Head of Nursing - Surgery

NHS; Harlow; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare provider in Harlow seeks a Head of Nursing for its Planned Pathways Division. You will lead nursing teams to ensure high-quality, compassionate care across surgical services. The role demands significant experience in senior nursing leadership and a strong understanding of clinical governance. Join us to help shape the future of surgical care, driving innovation and workforce development in a supportive environment. Flexible working and development opportunities are provided.

Benefits

Development opportunities

Flexible working

Focus on wellbeing

Qualifications

• Experience in senior nursing leadership (Band 8a or above).
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience managing complex clinical services.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of senior nurses and matrons.
• Ensure high-quality, compassionate care delivery.
• Drive innovation and workforce development across services.

Skills

Senior nursing leadership

Complex clinical services management

Clinical governance understanding

Values-driven leadership

Education

NMC Registered Nurse or Registered Midwife

Masters level education or equivalent

Completion of NHS Leadership Academy programme

Tools

Coaching or mentoring qualification

Job description

Head of Nursing - Surgery

The closing date is 05 January 2026

Are you an experienced and visionary nursing leader ready to shape the future of surgical care? We are seeking a Head of Nursing to join our Planned Pathways Division, leading nursing excellence across our Care Groups.

This is a pivotal leadership position, providing strategic and operational oversight for nursing across a diverse range of services, including:

• Perioperative Medicine & Theatres, Critical Care, High Dependency Unit (HDU), and Alexandra Day Surgery Unit (ADSU)
• General Surgery & Specialties, Upper GI, vascular, urology, paediatric surgery, surgical SDEC unit, and surgical inpatient wards
• Cancer Services, Oncology, haematology, Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT), and the Williams Day Unit

Main duties of the job

You will lead a team of senior nurses and matrons, ensuring the delivery of safe, compassionate, and high-quality care. Working closely with divisional and corporate colleagues, you will drive innovation, workforce development, and continuous improvement across all services.

About us

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave; a national programme thats changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector. This means were working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives. Were a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.

Job responsibilities

You will lead a team of senior nurses and matrons, ensuring the delivery of safe, compassionate, and high-quality care. Working closely with divisional and corporate colleagues, you will drive innovation, workforce development, and continuous improvement across all services.

Our way forward We are implementing a new divisional structure that strengthens accountability, integration, and patient-centred care. This is an exciting time to join us as we embed transformation, break down silos, and create a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. As Head of Nursing, you will play a key role in shaping this future.

What we’re looking for

• Significant experience in senior nursing leadership (Band 8a or above)
• Proven ability to lead complex clinical services and multidisciplinary teams
• Strong understanding of clinical governance, NHS policy, and regulatory frameworks
• A values-driven leader who champions inclusivity, patient experience, and staff wellbeing

Person Specification

Qualifications

• NMC Registered Nurse or Registered Midwife
• Educated to Masters level or equivalent senior leadership experience
• Evidence of ongoing professional development in leadership, management, or clinical practice
• Completion of NHS Leadership Academy programme or equivalent (e.g. Mary Seacole, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson)
• Qualification in coaching, mentoring, or change management

Experience

• Significant experience in a senior nursing or midwifery leadership role (Band 8a or above)
• Proven track record of leading service improvement, transformation, and innovation
• Experience managing complex clinical services across multiple care groups or specialties
• Experience of working across organisational boundaries and in system-level collaboration
• Experience of contributing to research, quality improvement, or academic programmes
• Experience of leading maternity transformation or midwifery-specific initiatives (if applicable)

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.

Employer name

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust