Job overview

Are you a dynamic and visionary leader ready to shape the future of healthcare through strategic workforce innovation? The Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust is seeking an exceptional individual to take on the role of Head of Strategic Workforce Planning, Systems and Recruitment. This is a unique opportunity to lead with purpose, drive meaningful change, and make a lasting impact on the lives of patients and staff across Wales.

In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for the strategic leadership of workforce planning, recruitment, and digital systems, ensuring that WAST has the right people, in the right place, at the right time.  A key part of your role will be to devise and drive a bold, forward-thinking recruitment strategy that not only addresses current challenges but also anticipates future workforce needs. Working with our Shared Services provider NWSSP, you will lead the transformation of our recruitment practices, embedding innovation, inclusivity, and efficiency at every stage, from attraction and selection to onboarding and retention.

Main duties of the job

You will lead a talented team and work closely with senior leaders, clinicians, and trade union partners to deliver a modern, agile, and inclusive workforce strategy aligned with our 2030 vision “Delivering Excellence”. Your expertise will guide transformation and the development of innovative solutions to complex workforce challenges.

We are looking for a visible and inspiring leader who brings energy, creativity, and a deep understanding of workforce transformation. You will have a proven track record of delivering large-scale change in complex environments, along with the strategic insight and interpersonal skills to influence at the highest levels. Your ability to foster collaboration, champion diversity, and drive continuous improvement will be key to your success.

At WAST, we are more than an ambulance service. We are a community of professionals committed to excellence, inclusion, and innovation. This role offers the chance to be part of a forward-thinking organisation where your leadership will help shape the future of healthcare in Wales.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.

Working for our organisation

#RemarkablePeople

Our workforce is made up of over 4,000 remarkable people who contribute to the delivery of world-class patient care across Wales, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Whether you work in a patient-facing role or within our range of support services, the work that you do enables us to provide high quality care, wherever and whenever we’re needed.

The Trust recognises the need for its workforce to represent the diversity of the population it serves across the whole of Wales and seeks to create an environment where diversity is celebrated and inclusivity matters. We are also keen to break down any barriers into the Trust, and would encourage applications from under-represented groups, including those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, LGBTQ+ communities  and disability groups.

Careers within the Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust are diverse and varied, with opportunities arising right across the service. Whatever your skills and background, you’re sure to find a career with us which is fulfilling, challenging, and rewarding.

In line with the Trust’s Starting Salary Procedure, all applicants will start at the bottom of the band for the position applied for, but can apply for a higher salary if they have previous experience relevant to the position.

The Trust actively seeks to recruit and appoint people currently under represented in the workforce. This includes women, people with disabilities, LGBT, and those from minority ethnic groups. All staff are encouraged and supported to learn Welsh. Please be sure to provide full contact details for all referees, including email addresses where possible. Failure to do so may result in significant delays in your application.

To work in the UK, all candidates who are not UK or Republic of Ireland (RoI) nationals require sponsorship to obtain either a Health and Care visa or Skilled Worker visa, unless you have permission to work via another route. Non UK / RoI candidates wishing to apply should self-assess the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship by visiting Work in the UK.  If you are eligible for the Health and Care visa, application costs are lower and you do not need to pay the annual Immigration Health Surcharge.