Head of Clinical Engineering | University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust

University Hospital Southampton NHS FT; Southampton; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK teaching hospital is looking for a Head of Clinical Engineering to lead medical device governance and safety policies. This role involves strategic oversight of approximately 37,000 medical devices and requires strong leadership skills and compliance expertise. You'll work with a team of 42 to ensure best practices in device management and support innovation in healthcare technology. Located in Southampton, known for its picturesque surroundings, this position offers a blend of professional challenge and personal well-being.

Benefits

Flexible working environment

Learning and development opportunities

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in clinical engineering or medical physics.
• In-depth knowledge of medical device regulations.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams effectively.

Responsibilities

• Set vision and strategic direction for Clinical Engineering services.
• Lead compliance with statutory obligations and standards.
• Manage budgets efficiently and support innovation activities.

Skills

Leadership

Medical device safety management

Project management

Quality assurance

Education

Relevant degree in engineering or healthcare

Job description

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.

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.

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.

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!

This advert closes on Wednesday 14 Jan 2026