About this role
Job summary
The Department Manager will provide strong operational leadership and day-to-day management of the nursing and dental nursing workforce, ensuring the consistent delivery of safe, effective, and evidence-based care. The post holder will work in line with the Trust vision of delivering the best care every day for everyone, maintaining high standards of clinical practice and placing patient experience at the centre of service delivery. As a visible and proactive leader, the Department Manager will promote clinical excellence, patient safety, and a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement within a busy outpatient environment.
Working collaboratively with multidisciplinary team, the post holder will support strategic objectives, manage patient pathways, and ensure effective patient flow. The role includes responsibility for workforce planning, staffing levels, recruitment, retention, and staff development, ensuring compliance with Trust policies, clinical governance frameworks, and quality standards. The Department Manager will lead service development and quality improvement initiatives, support education and training programmes, and act as a professional role model demonstrating compassionate, inclusive, and transformational leadership. Strong communication, organisational, and leadership skills are essential to manage complex operational challenges and deliver high-quality patient-centred care.
Main duties of the job
Provide visible clinical and operational leadership within the Department, acting as a role model for professional practice, patient-centred care, and compassionate leadership.
Maintain a strong clinical presence to ensure the consistent delivery of safe, effective, and evidence-based care aligned with Trust values and national guidance
Lead on patient safety, quality, and risk management, ensuring incidents, complaints, and concerns are investigated appropriately and learning is embedded into practice.
Lead, manage, and support the nursing and dental nursing workforce, ensuring safe staffing levels, appropriate skill mix, competency, appraisal, and performance management.
Oversee workforce planning, rota management, recruitment, sickness absence, and staff development, promoting staff wellbeing, engagement, and retention.
Work collaboratively with the matron, consultants, and the multidisciplinary team to maintain patient flow, deliver service objectives, and support service development initiatives.
Support education, training, and supervision of staff and learners, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
Ensure compliance with infection prevention and control, medicines management, health and safety, and Trust policies.
Contribute actively to service improvement, audit, and quality initiatives, championing innovation, professionalism, and inclusive leadership across the service.
About us
We take pride in placing people at the centre of everything we do, working together as a united team. Driven by a shared ambition to continually grow, develop, and learn, we recognise and value every contribution. By combining our experience and skills, we not only support our vibrant, diverse communities, but also support one another.
With a team of over 9,000 employees, we are proud to be the largest employer in Gloucestershire and rank among the top 10 largest Trusts in the South West region. By joining our Trust, you will benefit from an excellent package that includes exclusive benefits, flexible working opportunities and the chance to gain valuable experience in one or both of our innovative hospitals.
As well as generous annual leave allowance, you will have access to the excellent NHS pension scheme, competitive bank rates, discounts at local shops and restaurants, access to two on-site nurseries, discounted public transport, reward and recognition and a range of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.
Job description Job responsibilities
Clinical Responsibilities/Key Responsibilities
Provide visible clinical and operational leadership within the department, acting as a role model for high standards of professional practice, patient-centred care, and effective leadership across the multidisciplinary workforce.
Maintain a strong presence within the clinical area to ensure the consistent delivery of safe, effective, and evidence-informed care, aligned with Trust values and the vision of delivering the best care every day for everyone.
Lead on patient safety, quality, and clinical governance, ensuring compliance with Trust policies, national guidance, and regulatory standards, and driving a culture of continuous improvement.
Hold overall responsibility for the coordination and oversight of patient care delivery, ensuring appropriate assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation processes are embedded across all outpatient pathways.
Ensure robust systems are in place for the safe management and administration of medicines, including oversight, delegation, and assurance processes in line with the Procedure for the Ordering, Prescribing and Administration of Medicines (POPAM) and Trust policy.
Provide professional leadership, management, and supervision to the nursing and dental nursing workforce, ensuring appropriate skill mix, competency, performance management, and workforce development.
Work in close collaboration with the multidisciplinary team, promoting effective communication and partnership working to meet the needs of patients and their families and to deliver seamless outpatient care.
Take accountability for the clinical safety and effectiveness of the outpatient environment, ensuring staff are trained, competent, and supported to use specialised clinical equipment and deliver care safely.
Lead and support the implementation of new clinical initiatives, pathways, equipment, and technologies, ensuring appropriate governance, risk assessment, training, and evaluation.
Champion a culture of continuous learning and professional development, supporting access to education, training, competency assessment, and service-led development opportunities for all members of the workforce.
Professional Development, Education and Training
In partnership with the matron, identify and pursue personal professional, leadership, and service development objectives through the Trust appraisal process,
Maintain and further develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to provide effective clinical oversight, workforce leadership, and governance for a complex outpatient service.
Ensure compliance with all mandatory and role-specific training, maintaining professional registration and meeting applicable regulatory and Trust standards.
Provide leadership and oversight for the education, training, and development of the nursing and dental nursing workforce, promoting a culture of continuous learning and professional development.
Supervise, support, and mentor registered, trainee, and non-registered staff, ensuring practice remains within scope and competency and reflects agreed professional and organisational standards.
Coordinate and support student learning opportunities and placements, ensuring a positive and supportive learning environment consistent with Trust and educational partner expectations.
Management and Leadership
Work collaboratively with matron, Band 7 colleagues, senior clinicians, consultants, and the wider multidisciplinary team to contribute to and deliver agreed strategic and operational service objectives.
Lead and manage the department in accordance with standard operating procedures, policies, and governance frameworks, supporting the development and implementation of new and improved ways of working.
Work collaboratively with matron to develop, implement, and monitor action plans to meet key performance indicators, quality standards, and patient safety priorities.
Actively contribute to service development and improvement initiatives, ensuring changes are effectively implemented, embedded, and sustained within the outpatient setting.
Take responsibility for day-to-day staffing oversight, ensuring safe and appropriate skill mix is maintained and escalating risks or concerns in line with Trust processes.
Ensure effective rota planning and cover arrangements, supporting service continuity, workforce wellbeing, and safe patient care, with timely escalation when staffing pressures arise
Line manage a defined group of staff, ensuring adherence to HR policies, performance management processes, and professional standards, including addressing underperformance through supportive and timely action planning.
Promote staff engagement, retention, and wellbeing by supporting career development, clinical supervision, and a positive team culture.
Lead and participate in recruitment and selection processes, ensuring the appointment of appropriately skilled and competent staff to meet service needs.
Undertake appraisals, development reviews, and training compliance monitoring, supporting staff to meet mandatory and role-specific requirements.
Address and resolve staff concerns and conflict constructively, promoting professionalism, inclusivity, and shared accountability.
Support the matron in the management of pay and non-pay budgets, promoting efficient use of resources and minimising financial and environmental waste.
Take responsibility for health, safety, and risk management for patients, staff, and visitors, contributing to risk assessments, incident management, and mitigation plans.
Manage and respond to patient, relative, and staff complaints in accordance with Trust procedures, ensuring learning is identified and embedded.
Lead or support agreed quality improvement initiatives within Head and Neck services, working collaboratively with internal and external partners to share best practice.
Deputise for the matron as required, providing senior leadership representation for the service.
Role model high standards of professionalism, communication, and leadership, fostering a culture of shared leadership, resilience, and continuous improvement aligned with Trust values.
Improving safety, quality and developing practice
Promote and support audits and research initiatives within Head and Neck services and the wider Trust, using findings to improve quality, safety, and service delivery.
Champion the consistent use of evidence-based practice, ensuring adherence to relevant policies, procedures, and clinical guidelines, and providing professional oversight of standards.
Support the collection, analysis, and reporting of performance and quality data, contributing to the monitoring of key performance indicators and service improvement plans.
Actively contribute to the clinical governance and quality agenda, including service improvement initiatives, risk management, patient safety, and health and safety compliance.
Take shared responsibility for ensuring robust and effective infection prevention and control arrangements are implemented and monitored within the outpatient environment.
Identify personal development needs aligned with service priorities and proactively pursue opportunities to enhance leadership, governance, and service improvement capabilities.
Contribute to the development, implementation, monitoring, and review of standard operating procedures, policies, and protocols, ensuring they remain current, safe, and effective.
Ensure incidents, near misses, and concerns are reported, investigated, and reviewed in line with Trust policy, with learning embedded into practice to improve future outcomes.
Communications and Working Relationships
Communicate effectively and professionally with patients, relatives, and colleagues, demonstrating empathy, sensitivity, and respect in all interactions.
Deliver complex, sensitive, or challenging information clearly and appropriately to staff and groups, adapting communication style to meet differing needs and circumstances.
Lead and manage difficult and sensitive conversations with staff, including those related to performance, conduct, and change, in a fair, supportive, and respectful manner.
Foster strong multidisciplinary working relationships across Head and Neck services, promoting collaboration, mutual respect, and shared responsibility for high-quality care.
Act as a professional role model, maintaining high standards of behaviour, communication, and presentation, and adhering to Trust policies, including uniform and professional conduct expectations.
Promote and uphold Trust values, objectives, and behaviours in all decision-making, leadership actions, and working relationships.
Demonstrate resilience, professionalism, and emotional intelligence when working under pressure, managing competing priorities, and meeting service deadlines.
Take initiative and adopt a proactive, creative, and solution-focused approach to problem-solving, service improvement, and team engagement.
Maintain appropriate professional registration and standards of conduct, ensuring compliance with relevant codes of practice, mandatory training, and revalidation requirements.
Seek advice, guidance, and support when required, and actively encourage an open, supportive culture where staff feel confident to raise concerns, ask questions, and share learning.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Training Essential
Active registration with the NMC/HCPC/GDC Management or leadership qualification, or equivalent level of skill and experience gained through practice. Recognised teaching and assessing qualification Evidence of ongoing professional development, including maintenance of a professional portfolio and compliance with NMC revalidation requirements.
Desirable
Postgraduate qualification in Head and Neck Nursing or relevant qualification Completion of Silver Quality Improvement
Knowledge and Skills Essential
Ability to effectively lead and motivate a nursing and dental nursing workforce to deliver high standards of patient care and achieve service objectives. Demonstrates advanced clinical reasoning skills to assess, plan, deliver, and evaluate patient care in complex situations. Comprehensive knowledge of leadership styles and change management strategies, with the ability to apply these effectively in a clinical setting. Strong understanding of clinical governance principles, including incident reporting, investigation processes, and quality assurance frameworks. Knowledge of Human Resource policies and procedures, including line management responsibilities and performance management. Familiarity with the Trust appraisal and staff development process, supporting continuous professional growth. Highly self-motivated, able to work independently, take initiative, and prioritise workload effectively under pressure.
Clinical/Experience Essential
Leadership and management experience at Band 6 level or above, with proven ability to lead teams effectively. Experience of managing individuals, including objective setting, learning and development, and reviewing progress against development plans. Evidence of building strong working relationships with members of the multidisciplinary team and other key stakeholders. Experience of leading and managing change within a clinical environment.
Desirable
Previous experience working in a Head and Neck service or other relevant specialty
Personal Attributes Essential
Enthusiastic with a passion for quality improvement Creative and flexible with an ability to adapt to changing working environment and processes Resilient under pressure, self-aware and with an ability to learn through constructive feedback and personal reflection Team focused, ability to work collaboratively and always underpinned by kindness and respect towards others
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Oral and Maxillofacial and Orthodontics Outpatient Department Gloucester Royal Hospital
Great Wester Road Gloucester
GL1 3NN
Employer's website https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)