About this role
Job summary
Practice Manager Maternity Cover (Fixed Term, Part-Time, 24 hrs/week)
Step into a leadership role that truly matters.
We're looking for an experienced, confident Practice Manager to join our close-knit, two-partner GP practice on a 14-month maternity cover contract, with a start date expected in early November 2026. This is a part-time role (24 hours per week) perfect for someone seeking genuine work-life balance while still making a real impact.
This isn't just about keeping the wheels turning. You'll focus on the strategic and leadership side of practice managementdriving improvement, supporting your team, and shaping the practice's future. Day-to-day operations are overseen by our Team Leader, so you'll have space to think big while providing oversight and guidance.
You'll work alongside the GP partners, not for thema peer relationship where strong managerial skills and the confidence to lead independently are essential.
With a manageable patient list of just under 3,500, you'll have the headspace to focus on quality, not just ticking boxes.
Why choose us?
Independent, patient-focused, proudly non-corporate. No bureaucracy or micromanagementjust a friendly, supportive team who value your expertise. Your ideas heard, your leadership trusted, your contribution appreciated.
Ready to lead with heartand flexibility to fit your life? We'd love to hear from you.
Main duties of the job
What you'll actually be doing:
Leading strategically set direction, drive improvement, shape policy, and ensure the practice evolves to meet patient and staff needs.
Overseeing, not firefighting with a Team Leader handling daily ops, you'll provide high-level oversight, stepping in for complex issues while empowering your team.
Supporting your managers mentor and develop the Team Leader, giving them the tools, confidence, and backing to lead their team effectively.
Working in partnership collaborate with GP partners as an equal, not a subordinate. Bring your expertise, challenge constructively, and shape strategy.
Driving quality and compliance own CQC readiness, clinical governance, and policy implementation. Ensure the practice meets regulatory standards and continuously improves.
Managing the business side oversee finance, budgets, and reporting with the partners, keeping the practice sustainable and efficient.
Being the senior point of contact for complex complaints, significant staff matters, and escalated challenges. Be the calm, decisive voice when it counts.
The reality: This is a leadership role for someone who thinks big, leads with confidence, and isn't afraid to get stuck in. You'll have autonomy, trust, and the satisfaction of seeing your strategic decisions make a real difference.
About us
Who we are:
A two-partner GP practice with a genuine family feelindependent, patient-focused, and small enough that every voice matters. With under 3,500 patients, we're sustainable yet intimate; we know our patients by name, and they know us.
Your new team:
Two dedicated partners hands-on, invested in staff and patient wellbeing, ready to work alongside you as equals.
A supportive Practice Manager (you're covering maternity leave) big shoes to fill, but a smooth handover and full support.
A capable Team Leader managing day-to-day ops, so you can focus on strategy.
An experienced admin/reception team loyal, hardworking, ready for your guidance.
A Physician Associate and Pharmacist collaborative clinicians easing GP pressure.
Locum GPs and nurse regular faces who'll rely on your support.
The vibe:
Friendly, down-to-earth, supportive. No blame culturejust "how do we fix this together?" Laughter in the staff room, high standards in the clinic. We respect boundaries and believe in work-life balance.
Beyond salary:
Non-corporate environment your ideas heard and acted on.
Genuine autonomy to lead strategically.
Stable, loyal patient population.
Professional development support.
A team that looks out for each other.
In short: Community practice with heart, looking for a leader who shares our values. If you want a role where you're more than a numberand your contribution truly mattersthis is it.
Job description Job responsibilities
JOB DESCRIPTION PRACTICE MANAGER (MATERNITY COVER)
Reporting to: GP PartnersResponsible for: Overall practice operations (with Team Leader managing day-to-day admin/reception)Contract: Fixed Term 14 months (Maternity Cover)Hours: Part-Time 24 hours per weekStart Date: Early November 2026Patient list size: ~3,500Practice type: Two-partner GP practice
Role Summary
We are looking for an experienced, confident Practice Manager to join our close-knit, two-partner GP practice on a 14-month maternity cover contract. This is a part-time role (24 hours per week)perfect for someone seeking genuine work-life balance while still making a real impact.
You'll focus on the strategic and leadership side of practice managementdriving improvement, supporting your team, and shaping the practice's future. Day-to-day operations are overseen by our Team Leader, so you'll have space to think big while providing oversight and guidance.
You'll work alongside the GP partners, not for thema peer relationship where strong managerial skills and the confidence to lead independently are essential.
With a manageable patient list of just under 3,500, you'll have the headspace to focus on quality, not just ticking boxes.
Main Duties
Strategic Leadership
Set the strategic direction of the practice in partnership with the GP partners.
Drive continuous improvement across all areas of practice operations.
Shape and implement practice policies and procedures.
Ensure the practice evolves to meet the changing needs of patients and staff.
Lead on practice development and business planning.
Oversight and Governance
Provide high-level oversight of daily operations, with the Team Leader managing day-to-day admin and reception functions.
Step in for complex or escalated operational issues.
Ensure robust clinical governance and risk management frameworks are in place.
Own CQC readiness and lead on inspection preparation.
Implement and monitor compliance with all regulatory requirements, including GDPR and health and safety.
Team Leadership and Development
Mentor, support, and develop the Team Leader, ensuring they have the tools, confidence, and backing to lead their team effectively.
Provide strategic leadership to the wider practice team.
Foster a positive, inclusive culture where staff feel valued and heard.
Oversee recruitment, retention, and succession planning.
Champion staff wellbeing and development.
Financial Management
Oversee practice finances, budgets, and reporting in collaboration with the partners.
Ensure the practice remains sustainable and financially efficient.
Monitor income streams, including QOF, enhanced services, and other funding.
Authorise expenditure and manage financial risk.
Partnership Working
Work collaboratively with the GP partners as an equal, not a subordinate.
Bring professional expertise to strategic discussions.
Challenge constructively and contribute to informed decision-making.
Act as a trusted advisor to the partners on all operational and strategic matters.
Quality and Compliance
Lead on clinical governance and quality improvement initiatives.
Ensure the practice meets CQC standards and is always inspection-ready.
Manage significant events, complaints, and patient feedback.
Drive patient experience and satisfaction.
Oversee compliance with NHS contractual requirements.
Patient and Public Engagement
Act as the senior point of contact for complex patient complaints and concerns.
Ensure patient feedback is acted upon and drives improvement.
Promote patient engagement and involvement in practice development.
Communication and Collaboration
Act as the senior point of contact for significant staff matters and escalated operational challenges.
Be the calm, decisive voice when it counts.
Liaise with external stakeholders, including the ICB, federation, and other healthcare providers.
Represent the practice at local and regional meetings as required.
Business Administration
Oversee practice systems and processes, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness.
Manage contracts and service agreements.
Lead on business continuity and emergency planning.
Person Specification
Experience Essential
Essential: Proven experience as a Practice Manager or senior manager within primary care. Demonstrable experience of strategic leadership and business planning. Experience managing budgets and financial reporting. Experience with CQC inspection preparation and compliance. Strong understanding of general practice operations, QOF, and enhanced services. Experience handling complex patient complaints and significant events. Experience managing and developing staff. Experience with clinical systems (e.g., EMIS, SystmOne) and Microsoft Office.
Desirable
Desirable: Experience working in a GP practice with a similar patient list size. Experience leading change and quality improvement initiatives. Experience with recruitment and succession planning. Familiarity with ICB frameworks and primary care networks.
Qualifications Essential
Essential: Educated to GCSE level (or equivalent), including English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above.
Desirable
Desirable: Educated to A-Level standard or higher. NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration, Customer Service, or Health and Social Care. A management or leadership qualification (e.g., ILM Level 3, CMI, or equivalent). AMSPAR or other primary care administration certification. A relevant healthcare or practice management qualification.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Essential
Essential: Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities. Excellent communication and interpersonal skillsable to build rapport with staff, patients, and clinicians alike. Ability to stay calm under pressure and make fair, decisive calls in a busy environment. Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and juggle competing demands. Sound knowledge of CQC requirements, GDPR, and health and safety regulations. A proactive, solution-focused mindsetyou spot issues before they escalate. Empathetic leadership style with a genuine commitment to staff wellbeing. Reliable, punctual, and professional. Ability to work flexibly to meet practice needs. Personal Qualities A natural leader who motivates and inspires others. Approachable, fair, and consistent. Resilient with a good sense of humour. Committed to continuous learning and development. Passionate about primary care and delivering excellent patient experience. A team player who leads by example.
Desirable
Desirable: Understanding of immunisation schedules, recall systems, and screening programmes. Experience using social media or digital communication tools for patient engagement.
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 Chelsea Medical Services
Address 45 Rosary Gardens
London
SW7 4NQ
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.chelseamedicalservices.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)