About this role
Job summary
Start Date: Ideally August / September 2026 to allow for a comprehensive handover period
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an accomplished, enthusiastic and highly efficient Practice Manager to join our highly respected, long-established and forward-thinking 14,000 patient GP practice on a 12-month fixed term contract to cover maternity leave.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced and motivated leader to work within a supportive, progressive environment and make a meaningful contribution to the continued success and development of the practice.
We are seeking an individual who will bring a hands-on leadership style, strong operational and strategic management capability, and a passion for delivering excellent patient services. The successful candidate will take responsibility for organisational leadership, service improvement and achievement of key targets across all clinical and administrative functions.
The role will commence ideally in August or September to enable a smooth and effective handover with the current postholder.
Main duties of the job
As Practice Manager, you will have overall responsibility for the day-to-day running and development of the practice, leading teams to deliver safe, effective and financially sustainable services while maintaining excellent patient care.
Key responsibilities include:
Operational management of the practiceOrganisational leadership and service improvementFinancial planning, budgeting and performance managementHR and people managementStrategic planning and delivery of contractual targetsGovernance, compliance and risk managementEnsuring compliance with CQC, employment law, health and safety and statutory requirementsDriving continuous improvement and maintaining effective internal and external relationshipsThe successful candidate will monitor organisational performance and implement systems and processes to improve efficiency, resilience and patient outcomes.
About You
We are seeking an experienced manager with a strategic yet hands-on leadership style.
You will demonstrate:
Experience in practice, healthcare or senior operational managementStrong HR, people management and staff development skillsFinancial management and business planning experienceExperience delivering operational performance targetsExcellent communication and interpersonal skillsConfidence using IT systems and digital technologiesStrong organisational skills and attention to detailCommitment to excellent patient care and maintaining staff morale
About us
We are a friendly, welcoming and forward-thinking GMS training practice located on the outskirts of Rushden in a purpose-built medical centre opened in 2006.
We currently serve approximately 14,000 patients and are supported by:
9 GP Partners/DoctorsClinical Pharmacist3 Nurse Practitioners2 Treatment Room Nurses1 Healthcare Assistant2 Nursing AssociatesFirst Contact PhysiotherapyParamedic Home Visiting ServiceDaily Paediatric Nurse ClinicsSocial Prescribing and Care Coordination servicesOur Practice Manager works alongside an experienced Operations Manager, supported by an administrative team of 8 Receptionists and 7 Administrator/Secretaries.
We are proud to be:
A consistent QoF performerA GP training practice hosting GP Trainees and Cambridge University Medical StudentsA provider of GP Enhanced Access servicesA practice delivering family planning and minor surgery clinicsMost importantly, we have a strong and supportive team culture. We are committed to investing in staff development and creating a positive working environment where individuals can thrive.
If you are an experienced and motivated leader looking for an opportunity to make a real impact within an ambitious and supportive practice, we would welcome your application.
Job description Job responsibilities
Primary key responsibilities
The following are the core responsibilities of the Practice Manager in delivering health services. There may be, on occasion, a requirement to carry out other tasks. This will be dependent upon factors such as workload and staffing levels:
a. Oversee the day-to-day operations of the organisation, ensuring staff achieve their primary responsibilities
b. Provide leadership and guidance to all staff ensuring that they adhere to policy and procedure at all times
c. Maintain the highest levels of confidentiality due to the nature of the role and with
being exposed to a greater level of confidential material and data
d. Functional management of all salaried clinical and administrative staff
e. Manage recruitment, including pre-employment checks and induction training, including those staff not directly employed by the practice
f. Consider staff planning and develop, implement and embed an effective succession plan
g. Manage an effective staff appraisal process, and undertake appraisals for those they line manage
h. Manage an effective system for the resolution of disciplinary and grievance issues, maintaining an overview of staff welfare
i. Maintain an effective overview of and ensure compliance with HR legislation
j. Ensure all staff have the appropriate level of training to enable them to carry out their individual roles and responsibilities effectively
k. Implement and embed an effective practice and staff development plan for all staff (clinical and administrative) whilst maintaining a robust training record
l. Review and regularly update job descriptions and person specifications, ensuring all staff are legally and gainfully employed
m. Manage the financial elements of the organisation, including budgets, bank accounts, accounting systems, petty cash, etc., seeking to maximise income and reduce expenditure in conjunction with the partners
n. With support from the Partners, manage the financial elements of the organisation whilst seeking to maximise income and reduce expenditure
o. Maintain an effective liaison with the accountant, overseeing organisation accounts, ensuring year-end figures are presented
p. Guide the team to reach QOF targets (supported by the nursing and administrative leads)
q. Ensure the organisation has appropriate insurance cover
r. Manage the procurement of organisation equipment, supplies and services
s. Manage contracts for services, i.e., cleaning, gardening, window cleaning, etc.
t. Be the key liaison with the PCN, the PCN Manager and any ARRS staff who provide a supporting service at the organisation
u. Develop, implement and embed an efficient business resilience plan (BRP)
v. Implement systems to ensure compliance with CQC regulations and standards
w. Lead the management of the clinical system, ensuring compliance with DPA18 and UK GDPR
x. Monitor and disseminate information on safety alerts and other pertinent information
y. Oversee the response to and resolution of all local IT issues
z. Actively encourage and promote the use of patient online services
aa. Update and act as the focal point for the practice website and social media sites
bb. Market the practice appropriately to ensure patient population is stable or increasing
cc. Ensure staff implement the practice-wide approach to the management of all patient services matters
dd. Identify and deliver team training where required
ee. Alongside the Operations Manager, manage the premises, including health and safety aspects, and undertake risk assessments, staff awareness and mandatory risk-management training
ff. Support the management team in the compilation of practice reports and the practice development plan
gg. Manage the patient complaints process and ensure that staff are fully conversant with the complaints procedure
hh. Be an instrumental member of the general practice team
ii. Be aware of duties and responsibilities regarding current legislation and adhere to practice policies and procedures on Safeguarding Adults and Safeguarding Children
jj. Undertake all mandatory training and induction programmes
kk. Be the leader for the spectrum of clinical governance
ll. Maintain a clean, tidy, effective working area at all times
mm. Attend a formal appraisal with their manager at least every 12 months. Once a performance/training objective has been set, progress will be reviewed on a regular basis so that new objectives can be agreed
Wider responsibilities
In addition to the primary responsibilities, the Practice Manager has the following wider responsibilities:
a. Deputise for the Partners at internal and external meetings
b. Act as the primary point of contact for NHSE, ICB, PCN, community services, suppliers and other external stakeholders
c. Oversee the submission of reports for QOF, enhanced services and other reporting requirements
d. Brief clinicians on performance levels, advising actions to ensure high achievement across all QOF areas
e. Oversee the management of the Patient Participation Group
f. Attend any external meetings pertinent to this role
g. Support and participate in shared learning
h. Oversee and manage the Enhanced Access Hub operating Monday to Friday, 6:30pm8:00pm, and Saturdays, 9:00am5:00pm, including rota management, maintaining appropriate staffing levels, and ensuring effective oversight of all financial and operational aspects of the service.
i. Lead the operational and financial management of seasonal and commissioned contracts, including Winter Pressures services, ensuring adequate staffing levels, effective resource allocation, financial oversight, performance monitoring, and timely reporting against contractual requirements.
j. Undertake on-call responsibilities, including acting as key holder for designated sites, responding to operational issues as required, and ensuring continuity, security, and effective escalation of service delivery outside of core hours.
Person Specification
Experience Essential
Experience of managing multidisciplinary teams Experience of working with the general public Experience of working in a healthcare setting NHS or general practice experience Experience of performance management, including appraisal writing, staff development and disciplinary procedures Demonstrable experience in using accounting software packages such as Sage and Xero, including account reconciliation, preparation of financial accounts, maintaining accurate financial records, and supporting financial reporting processes. Experience of successfully developing and implementing projects Understanding of Health and Safety requirements HR understanding and experience Experience of health and safety requirements and needs within a small business Experience of chairing meetings, producing agendas and minutes
Desirable
Previous Practice Management experience
Knowledge and Skills Essential
Excellent communication skills (written, oral and presenting) Proven leadership skills Competent in the use of MS Office products Ability to prioritise, delegate and work to tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment Problem solver with the ability to process information accurately and effectively, interpreting data as required Ability to use own initiative, discretion, and sensitivity Clinical system IT user skills Ability to get along with people from all backgrounds and communities, respecting lifestyles and diversity Ability to work as a team member and autonomously Sensitive and empathetic in distressing situations Ability to exploit and negotiate opportunities to enhance service delivery Strategic thinker and negotiator with a solutions-focused approach Effective time management (planning and organising) Good organisational skills Ability to effectively utilise resources Punctual and committed to supporting the team effort High levels of integrity and loyalty Ability to network and build relationships Flexible, cooperative and motivated Confident, assertive and resilient Ability to drive and deliver change effectively Ability to use initiative and judgement Ability to motivate teams, enhance morale and maintain a positive working environment, including team-building sessions Understanding of safeguarding adults and children Demonstrate personal accountability, emotional resilience and the ability to work well under pressure Ability to implement and embed policies and procedures
Qualifications Essential
A good standard of education with excellent literacy and numeracy skills Leadership and/or management qualification
Desirable
Educated to degree level in healthcare or business Associate Member of IGPM in view of becoming a full member (MIGPM) AMSPAR qualification (L5 in Primary Care and Health Management)
Other requirements Essential
Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check Occupational Health clearance Flexibility to work outside core office hours Full UK driving licence
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details Employer name Harborough Field Surgery
Address 160 Newton Road
Rushden
Northamptonshire
NN10 0GP
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.harboroughfieldsurgery.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)