Deputy Nutrition & Dietetic Manager

NHS; Manchester; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization in Manchester is seeking a Deputy Dietetic Manager to oversee dietetic care in oncology services. The role requires strong leadership in clinical nutrition, guiding staff, and developing education programs. Candidates should have extensive experience within NHS clinical dietetics, particularly in oncology, and possess a relevant degree in Nutrition & Dietetics. This position emphasizes patient-centered care and collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• Extensive NHS clinical dietetic experience within acute oncology settings.
• Experience managing complex patients with comorbidities.
• Leadership experience with staff development and oversight.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage dietetic staff, ensuring effective communication.
• Act as clinical lead, providing expert nutritional guidance.
• Develop education and training for medical and nursing staff.

Skills

Advanced clinical reasoning

Excellent communication skills

Leadership within multidisciplinary forums

Proficient in electronic health records

Education

BSc in Nutrition & Dietetics

Postgraduate Diploma in Nutrition & Dietetics

Masters level in nutritional support

Job description

Job Summary

Deputy Dietetic Manager – Oncology Services.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Deputy Dietetic Manager to support the delivery of high‑quality dietetic care across inpatient and outpatient oncology services. This role combines operational leadership, clinical expertise, and educational responsibilities, ensuring safe, effective, and patient‑centred nutrition care.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage dietetic staff, ensuring effective communication, performance management, and motivation.
• Act as clinical lead in specialist oncology, providing expert nutritional guidance.
• Organise and oversee student dietetic placements, supporting high‑quality learning experiences.
• Deliver specialist nutritional support and education to oncology patients.
• Serve as recognised specialist resource on nutrition and cancer for patients, carers, and healthcare professionals.
• Develop and deliver education and training for medical, nursing, and allied health staff.
• Contribute to research, audit, and service improvement initiatives aligned with departmental priorities.
• Champion the Trust’s values, equality, and patient‑centred care in all aspects of service delivery.

Operational Management

• Provide daily line management, recruitment, appraisal, and supervision to support a high‑performing culture.
• Manage staffing levels, workload allocation, and clinical prioritisation to ensure safe service delivery.
• Monitor attendance, absenteeism and implement policies in line with Trust guidelines.
• Lead initial disciplinary processes and investigations, working with HR.
• Support management of complaints and oversee learning actions.
• Lead or contribute to service evaluation, audit and development projects.
• Assist in business planning, policy implementation, and service redesign.
• Ensure compliance with clinical governance, risk management, and health and safety standards.

Clinical Responsibilities

• Provide advanced, evidence‑based dietetic assessment and treatment for complex oncology patients.
• Lead development, implementation and audit of clinical guidelines, pathways, and protocols.
• Participate in MDT meetings, case discussions and clinical supervision.
• Offer expert advice to wider MDT on complex nutritional issues.
• Support evidence generation and publication of clinical outcomes.
• Lead or contribute to audits, research and service evaluations to improve practice.
• Support implementation of local and national guidelines and digital solutions.

Education, Training and Supervision

• Coordinate student dietetic placements, ensuring HCPC and BDA standards.
• Provide clinical supervision and mentorship to junior dietetic staff.
• Develop, deliver and evaluate nutrition and dietetic education sessions for healthcare professionals.
• Contribute to development of patient and professional educational resources.

Research, Quality and Service Development

• Lead or contribute to clinical audit, research and quality improvement projects.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge and apply evidence to practice.
• Disseminate findings through presentations, publications and professional networks.
• Support service evaluation and data collection for commissioning and performance reporting.

Communication and Trust Representation

• Promote effective communication within the dietetic team and across MDTs.
• Represent the Nutrition and Dietetics service at Trust‑wide committees and professional forums.
• Collaborate with community dietetic teams and external providers to ensure continuity of care.
• Foster a supportive, respectful, and inclusive working environment.
• Champion patient‑centred care and equality, inclusivity and fairness in service delivery.
• Embed Trust values and behaviours within the department.

Qualifications (Essential)

• BSc in Nutrition & Dietetics or relevant science subject plus Postgraduate Diploma in Nutrition & Dietetics.
• Clinical supervision training.
• Masters level or equivalent such as Advanced course in nutritional support (e.g., BDA PEN).
• Post‑graduate specialist counselling skills course in oncology, bereavement counselling or breaking bad news.

Experience (Essential)

• Extensive recent NHS clinical dietetic experience within acute oncology and palliative care settings.
• Experience managing nutritionally complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
• Advanced expertise in enteral and parenteral nutrition, including artificial nutrition management.
• Experience in writing and implementing local guidelines and protocols related to nutrition support.
• Proven leadership/management experience with supervising, mentoring, staff development and absence management.
• Experience in complaint handling and investigations.
• Effective multidisciplinary team working and collaborative planning.
• Committed to CPD with up‑to‑date best practice knowledge.
• Active participation in audit, service evaluation, research and presenting to large groups.
• Support for junior staff and student training programs.

Skills (Essential)

• Advanced clinical reasoning and independent case management.
• Expertise in anthropometric assessment and interpretation of complex data.
• Ability to appraise and apply evidence‑based practice.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong leadership within multidisciplinary forums.
• Collaborative engagement and change management.
• Proficient in standard IT, electronic health records.
• Excellent organisational, time‑management and prioritisation skills.
• Experienced supervisor of students and junior staff.
• Actively engaged in audit and quality improvement.

Knowledge (Essential)

• In‑depth understanding of cancer‑related metabolic and nutritional consequences.
• Advanced knowledge of artificial nutrition support and innovations in oncology nutrition.
• Strong grasp of clinical governance, quality assurance and audit processes.
• Knowledge of NHS policies, NICE guidance and national strategies.
• Leadership frameworks for team development and succession planning.
• Expertise in developing, implementing and evaluating care pathways and educational materials.
• Ongoing engagement in postgraduate learning and CPD.

Values & Attitudes

• Demonstrate organisational values and behaviours.
• Self‑motivated, reliable, and willing to support preregistration students.
• Positive mindset towards change, learning and continuous improvement.
• High self‑awareness and self‑regulation with empathy and tact.

Disclosure & Barring Service Check (Required)

Submission to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) is required to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applicants requiring current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcomed. Further information can be found on the UK Visas and Immigration website.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. See NHS Careers website for details.

Employer Details

• Employer: The Christie NHS FT
• Address: Dietetics – E00274, Manchester, M20 4BX
• Website: https://www.christie.nhs.uk/