About this role
Job summary
Hywel Dda University Health Board is looking to appoint a highly capable Dietitian who demonstrates a clear commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centred care within a senior leadership role.
We are seeking a Head of Nutrition & Dietetics to provide strategic leadership across services in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire. This role offers the opportunity to shape services across a diverse region, supporting both rural and coastal communities.
Working in Hywel Dda offers a strong balance between professional opportunity and quality of life. The area is recognised for its stunning coastline and picturesque countryside, alongside welcoming communities and a supportive, collaborative working culture where partnership working is integral to delivering high-quality services.
You will lead accessible, inclusive and outcome-focused services aligned with local needs and national priorities, while supporting the development of a skilled and engaged workforce.
As part of the Allied Health Professions and Health Sciences senior leadership team, you will hold professional accountability for Nutrition and Dietetics services and contribute to a culture where staff feel valued, supported and able to thrive.
Main duties of the job
The Head of Nutrition & Dietetics will provide overall strategic, professional and operational leadership for the service. This will include leading service development, transformation and continuous improvement to ensure safe, effective and high-quality care.
The post holder will be responsible for clinical governance, quality and risk management, as well as workforce planning and leadership to support a resilient and sustainable service. You will oversee financial and resource management, ensuring services are delivered efficiently and in line with organisational priorities.
A key element of the role will be working collaboratively with colleagues across health, social care and partner organisations to plan and deliver integrated services that improve outcomes for patients and communities. You will also lead on the development and implementation of policies, standards and best practice to support consistent, high-quality care across the Health Board.
About us
Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties.
We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services.
We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.
Our services are provided in:
Four main hospitals: Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth; Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen; Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest Five community hospitals: Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshire Two integrated care centres: Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settings 47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 99 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services
Job description Job responsibilities
You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.
The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals.
The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.
If successfully shortlisted you will be asked to complete psychometric assessments. Information regarding these and the stakeholder panels/interview will be sent to you following completion of shortlisting.
Stakeholder panels will be held face to face on 09/07/2026.
Interviews will be held face to face on 10/07/2026.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Knowledge Essential
Professional qualification in Dietetics, evidenced by a first degree or equivalent qualification. Master's degree in Dietetics, or a relevant clinical or management subject, or equivalent experience. Current HCPC registration. Comprehensive continuing professional development portfolio relating to clinical leadership and management, in line with HCPC requirements. Good knowledge of current and relevant legislation and its application to Dietetics. Good knowledge of clinical governance frameworks. Knowledge of safeguarding responsibilities for children and vulnerable adults, including the application of multi-agency policies and procedures Knowledge of risk management, complaints handling, and the governance requirements associated with reducing clinical risk and preventing recurrence. Knowledge of procurement, tendering and contract management requirements relevant to specialist equipment and service delivery Knowledge of service performance reporting, quality standards, and the use of data to monitor clinical effectiveness and support service improvementt
Desirable
Active participation in, or membership of, a specialist interest group Formal management or leadership qualification. Risk management or health and safety training or qualification.
Experience Essential
Significant postgraduate experience in Dietetics. Experience of management and professional leadership, including complex practice issues, employment law, and the management of absence, grievance and disciplinary matters. Experience of the successful development and delivery of service improvement, including public and patient involvement, or the successful management of significant organisational change within a complex environment. Experience of workforce development and skill mix review Demonstrable evidence of success in building, leading, motivating, managing and developing teams. Experience of working with staff, staff representatives, trade unions and professional organisations Experience of working successfully across traditional boundaries with partners and stakeholders Experience of representing the profession or specialist area in public and professional settings. Experience of strategic planning Budget and financial management experience. Experience of using audit and research to inform and develop clinical practice, guidelines, standards and service improvement. Experience of leading or contributing to safeguarding practice in line with multi-agency policies and procedures. Experience of investigating and responding to complex complaints, incidents, or clinical risk issues, including the development of action plans to reduce recurrence Experience of developing or implementing clinical guidelines, protocols, standards, and referral pathways Experience of producing service reports, interpreting performance information, and using data to support decision-making and service improvement
Desirable
Previous experience as Head of a Dietetic service, or equivalent. Previous experience working at clinical specialist level Experience of contract negotiation, procurement, tendering, or specialist equipment purchasing Experience of research Experience of reviewing or advising on clinical negligence, medico-legal, or other complex governance matters.
Other Essential
Ability to travel across the Health Board and wider Wales in a timely manner
Desirable
Welsh Speaker (Level 1)
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 Hywel Dda University Health Board
Address To be agreed with candidate
To be agreed with candidate
SA31 3BB
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://hduhb.nhs.wales/ (Opens in a new tab)