Clinical Specialist Dietitian (Neonates)

NHS; City Of London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS trust in London seeks an experienced dietitian to oversee nutrition and dietetics within neonatal units. The role requires significant experience, team management skills, and specialist knowledge in dietetics. Candidates should be able to lead and supervise junior staff while collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to ensure quality care for infants. This position offers a fulfilling opportunity within a top-performing healthcare setting.

Qualifications

• Significant post-registration experience as a Band 7/8a in relevant clinical areas required.
• Demonstrable experience in auditing and developing services.
• Evidence of supervision of junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead in the delivery of nutrition and dietetics on neonatal units.
• Provide clinical management and leadership for junior dietitians.
• Ensure clinical guidelines align with the latest evidence.

Skills

Team management experience

Excellent communication skills

Highly specialist knowledge in dietetics

Education

Completion of BDA level 5

Enhanced neonatal dietetic modules

Job description

Job Summary

An exciting opportunity for a highly experienced dietitian to lead in the delivery of nutrition and dietetics on our neonatal units. The postholder will provide an inpatient service across two units and hold a small outpatient caseload. They will be the clinical expert in neonatal dietetics for the MDT, working closely with speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and other members of the neonatal multidisciplinary team.

We are looking for a specialist skilled in the management of nutritional interventions for complex surgical, preterm and term infants, including post‑operative and longer‑term care. The role will also involve supervision and guidance of junior dietitians across both neonatal units and paediatrics, as well as providing expert input to the Level 2 SCBU at West Middlesex University Hospital.

Main duties of the job

• To work as the clinical expert in nutrition and dietetics across both neonatal services.
• To provide clinical, operational management and leadership of more junior dietitians.
• To provide leadership, direction, teaching and support to facilitate high quality care to infants and families in collaboration with the MDT.
• To provide specialist advice within the neonatal services across the Trust and externally as required.
• To ensure nutrition and dietetic clinical guidelines and referral criteria are in line with latest evidence.

Person Specification

Essential

• Significant post‑registration experience as a Band 7/8a in relevant clinical areas required for this role.
• Experience of team management in an NHS healthcare setting at band 7/8 level.
• Evidence of supervision of more junior staff.
• Leadership and participation in teaching / in‑service programmes.
• Demonstrable experience of audit in evaluating and developing a service.
• Teaching experience to a broad range of clinicians and students.
• Evidence of close working with all members of the multidisciplinary team.
• Highly specialist knowledge of a range of conditions and treatments relevant to clinical area.
• Completion of BDA level 5 and enhanced neonatal dietetic modules.
• Excellent communication skills.

Desirable

• Research in a relevant field.
• Liaising with external stakeholders and influencing decision‑making of senior leaders.

About us

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of England's top‑performing and safest trusts. We operate two main acute hospital sites—Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital—and award‑winning clinics across North West London. With nearly 7,500 staff we provide full clinical services, including maternity, A&E, children’s services and specialist HIV and sexual health clinics. The Care Quality Commission rates us ‘Good’ in safety, effectiveness, care and responsiveness, and ‘Outstanding’ in leadership and resource use.

Equality and diversity

The Trust is committed to equality and welcomes applications from all, regardless of background. Adjustments can be made for disabled candidates. Early application is advised as vacancies may close once sufficient applications are received. Employment is subject to a six‑month probationary period.

Some roles may require weekend shifts at multiple sites.