Head of Strategic Workforce Planning

Job summaryRead all the information about this opportunity carefully, then use the application button below to send your CV and application.We are looking for an experienced and visionary leader to join us as our Head of Strategic Workforce Planning. Working with the Assistant Director of Strategic Workforce Planning, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring NHS Wales has the workforce it needs–now and for the future. You will work with senior leaders, influence national policy, and deliver innovative solutions that impact health and care across Wales.This is a national role, leading the development and implementation of workforce planning across NHS Wales. You will be responsible for the delivery of a number of national programmes of work, develop ways to enable NHS Wales to more effectively plan its future workforce requirements, influence strategic direction and support the vision for HEIW to be the system leader for workforce intelligence and planning. The postholder will be an authoritative expert in strategic workforce planning, providing highly specialist advice and knowledge to NHS Wales, leading development of strategic workforce planning approaches and guidance, advising on the national workforce issues, analysing workforce trends and developing national policy and strategic workforce plans.Based in Ty Dysgu, Nantgarw this role will have a hybrid working pattern with two/three days office based. You will work in a matrix model with colleagues from across HEIW.Main duties of the jobThis national, strategic role will provide expert advice and challenge to NHS Wales and partners, influencing policy and service transformation. Leading and influencing a variety of national programmes and undertaking specific projects within organisations across Wales, providing specialist advice and guidance. The postholder will influence and shape the development, delivery and evaluation of a broad range of workforce intelligence, specifically around external factors influencing workforce supply and availability. You will develop strong links with organisations and senior managers across Wales, advising on the development of workforce plans, skills and knowledge and building the capability of managers to undertake evidence‑based planning for future workforce needs.The postholder will also lead on the development of the workforce planning elements for the HEIW Education and Training Plan for NHS Wales; undertaking horizon scanning, analysis of workforce intelligence from a range of sources and engagement with Health Boards, professional bodies, medical specialty leads etc. To support this, the postholder will work with colleagues across HEIW, advising on development of forecasting and modelling techniques, e.g. scenario planning of highly complex multi‑faced information sources to inform future decisions on the development of the workforce in Wales.About usHealth Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) is the strategic workforce body for NHS Wales with statutory functions that include education and training, workforce planning, workforce development and transformation, leadership and succession planning, and careers. Our purpose is to develop a workforce that delivers excellent care to patients/service users and excellent population health. We are a Special Health Authority working closely with our partners; Social Care Wales, education providers, professional and regulatory bodies and Welsh Government.ValuesRespect for All in every contact we have with othersIdeas that Improve: harnessing creativity and continuously innovating, evaluating and improvingTogether as a Team: working with colleagues across NHS Wales and with partner organisationsWhat you can expecta corporate induction and 90 day Welcome itinerarycompassionate leadershipa meaningful values based performance appraisal processthe opportunity to impact upon health and social care services and the lives and wellbeing of the people of WalesDetailsDate posted: 13 November 2025Pay scheme: Agenda for changeBand: Band 8bSalary: £65,424 to £76,021 a year per annumContract: PermanentWorking pattern: Full-time, Flexible workingReference number: 082-AC087-1125Job locations:Ty DysguCefn CoedNantgarwCF15 7QQPerson SpecificationQualifications and Knowledge EssentialMasters degree in Human Resources or possess equivalent experience, skills and knowledgeMCIPD qualifiedExtensive specialist knowledge of strategic workforce planning, transformation and workforce informationEvidence of continuing professional developmentIn depth knowledge of NHS and government policies, service change, workforce related initiatives and change programmesDesirablePostgraduate Certificate in Strategic Workforce Planning or equivalentProject management qualificationExperience EssentialSubstantial experience of management at a senior level in a health or care organisationEffective partnership working, cross sector and multi‑agencyExperience of managing highly complex projects/programmes of work at a national level and across sectorExperience of leading and implementing change at a national levelLine management experienceSkills and Attributes EssentialStrategic and analytical thinker with diagnostic problem‑solving skills. Able to analyse highly complex information, interpret and convey to audiences where there may be barriers to understandingExcellent interpersonal, communication, negotiation and influencing skills>Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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 SponsorshipApplications 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. xpwpeyx Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.Employer detailsHealth Education and Improvement WalesTy DysguCefn CoedNantgarwCF15 7QQEmployer's website J-18808-Ljbffr