Job overview

Are you passionate about developing people, driving performance, and shaping the future of talent within the NHS? We have an exciting opportunity for a Talent Management and Appraisal Lead to play a pivotal role in embedding high-quality, consistent appraisal and talent management practices across Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust.

In this influential role, you’ll design and deliver frameworks that strengthen appraisal processes, succession planning, career pathways and talent pipelines — ensuring alignment with the Trust’s Education Strategy, the NHS People Plan, and national talent priorities. You’ll also monitor compliance, evaluate impact, and work closely with leaders and managers to build confidence and capability in having meaningful performance and development conversations.

We’re looking for an experienced professional with expertise in talent management, organisational development, and leadership development. You’ll bring strong analytical and project management skills, alongside the ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders across the organisation.

If you’re proactive, collaborative, and passionate about creating a culture of growth, recognition, and opportunity — this is your chance to make a lasting impact on how we support and develop our people.

Main duties of the job

You’ll lead on appraisal processes and talent management frameworks, making sure staff have clear objectives, meaningful development plans and great performance conversations.

You’ll design and deliver systems for succession planning, talent pools and career pathways, supporting the Trust’s Our People Excel strategy and the NHS People Plan. You’ll also use workforce data to track progress, measure impact and highlight areas for improvement.

Working closely with Leadership and Learning teams, HR Business Partners and senior leaders, you’ll ensure a consistent and high-quality approach across the Trust. You’ll also connect with training providers, regional networks and the NHS Leadership Academy to share best practice and align with national priorities.

Working for our organisation

Our ambition is to deliver excellent local and specialist services, to improve the health and well being of our patients, and provide a vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers.

We aim to make the most of our skills and experiences so we can become the best we can be. As one organisation we will recruit the finest and retain more specialist staff due to more employment opportunities across our Trust