They will have the ability to build credibility with, inspire confidence and demonstrably influence people at all levels. Job description Job responsibilities An exceptional leader of people is sought, with drive, vision, a strategic mindset, clarity of purpose, and high levels of integrity. Whether an existing or aspiring CPO, values driven leadership, a collegiate approach and genuine commitment to patients and population health are essential. They will have the ability to build credibility with, inspire confidence and demonstrably influence people at all levels. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Masters level qualification or equivalent experience Chartered CIPD Member Desirable Chartered Fellow CIPD member or working towards this level membership Experience Essential Evidence of experience in strategy development and implementation in relation to workforce, succession planning and talent management Successful track record in the leadership of people and teams including line management Recent experience of leading major organisational change and development Working in partnership with unions to deliver effective outcomes. Skills Essential High degree of political sensitivity and experience of dealing with a range of complex issues within a demanding stakeholder environment Able to lead transformation, change management and organisational development, through the application of OD methodologies and approaches Ability to establish rapport with and influence clinicians, managers, staff, staff representatives and professionals from other trusts Ability to establish strong working relationships with the chair, non-executive directors and governors o Excellent leadership, negotiation, empowerment and advocacy skills Person Specification Qualifications Essential Masters level qualification or equivalent experience Chartered CIPD Member Desirable Chartered Fellow CIPD member or working towards this level membership Experience Essential Evidence of experience in strategy development and implementation in relation to workforce, succession planning and talent management Successful track record in the leadership of people and teams including line management Recent experience of leading major organisational change and development Working in partnership with unions to deliver effective outcomes. Skills Essential High degree of political sensitivity and experience of dealing with a range of complex issues within a demanding stakeholder environment Able to lead transformation, change management and organisational development, through the application of OD methodologies and approaches Ability to establish rapport with and influence clinicians, managers, staff, staff representatives and professionals from other trusts Ability to establish strong working relationships with the chair, non-executive directors and governors o Excellent leadership, negotiation, empowerment and advocacy skills 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab) . From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab) . UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Additional information 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab) . From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab) . UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Address Leighton Hospital Middlewich Road Crewe CW1 4QJ Employer's website https://www.mcht.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab) Employer details Employer name Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Address Leighton Hospital Middlewich Road Crewe CW1 4QJ Employer's website https://www.mcht.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab). Location : Leighton Hospital, Middlewich Road, CW1 4QJ Crewe, United Kingdom