Head of Clinical Engineering

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust; Southampton; On-site; GBP 64,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS Trust in Southampton is seeking a Head of Clinical Engineering to drive leadership in medical device management and compliance. The role involves overseeing 37,000 medical devices, ensuring adherence to national standards and quality management systems. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in clinical engineering, a relevant degree, and a proven track record in leadership. A commitment to innovation in healthcare technology is essential. Competitive salary range is offered, with opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Flexible working environment

Health benefits

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in relevant quality management systems.
• Highly specialised theoretical and practical knowledge of clinical engineering.
• Expert knowledge of healthcare technologies legislation and standards.

Responsibilities

• Set strategic direction for Clinical Engineering services.
• Lead compliance with MHRA guidance and ISO9001 standards.
• Oversee capital equipment programmes and budget management.

Skills

Leadership

Quality management systems

Clinical engineering

Medical device management

Risk analysis

Education

BSc or BEng Hons degree in Engineering or Physical Science

MSc level education in Medical Engineering

Tools

ISO 9001

ISO 13485:2016

ISO 14971:2019

Job description

Go back University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust

Head of Clinical Engineering

The closing date is 14 January 2026

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS) is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Please see below for a detailed job description of the role.

Main duties of the job

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is looking for a full‑time experienced and visionary leader to join our Medical Physics & Clinical Engineering Department as Head of Clinical Engineering.

Reporting to the Care Group Manager of Clinical Support Services, this is a senior leadership role with responsibility for organisational medical device governance, safety, training and policy across the Trust.

The department manages approximately 37,000 medical devices with a book value exceeding £100 million, oversees external service contracts worth £3.4 million, and leads capital replacement planning of £2.2 million annually. You will act as the Trust's Medical Device Safety Officer (MDSO) and CAS Liaison Officer, ensuring compliance with national standards and driving innovation in healthcare technology management.

About us

University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.

Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalising your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI‑generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

At UHS we're committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.

At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognising that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We're committed to creating an anti‑racist, anti‑discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.

Job responsibilities

Main duties of the role:

Set the vision and strategic direction for Clinical Engineering services. Lead organisational compliance with MHRA guidance, ISO9001 standards, and statutory obligations. Develop and implement policies for lifecycle management of medical devices, including procurement, commissioning, maintenance, and disposal. Oversee major capital equipment programmes and lead negotiations with clinical, technical, and financial stakeholders. Ensure robust quality management systems and coordinate audits, incident investigations, and regulatory responses. Provide leadership for medical device user training and workforce development. Act as budget holder for multiple budgets, ensuring efficient use of resources. Support research, development, and innovation activities within Clinical Engineering.

You will lead a team of approximately 42 WTE staff across technical services, medical equipment library, medical device training, and business support.

Key responsibilities include:

Acting as the Trust expert for all medical device issues, including regulations and risk. Leading emergency preparedness and resilience planning for Clinical Engineering. Maintaining ISO9001 certification and ensuring compliance with MHRA guidance. Managing external maintenance contracts and overseeing annual reviews. Driving continuous improvement and innovation in healthcare technology management.

Please refer to the person specification when completing your application and include clear examples demonstrating how you meet both the essential and desirable criteria. We look forward to hearing from you!

Person Specification

Qualifications, knowledge and experience

• BSc or BEng Hons degree in Engineering or Physical Science (minimum 2:1)
• Scientific education and training in Medical Engineering subject area to MSc level or equivalent experience
• Extensive experience in relevant quality management systems (for example ISO 9001)
• Highly specialised theoretical and practical knowledge of clinical engineering, including practical clinical applications of medical devices and equipment management in a healthcare setting HCPC registered Clinical Scientist
• Significant proven track record as a senior Clinical Scientist / Chartered Engineer, or equivalent experience, with proven management experience in the highly specialised field of Medical Equipment Management at a senior level
• Expert knowledge and experience of relevant legislation, national standards, professional and other guidelines relating to the use and application of healthcare technologies (for example ISO 13485:2016, ISO14971:2019 and including MHRA safety documents, BS EN 60601-1, EC Medical Device Directive, Risk Management Standards, Care Quality Commission)
• Evidence of formal leadership and management training
• Ability to analyse complex information and situations where conflicting demands on limited resources must be reconciled to minimise risk to the organisation, for example to advise clinicians, CMT managers and capital planners on equipment replacement decisions.
• Extensive experience in ISO 13485 quality management system
• Experience in a commercial equipment management environment
• PhD in Medical Engineering subject area or equivalent experience
• HCPC registered Clinical Scientist
• Experience in the initiation funding and expedition in the development of R&D relevant to the post.

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.

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust

£64,455 to £74,896 a year Per Annum or Per Annum (PA) Pro Rata