About Chris Manning
I am a senior HR and workforce transformation leader who works at the executive and board interface to design, deliver and operationalise people strategy at scale.
For the last decade I have led complex, high-risk HR and workforce programmes across health, financial services, technology and large corporate environments. My work sits at the point where strategy, operations, technology and people collide. That is where most HR transformations fail and where I specialise.
I have held leadership roles inside organisations like Nuffield Health, Wipro, PA Consulting, Infosys, EY and Accenture. In those roles I was not advising from the sidelines. I was accountable for delivery, governance, risk, investment and results. I have owned multi-million-pound HR and workforce portfolios covering operating model redesign, digital HR, workforce optimisation, service delivery and employee experience.
What Sets Me Apart
What sets me apart is that I combine strategic clarity with operational grip. I build future-ready people strategies, then I put in place the operating models, technology, governance and change needed to make them real. I do not leave organisations with decks and intentions. I leave them with working systems, embedded capability and measurable outcomes.
Today I work as a fractional CHRO, executive transformation lead and board-level advisor. I support CEOs, CHROs and COOs who are trying to modernise their people and workforce model while managing risk, cost and delivery pressure. That can mean stepping in to stabilise a failing programme, designing a new HR operating model, leading a digital HR implementation, or providing senior assurance and air cover to an executive team.
Direct, Commercial and Delivery-Led
I am known for being direct, commercially minded and delivery focused. I will challenge where needed, simplify where possible, and always keep the organisation moving forward.
Alongside client work I speak, write and advise on the future of HR, workforce and employee experience. I was recognised as one of HR Magazine’s Most Influential Thinkers in 2025.
If you are leading a complex people or workforce transformation and need someone who can think, design and deliver at the same time, we should talk.
