Job overview

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to join us as our HR Systems Process Lead (People Portal). This fixed term role will put you at the heart of a major national workforce transformation programme, supporting UHS as an early adopter site for new HR systems that will help shape the future of people services across the NHS.

Job Title: HR Systems Process Lead (NHS People Portal)
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Contract Length: 18 Months
Purpose for Fixed Term: Limited Term Project and Funding

This is an exciting and rare opportunity to be involved in a once-in-a-generation transformation: influencing how modern HR services are designed, tested, implemented and embedded in one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England.

About this role

As part of our team, you will report to the HR Project Manager, you will work closely with UHS stakeholders and the national NHS England implementation team, playing a key role in delivering one of the most significant workforce system transformations in the NHS.

You will play a key role in:

• Shaping future HR processes and ways of working for UHS.

• Leading HR input into the design, testing and rollout of the NHS People Portal.

• Turning system change into practical, effective processes for HR teams and users.

• Providing expert HR advice on configuration, implementation and process decisions.

• Coordinating testing, data quality, migration and deployment activity from an HR perspective.

• Supporting colleagues through change and helping ensure the benefits of the new system are delivered.

We are looking for someone who enjoys working at the point where people, process, data and technology meet.

You will already have experience of NHS ESR, HR processes, workforce systems, project delivery, operational change or service improvement. You will also bring strong analytical skills, excellent communication, confidence working with senior stakeholders and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-moving programme environment. 

What matters most is that you can quickly understand complex information, build strong relationships, influence stakeholders and turn system change into practical, workable processes for teams.

Working for our organisation

As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. UHS is rated ‘Good’ by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care. 

We support flexible working and will consider requests taking into account the needs of the service. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.

 Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 30% lower than London and 17 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

 We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalising your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

This successful candidates will be responsible for:

• Leading the HR workstream for the rollout of the NHS People Portal, helping shape how future HR services will work at UHS.

• Coordinating the review and redesign of HR processes so they are efficient, compliant and fit for the needs of a large, complex NHS organisation.

• Working with HR teams and subject matter experts to translate system changes into practical, user-friendly ways of working.

• Providing HR expertise into system design, configuration and implementation decisions.

• Leading HR involvement in System Integration Testing (SIT) and User Acceptance Testing (UAT), including development of test scenarios, execution of testing, validation of outcomes and formal HR sign-off.

• Assessing the impact of change, identifying risks and opportunities, and help realise the benefits of new systems and improved processes.

What we're looking for:

• A strong understanding of HR processes across the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, payroll and workforce reporting.

• Knowledge of NHS ESR and the ability to interpret complex requirements and apply them to HR processes and ways of working

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify issues, evaluate options and use data to support decision-making.

• Experience reviewing processes, identifying improvements and translating system requirements into practical, effective ways of working.

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence, engage and build relationships across a complex organisation.

• Experience developing and delivering training, guidance and support materials, with the ability to help users successfully adopt new systems and ways of working.

• Strong project, change and risk management skills, with the ability to work autonomously, manage competing priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.

Why join us?

This role offers the chance to contribute to a nationally significant programme while developing your own skills in transformation, workforce systems, change management, testing, training and stakeholder engagement.

Whether you are an internal applicant looking to broaden your experience and play a leading role in the future of HR at UHS, or an external applicant wanting to bring your skills into a large, innovative NHS organisation, this is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact.