Director of Midwifery & Neonatal Services

NHS; Warwick; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

NHS is seeking a Director of Midwifery & Neonatal Services in Warwick to provide strategic leadership across maternity services. The ideal candidate will possess a master’s level education in midwifery and significant management experience.

The role requires overseeing governance, workforce strategies, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement while ensuring high-quality care for patients. A commitment to equity and inclusion in service delivery is essential.

Qualifications

• First-level registered midwife with current NMC registration and master's level education or equivalent.
• Evidence of continuous professional development and recent senior clinical or managerial experience.

Responsibilities

• Strategic leadership of midwifery and neonatal services across Trusts.
• Development of workforce strategies for inclusive, fit-for-purpose teams.
• Governance and risk management for maternity and neonatal care.
• Collaboration with leadership for strategic plans and governance.
• Promotion of evidence-based practice culture and continuous improvement.

Skills

Advanced leadership, influence and stakeholder engagement

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Excellent written and verbal reporting ability

Strategic policy and political awareness

Proactive change leadership

Strong organisational and resilience skills

Education

First-level registered midwife with current NMC registration and master’s level education

Evidence of continuous professional development

Job description

Director of Midwifery & Neonatal Services

Closing date 27 July 2026. Position to be filled by a senior leader capable of strategic and clinical oversight of maternity and neonatal services across George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust and South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust.

Job responsibilities

• Strategic leadership of midwifery and neonatal services across both Trusts, including the creation and implementation of a shared vision that improves safety, quality, equity and outcomes.
• Development and delivery of workforce strategies to ensure inclusive, fit‑for‑purpose teams that provide personalised, compassionate care.
• Governance, assurance and risk management for maternity and neonatal care, ensuring compliance with national, regional and local standards.
• Representation of the Trusts at local, regional and national forums on maternity and paediatric issues and participation in executive agenda setting.
• Collaboration with Divisional and Directorate Leadership to provide professional challenge and support to strategic plans, governance and resource planning.
• Leadership of change management initiatives, service redesign, cost improvement and operational performance.
• Promotion of an evidence‑based practice culture, fostering research, education and innovation across services.
• Maintenance of positive service user experience through engagement, co‑design and continuous improvement processes.
• Support the Chief Nurse in wider portfolio functions, acting as deputy when required and participating in the Directors on‑call rota.

Qualifications

• First‑level registered midwife with current NMC registration and master’s level education or equivalent.
• Evidence of continuous professional development and recent senior clinical or managerial experience at associate director level.
• Background in sick children nursing, health visiting or equivalent midwifery practice is desirable.

Experience

• Senior NHS midwifery or nursing management experience at associate director or equivalent level.
• Experience in board‑level strategic leadership and transformation of service provision.
• Strong knowledge of risk and governance, NHS policies and clinical governance frameworks.
• Track record of delivering performance improvement, cost optimisation and staff engagement across multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience of working across NHS partnerships, benchmarking and workforce planning.

Personal qualities

• Visible, inspirational leader who models openness, honesty and integrity.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Resilience, innovation and a passion for continuous improvement.
• Strong values of equality, diversity and inclusion with a commitment to service user experience.
• High emotional intelligence and effective communication skills across all stakeholders.

Skills

• Advanced leadership, influence and stakeholder engagement.
• Analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to interpret complex information.
• Excellent written and verbal reporting ability for board‑level audiences.
• Strategic policy and political awareness to navigate national guidance.
• Proactive change leadership and staff development expertise.
• Strong organisational and resilience skills in complex environments.

Other information

• Frequent travel between multiple Trust sites and occasional travel further afield.
• Participation in the Directors on‑call rota.
• Professional and personal commitment to excellent patient care, staff well‑being and organisational efficacy.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

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