About this role
Job summary
We are pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for a Band 7 Ophthalmology Unit Manager to join our team at CDDFT.
Ophthalmology is a dynamic and rapidly evolving specialty, where patient needs and service demands can change quickly. We are seeking an innovative, motivated, and forward thinking clinical leader who can drive service excellence, support workforce development, and ensure the delivery of safe, effective, and compassionate care across the unit.
You will bring strong leadership skills, advanced clinical knowledge, and the ability to inspire and support a diverse multidisciplinary team. Excellent communication, sound decision making, and the ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively are essential.
In return, you will be supported by a committed leadership team with access to ongoing professional development to help you continue to grow in your leadership journey.
Main duties of the job
Provide visible, effective leadership for the Ophthalmology Unit, ensuring safe, high quality care and standards are met. Oversee day to day operational management, including clinic flow, patient pathways, and resource allocation to maintain efficient service delivery. Act as the senior clinical decision maker within the unit, offering expert advice and supporting escalation when required.Lead, support, and develop the nursing and support workforce, ensuring appropriate skill mix, supervision, and professional development.Coordinate staff rotas, manage sickness/absence, and ensure adequate staffing levels to meet service demands.Lead on clinical governance activities, including incident management, risk assessments, audits, and implementation of learning outcomes. Ensure compliance with national ophthalmology standards, Trust policies, and regulatory requirements. Drive continuous quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient safety, experience, and clinical outcomes.Act as the primary point of contact for operational issues within the unit, ensuring effective communication across the multidisciplinary team.
About us
If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.
You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.
We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.
Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.
Over reliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of success.
For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.
Job description Job responsibilities
As the Band 7 Ophthalmology Unit Manager, you will provide visible, proactive leadership to ensure the delivery of a safe, efficient, and patient centred ophthalmology service. You will oversee the daily operational management of the unit, supporting the smooth running of outpatient clinics, diagnostic activity, and specialist nurse led pathways.
You will lead and develop the nursing and support workforce, ensuring high standards of clinical practice, professional development, and staff wellbeing. A key part of the role involves coordinating staffing, managing resources, and ensuring that patient flow is maintained across a busy and varied service.
You will play a central role in clinical governance, leading on quality improvement, incident management, risk reduction, and compliance with national ophthalmology standards. Working closely with consultants, optometrists, orthoptists, and administrative teams, you will help shape and develop services to meet growing demand and enhance patient experience.
This is a highly rewarding leadership role for an experienced ophthalmic nurse who is passionate about service improvement, team development, and delivering exceptional care to patients with a wide range of eye conditions.
Person Specification
Special Requirements Essential
Ophthalmology experience
Statutory Registration Essential
1st Level Registration NMC / HCPC
Special Skills and Knowledge Essential
Understands and acts in line with NMC professional standards for practice contained within The Code. Understand requirements for NMC professional revalidation Up to date understanding of the scope of and role of the Nurse in context of the nursing and interdisciplinary team and the organisation, and how the role may contribute to service development Knowledge of when to seek advice and escalate to the appropriate professional help and advice Will provide leadership in the delivery of care for people in their care and act in best interests of people, putting them first and providing care that is person-centred, safe and compassionate. Safely lead and manage the nursing care of a group of people, demonstrating appropriate prioritization, delegation and assignment of care to others involved in patient care.
Desirable
Insight into how to evaluate own strengths and development needs, seeking advice where appropriate Prepared to take part in reflective practice and clinical supervision Key Ophthalmic skills IV cannulation Venepunture
Qualifications Essential
Nursing Degree or equivalent qualification leading to NMC registration to part 1 of the NMC register. Valid NMC PIN Evidence of continual professional development.
Desirable
Ophthalmology experience
Experience Essential
Experience in Leadership and managing staff
Desirable
Leadership qualifictaions
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
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 County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Address Darlington Memorial Hospital NHS Trust
Hollyhurst Road
Darlington
County Durham
DL3 6HX
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)