Band 8a - Therapy Team Lead, Therapies | West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust; Watford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization in Watford is seeking an experienced Therapy Team Lead to manage clinical therapy teams, focusing on high-quality patient care and staff development. This role requires strong leadership, problem-solving skills, and experience in service improvement. As part of a collaborative team, you'll lead various therapy professions to ensure effective service delivery. Flexible working options are available, reflecting our commitment to work-life balance.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Commitment to staff wellbeing and development

Qualifications

• Strong experience in leading clinical teams.
• Experience in service improvement and implementing change.

Responsibilities

• Deliver a safe and effective service.
• Lead on recruitment and retention initiatives.
• Financial monitoring.
• Lead HR processes within your team.
• Develop services to maximise patient experience.
• Support staff well-being and professional development.
• Lead the quality and governance agenda.

Skills

Leadership in clinical teams

Problem-solving skills

Excellent communication

Education

Qualification in Occupational Therapy

Job description

We are looking for an experienced Band 7 or an existing Band 8a to move into an operational lead role within our friendly and dynamic Therapy Department at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (West Herts).

As a Therapy Team Lead, you will be responsible for the operational management of our clinical therapy teams, with leadership of both the medical and stroke therapy teams. You will play a key role in supporting service delivery, staff development, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality patient care.

You will be joining a collaborative team of six Therapy Team Leads, collectively managing the four therapy professions: Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Dietetics, and Speech and Language Therapy.

To ensure all professions are represented within our leadership structure, this post is open to candidates with a qualification in Occupational Therapy.

Interviews will take place on 23 January.

We are seeking a passionate, compassionate, and motivated individual with strong experience in leading clinical teams. You will be confident in problem‑solving, able to think on your feet, and demonstrate excellent communication skills.

Alongside your leadership ability, you will be a supportive team player and a core member of the Therapy Leadership Team.

Experience in service improvement and implementing change is essential for this role.

With a new hospital planned for Watford and work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital, this is an exciting time to join us.

We are building on the success of our award‑winning virtual hospital and re‑imagining models of care, working ever more closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare.

Staff wellbeing and development are a priority at our Trust, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience.

Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others.

We offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work life balance.

www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/flexibleworking

If you have a disability or long‑term health condition and should you require support or guidance please contact [e-mail]

If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick "Member of the Armed Forces Community" on the application form.

We reserve the right to close this advert early due to the volume of applicants. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Main Responsibilities

• Deliver a safe and effective service.
• Lead on recruitment and retention initiatives in your team and department.
• Financial monitoring.
• Lead HR processes within your team.
• Develop your services, working with teams both within the Trust and external partners to maximise the patient experience.
• Support the health, well‑being and professional development of your staff.
• Lead the quality and governance agenda within your teams.

This advert closes on Tuesday 6 Jan 2026