Band 8c Associate Director of HR

Job Title: Interim Associate Director of HR Operations & Wellbeing

Band: 8C

Location: Dorset

Working Pattern: Minimum 3 days on-site (flexible service‑led hybrid arrangement)

Contract: Interim / Fixed Term (9 months)

Start Date: ASAP

Hours: Full time (37.5 hours per week)
We are currently supporting a leading healthcare Trust in Dorset in the appointment of an

Interim Associate Director of HR Operations & Wellbeing . This is a senior leadership opportunity within a large, complex healthcare organisation, offering the chance to shape and influence the full spectrum of People Operations, Employee Experience and Wellbeing services across a workforce of approximately 12,000 staff.
About the Role

Reporting into the Deputy Chief People Officer, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across key HR functions including:
Resourcing and Talent Acquisition (permanent and temporary workforce)
Employee Relations, including complex case management and policy leadership
Occupational Health, Wellbeing and Psychological Support Services
Medical Staffing and associated workforce functions
You will be responsible for ensuring high‑performing, compliant and responsive HR services that align with Trust priorities, governance frameworks and national NHS standards. A key focus of the role is driving service improvement, transformation, and a strong “Great Place to Work” culture.
Key Responsibilities

Lead the delivery of HR operational services across a large and diverse NHS workforce
Manage complex Employee Relations cases, including tribunals and senior medical staffing matters
Provide expert advice on employment law, policy and organisational change
Oversee Occupational Health, Wellbeing and Psychological Support services
Drive workforce transformation, continuous improvement and service efficiency
Lead policy development and ensure consistent Trust‑wide application
Manage budgets, workforce planning and cost improvement programmes
Represent the HR function at senior governance and partnership forums
Build strong relationships with Staff Side, senior clinicians and executive stakeholders
Support major organisational change programmes including TUPE, restructures and redundancies
About You

The ideal candidate will bring:
Significant senior HR leadership experience within the NHS or large complex organisation
Strong background in

Employee Relations, tribunals and medical workforce issues
Proven experience leading Occupational Health, Wellbeing or Employee Experience functions
Demonstrable success in managing large HR teams and operational services
Strong understanding of NHS governance, policy and workforce frameworks
Experience working at board or executive level with excellent stakeholder skills
Ability to lead transformation and service improvement at scale
Strong financial and budget management capability
Additional Information

This role requires

minimum 3 days on‑site attendance across Dorset sites
Full-time commitment (37.5 hours per week, Monday–Friday)
Must have strong NHS experience in complex ER and workforce environments
Strong emphasis on delivery of high‑quality operational HR services
Applications: jane.duo@tclrec.com

#J-18808-Ljbffr