Job Description

Job description

Job Title: Workforce Planning Senior Consultant

Department: Consultancy & Research

Location: Bristol or Sheffieldarea

Pay Scale: £63,000k per annum

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full Time - 37.5 hours per week, 7.5 hours per day

The Workforce Development Trust

The Workforce Development Trust is a not-for-profit organisation that provides services that support employers to develop skilled, sustainable, and efficient workforces in the UK and abroad. We operate via our four brands; Skills for Health, Skills for Justice, SFJ Awards and People 1st International, which deliver specialist, targeted skills interventions to support a variety of frontline public services.

Job summary

Reporting to the Principal Consultant - Workforce, you will be accountable for the management and delivery of an allocated portfolio of commissioned consultancy-based assignments. The work will involve the application of the post-holder’s expertise in workforce planning, personal leadership skills, and project/programme management.

Work will require concentration in the development of complex project plans, operational plans, and the development of key performance indicators, however there will be a prominent level of unpredictable client interruptions which may require the post holder’s immediate attention.

The post-holder will be expected to always function as an ambassador of The Workforce Development Trust, ensuring that clients’ expectations are satisfied and exceeded.

What is the impact of the role on the business?

This is a pivotal role within the Consultancy & Research Division, directly responsible for delivering high-impact workforce planning and consultancy projects that support the growth, performance, and reputation of the Workforce Development Trust.

By managing a portfolio of commissioned assignments, the Senior Consultant helps clients across health, justice, and public services to build more sustainable and efficient workforces—ensuring our organisation remains at the forefront of workforce development. The success of this role directly contributes to meeting revenue targets, securing repeat business, and influencing long-term.

Key business skills necessary for the role?

The role requires strong expertise in workforce planning and programme management, alongside commercial acumen and client-facing consultancy skills.

What does the daily work look like?

Each day is varied and dynamic. You might be facilitating workshops or engagement sessions with NHS Trusts, justice agencies or partners, line managing a team member and offering mentoring and support or speaking to a client to resolve delivery issues or explore future opportunities amongst other activities.

What is unique and original about the Consultancy and Research team at The Workforce Development Trust?

Our Consultancy & Research team brings together a rare blend of strategic insight, deep sector knowledge, and practical delivery expertise—spanning health, justice, and wider public services. What makes us truly original is our ability to shape workforce strategies one day and roll up our sleeves to support front-line workforce transformation the next. We work across policy and practice, always focusing on impact, and we’re trusted by clients for our integrity, independence, and the quality of our thinking.

How we deliver a premium service for our customers?

We work closely with each client to co-design tailored workforce solutions that meet real-world challenges, not just theoretical ones. Every piece of work is underpinned by evidence, shaped by engagement, and delivered to a high standard—on time, within budget, and aligned to strategic goals. Our clients value our honesty, rigour, and the fact that we genuinely care about getting it right. Whether we’re writing a workforce plan, facilitating a complex stakeholder session, or supporting implementation, we bring professionalism, credibility, and clarity.

What might surprise people about this role?

People are often surprised by the variety and reach of the work. One week you could be advising a regional NHS body on workforce redesign; the next, you might be helping to shape a skills strategy for justice services or presenting insights to senior government stakeholders. It’s fast-paced, intellectually rewarding, and deeply connected to improving public services across the UK and internationally.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning and Development

• Contribute to the annual business planning process and the delivery of both function and corporate business objectives.
• Provide specialist advice in areas of expertise that will include workforce planning and skills development, change management and project management.

Management and Delivery

• Undertake Line Management duties as required.
• Have responsibility for the delivery of a portfolio of commissioned assignments and programmes of work. They will ensure that these are delivered within budget, time, and quality and in accordance with the requirements specification. This will require the post-holder to use advanced interpersonal and consultancy skills to engage with the client organisation.

Leadership

• Undertake line management duties for staff, ensuring projects of work are effectively delivered on time and quality and within the financial resources.
• Manage and supervise sub-contractors and associates as required to deliver assignments, ensuring that the specifications and proposals are understood and effectively delivered on time and within the financial resources available

For further information about the role download the full JD here and our job pack here or visit our website:

https://www.wdtrust.org.uk/careers/senior-consultant-workforce-planning/

This job requires some days in the office. Please consider if you are willing to relocate before applying.

Please only apply if you currently have a valid right to work in the UK.

Benefits:

• Generous annual leave entitlement up to a maximum of 28 days, plus public holidays and a potential Christmas closure
• Flexible working - 50% working from home with a dress for your day approach
• Staggered start and finish time
• Employee referral recruitment scheme
• We provide enhanced leave, bereavement, carers, maternity, paternity and sickness leave.
• Health and wellbeing benefits, access to our mental health first aiders, a confidential employee assistance programme, free eye tests and payment for an annual flu jab
• Enhanced pension scheme, with a contribution matching up to a combined 12%, and the option to join the Salary Exchange Pension Scheme along with death in service coverage at three times annual salary.
• Flexible employee benefits, portal including a cycle to work scheme
• Buy annual leave scheme
• Organisational development days and departmental training budgets
• Payroll giving, this is a tax-free way to donate to any charity, good cause or place of worship

The Workforce Development Trust is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone.

If your experience differs a little from what is outlined in the job description, or you are missing a desired qualification, yet you think you can bring value to this role, please apply, we would like to hear more about you.

We strongly encourage people of all , religion, backgrounds, , and individuals with disabilities to apply.

If you need any reasonable adjustments at any point, please let us know. In your application, please feel free to advise on your pronouns, for example she/her, he/him, they/them etc.

The Workforce Development Trust appreciate any applications that include cover letters explaining why they would be suitable for this role.

Closing date: Sunday 10th August 2025

Please note, we reserve the right to alter the closing date before the one stated.

Please include your CV when applying. Cover letter optional, but beneficial. You can apply through our website.

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted