Head of People Digital Transformation
Job summary
Head of People Digital Transformation
Band 8b (subject to formal job evaluation)
Shape the Future of Workforce Digital Transformation
Are you passionate about using digital innovation, data, automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform workforce services?
UHCW is seeking an exceptional and forward-thinking Head of People Digital Transformation to lead our People Directorate's digital, data and AI agenda. This is a unique opportunity to influence how one out Trust harnesses technology to improve workforce outcomes, employee experience and organisational performance.
As a senior leader within the People Directorate, you will develop and deliver our long-term Digital, Data and AI Strategy, leading large-scale transformation programmes that drive innovation, efficiency and continuous improvement across workforce services.
Reporting to the Associate Director of People, you will provide strategic leadership for digital transformation initiatives across the People Directorate, ensuring alignment with Trust priorities, workforce transformation programmes and national NHS digital standards.
Main duties of the job
You will:
- Lead the development and implementation of the People Directorate Digital, Data and AI Strategy.
- Deliver complex digital transformation and automation programmes.
- Develop advanced workforce analytics, predictive modelling and insight capabilities.
- Drive the adoption of AI technologies in a safe, ethical and transparent manner.
- Build digital capability and data literacy across the People function.
- Work collaboratively with operational leaders, People Business Partners, Digital and Informatics teams, and external partners.
- Ensure robust governance, information management, risk management and compliance across all programmes.
We are looking for an innovative and influential leader with a strong track record of delivering transformational change through digital technologies and data-driven solutions.
You will have Master's degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field such as digital transformation, workforce analytics, organisational development or data and have significant experience leading complex digital transformation or analytics programmes.
For an informal discussion about this exciting opportunity, please contact Satpal Gill Associate Director of People - Employment Services via Satpal.gill@uhcw.nhs.uk
Closing Date: 28th October midnight
Interview Date Monday 16th November 2026
About us
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, rated as good by the Care Quality Commission, is one of the largest teaching Trusts in the UK.
We are extremely proud of our employees across our hospital sites, with high quality patient care at the heart of everything we do.
Boasting some of the most modern facilities in Western Europe, the Trust is renowned for being at the forefront of research and innovation as part of its blossoming reputation as a worldwide leader in healthcare.
We are proud to be recognised as a Pathway to Excellence designated organisation - please click the link for further details about this prestigious award. Pathway To Excellence - University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire (uhcw.nhs.uk)
By joining our exciting journey, you will form part of a passionate, talented team and will be able to access a wide range of learning and development opportunities. There has never been a better time to join our team.
The Trust is committed to building an organisation that makes full use of the talents, skills, experience, and different perspectives available in our diverse society. We want everyone to feel they are respected, valued, can achieve their potential and receive the most appropriate and relevant care. We will create an environment where the equality and human rights principles of fairness, respect, equality, dignity and autonomy are promoted and are part of the organisation's core values.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and deliver the People Directorate Digital, Data and AI long term Strategy, aligned to Trust and national priorities.
- Provide expert advice to senior leaders on digital innovation, AI adoption, and workforce analytics.
- Translate strategic objectives into clear, deliverable programmes and measurable outcomes.
- You will line manage an allocated Digital Developer and/or provide expert support and guidance to people directorate colleagues.
Programme & Transformation Delivery
- Lead complex, large-scale digital and AI-enabled transformation programmes across the People Directorate including financial oversight of allocated budget.
- Establish robust programme governance, including:
o Benefits realisation frameworks
o Risk management and controls
o Reporting to senior governance forums
- Ensure delivery is aligned to UHCWi Lean principles, focusing on efficiency, standardisation, and value.
Advanced Analytics & Insight
- Lead the development of advanced workforce analytics capability, including:
o Predictive modelling (e.g. absence, turnover, workforce demand)
o Scenario planning and capacity modelling
o Insight dashboards for operational and Board-level reporting
- Drive data-informed decision-making across the People Directorate.
For further details please see the attached job description. (Please note the Job Description and Person Specification is subject to Formal Job Evaluation.
Person Specification
Qualifications
- oMaster's degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field (e.g. data, digital, workforce analytics, organisational transformation)
- oFormal qualification in AI, Data Science, or Digital Transformation
Experience
- oExperience within NHS or large public sector organisation oExperience of supporting NHS Workforce Planning and NHS Oversight Framework (NOF) oSignificant experience leading complex digital transformation or analytics programmes oExperience of delivering automation or data-led service improvements at scale.
- oExperience of implementing AI-enabled solutions in operational settings.
Knowledge
- oAdvanced analytics, predictive modelling, and data interpretation oAutomation technologies and process optimisation oAI principles, deployment considerations, and ethical frameworks oProgramme and project management methodologies
- oNHS workforce systems (e.g. ESR) oUHCWi / Lean methodologies
Skills
- oAbility to analyse and interpret highly complex data and emerging technologies oStrong programme leadership and delivery capability oAbility to translate technical solutions into practical operational improvements oExcellent communication and influencing skills, including Board-level presentation oStrong problem-solving and decision-making skills oAdvanced IT and data literacy (e.g. Excel, reporting tools, dashboards) oAbility to prioritise workload and manage competing demands oAbility to lead, motivate and develop teams and stakeholders
Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours
- oMust be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's values. (As detailed in UHCW's Values in Action document below) oApplicants applying for job roles with managerial responsibility will be required to demonstrate evidence of promoting equal opportunities through work experience
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.
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.
Employer details
Employer name
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust
Address
UHCW NHS Trust
Coventry
CV2 2DX
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.jobsatuhcw.co.uk