Head of Clinical Services

NHS; Bristol; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A major healthcare provider in Bristol is seeking a Head of Clinical Services to shape and deliver the clinical vision. This permanent, full-time role involves leading clinical protocols, monitoring KPIs, and managing a multi-disciplinary team. Ideal candidates will possess extensive leadership experience, understand NHS standards, and have a GOC registration. Salary ranges from £75,000 to £90,000 based on experience and comes with the opportunity for professional development in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Great Place to Work certification

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Substantial post-qualification experience and senior clinical leadership experience.
• Proven track record in clinical governance and training delivery.
• Understanding of CQC and NHS standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of clinical protocols and training programmes.
• Oversee professional registration and ICB audit readiness.
• Mentor ophthalmic technicians and manage a clinical team.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder management

Proactive problem-solving

Office 365

Education

GOC registered Optometrist

Tools

Patient electronic medical management systems

Job description

Job Summary

As Head of Clinical Services, you will be a figurehead of the organisation, reporting directly to the clinical directors. You will shape and deliver the clinical vision, drive professional development, and ensure regulatory compliance across all our practices.

This role is permanent and full time (40 hours), based at our Bristol locations; Aztec West, Clifton and Langford.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the development and implementation of clinical protocols, standards and training programmes including Ophthalmic Technician, pre-reg and IP placements.
• Oversee professional registration, CPD compliance and ICB audit readiness.
• Attend our Clinical Governance Committee and represent the group at industry forums (including CPD events, conferences and in stores/practices).
• Drive adoption of advanced diagnostic technologies (OCT, biometry, fundus imaging, glaucoma management).
• Mentor ophthalmic technicians and support talent development pathways.
• Collaborate with external agencies to advise on enhanced eye care services (e.g. glaucoma referral refinement, cataract, YAG/SLT pathways).
• Monitor clinical KPIs and patient outcomes, lead quality improvement initiatives.
• Oversee all planned outpatient clinical activity across all locations.
• Manage and develop a large multi‑disciplinary clinical team.
• Build relations with various stakeholders (such as ICBs, NHS trusts, Health Boards, Primary Care) to optimise patient care.

About Us

At Newmedica in Bristol, we believe better sight changes lives.

We are one of England’s top providers of NHS and Private ophthalmology services, delivering outpatient care, diagnostic testing, and advanced eye surgery to thousands of patients every year. With a growing network of specialist clinics across the UK, we are on a mission to make world‑class eye care more accessible for everyone.

We are proud to be officially certified as a Great Place to Work for the third consecutive year, based on independent feedback from our colleagues. This recognition reflects our commitment to creating an inclusive, collaborative, and empowering workplace where people can thrive.

Salary and Benefits

£75,000 to £90,000 a year, dependent on experience.

Employment Details

Contract: Permanent.

Working Pattern: Full‑time (40 hours per week).

Location: Newmedica Bristol Aztec, 720 Aztec West, Almondsbury, Bristol, BS32 4UD.

Requirements

Experience • Essential

• Substantial post‑qualification experience, including extensive experience in senior clinical leadership.
• Proven track record in clinical governance, audit and training delivery.

Experience • Desirable

• Experience in multi‑site optical stores/practices, NHS/ISP ophthalmology services, or ICB commissioning.

Knowledge & Skills • Essential

• Exceptional leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Understanding of CQC standards, NHS standards and ICB criteria.
• Great written and verbal communication.
• Team player with a proactive, solution‑focused approach.
• Ability to manage competing priorities with calm and clarity.
• Confident user of Office 365 and tech systems (training provided).

Knowledge & Skills • Desirable

• Published research or contributions to optometric journals.
• Familiarity with patient electronic medical management systems (e.g. OpenEyes).
• Strategic thinker with commercial awareness.

Qualifications • Essential

• GOC registered Optometrist.

Qualifications • Desirable

• Higher qualifications (e.g. MOptom, Professional Certificate in Glaucoma, IP qualification) strongly preferred.

Legal and Eligibility Information

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975; and a Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information see NHS Careers website.