About this role
Job summary
Lets be honest, a lot of management adverts sound the same.
- They ask for a dynamic individual
- They promise a fast-paced environment
- They include a list of responsibilities that no single person could realistically manage
But what actually matters?
Being trusted to make decisions. Working with people who support one another. Having the authority to solve problems and the judgement to know when to involve others.
That is what we are offering at School Lane Surgery.
We are looking for an Assistant Practice Manager with responsibility for day-to-day leadership.
This is a key role at the very heart of the Surgery. It is about keeping people connected, helping services run smoothly and making sure that decisions and actions turn into results.
We are looking for someone who:
- Enjoys bringing calm and organisation to a busy working day
- Builds positive relationships across different teams
- Notices when something needs attention and follows it through
- Is comfortable making decisions and taking responsibility
- Supports colleagues while also being willing to have honest conversations
- Wants to improve systems and services for patients and staff
If this has sparked your interest, that is probably enough to start a conversation. We would much rather show you what we are about than simply tell you.
For more information or to arrange an informal visit to meet the team and have a chat over a cup of tea, contact Marc at [email protected].
Main duties of the job
What Will the Role Involve?
As part of the senior management team and working with the GP Partners, you will take a clear lead in coordinating the day-to-day running of the Surgery.
You will have the autonomy to deal with routine operational matters, alongside support and open access to senior leadership when needed.
Your responsibilities will include:
Oversight of daily operations across our sites Working with clinical and non-clinical managers to manage staffing, capacity and operational pressures Managing payroll Supporting team leaders to resolve problems and manage their services effectively Acting as a visible and approachable day to day point of leadership for staff Managing, with support the complaints, incidents, risk assessments and improvement plans are followed through Helping maintain effective governance and CQC readiness with the other Managers Using information and feedback to identify where systems can be improved Leading and supporting operational projects Line Manager to some direct reports.
You will not be expected to carry everything alone. We have experienced managers and team leaders across the practice. An important part of this role will be helping those people work together, keeping communication flowing and making sure responsibilities are clear.
The closing date is 25th September 2026 although we reserve the right to close the advert early if we find the right person.
About us
About Us
School Lane Surgery is a well-established, forward-thinking practice caring for more than 17,300 patients across two sites.
We pride ourselves on:
- A genuinely supportive and friendly team culture
- A whole-practice approach to patient care
- Strong performance across QoF, LCS and IIF
- A CQC Good rating from May 2024
- Being an active training practice supporting GP registrars
- A high-performing research team, with opportunities to get involved
- A modern total-triage model, supported by our GP-led on-call hub
- Being part of the Breckland Alliance PCN, offering wider opportunities for collaboration
- We are a large and varied team, but we want School Lane to continue feeling like one practice where people know one another, communicate openly and work towards the same goals.
Job description Job responsibilities
Job Summary
The Assistant Practice Manager is the visible day-to-day operational leader for the Practice. Working as part of the senior management team, the postholder coordinates services across the practice, connects clinical and non-clinical leaders, resolves routine operational issues, and makes sure agreed decisions become completed actions.
The postholder supports the Business Manager and GP Partners, has autonomy within agreed policies and delegated limits, and deputises when required. Key points in this role include:
- Safe, reliable, and well-coordinated daily operations across all practice sites.
- Clear responsibilities, effective communication, and timely escalation across teams.
- Well-supported direct reports and managers who are equipped to lead their services.
- Accurate payroll, current workforce records and consistent people process.
- Complaints, incidents, risks, and improvement actions recorded, learned from, and completed.
- Current governance evidence, regulatory readiness, and reliable contractual reporting.
A comprehensive Job Description and Person Specification is attached to this advert. Please refer to this document for full details of the role.
Why Join Us?
- A meaningful senior role with genuine responsibility and influence
- The freedom to suggest ideas and improve how we work
- A supportive culture where honesty, humour and mutual respect matter
- Opportunities for professional and leadership development
- Access to the NHS Pension Scheme
- Health cash plan and employee assistance programme
- Six weeks annual leave plus bank holidays
- The opportunity to help shape both the role and the future of the Surgery
Person Specification
Experience Essential
What Are We Looking For? Alongside the usual experience and qualifications, we are looking for someone who: - Has experience of managing people, services or operations - Communicates clearly and builds trust - Is calm, practical and solutions-focused - Can balance competing priorities without losing sight of people - Is organised and follows commitments through to completion - Can handle difficult conversations fairly and professionally - Understands the importance of safe systems, governance and accountability - Is comfortable working with both clinical and non-clinical colleagues - Sees leadership as helping other people succeed
Desirable
Previous experience within general practice or the NHS would be an advantage, but we are also interested in applicants who can demonstrate strong transferable operational leadership experience from another complex, people-focused environment.
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 School Lane Surgery
Address Doctors Surgery
School Lane
Thetford
Norfolk
IP24 2AG
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.schoollanesurgery.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)