Health Service Manager

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust; Manchester; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS Trust in the UK is seeking a Health Service Manager to oversee operational management for health services for adults with learning disabilities. You will provide strategic leadership and ensure the delivery of quality services while meeting performance targets. Ideal candidates will have relevant experience, strong communication skills, and a commitment to professional development. Join us to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve. Competitive salary range of £55,690 to £62,682 annually, with a collaborative working environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years experience in adults with learning disabilities.
• Knowledge of NHS legislation & policy related to adults.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.

Responsibilities

• Oversee referrals, assessments, and delivery of care pathways.
• Coordinate clinical effectiveness initiatives and audits.
• Manage recruitment, supervision, and staff development.
• Work in partnership with health and social care teams.
• Provide input for complex cases and financial accountability.

Skills

Leadership development

Communication skills

Negotiation

Conflict resolution

Budget management

Data analysis

Team management

Education

Degree level or equivalent

HCPC registered or NMC registered

Job description

Go back Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Health Service Manager/Professional

The closing date is 27 January 2026

The Health Service Manager plays a pivotal role in the operational management of multi-disciplinary teams delivering health services for adults with learning disabilities. The position ensures the achievement of performance targets, service quality, and adherence to best practice standards within available resources.

The post holder provides strategic leadership in collaboration with the Specialist Services General Manager and works closely with adult social care colleagues, nursing, and allied health professionals to meet the Trust's corporate objectives. They act as the clinical and professional lead for a defined allied professional group, maintaining professional standards and compliance with HCPC conduct and ethics.

Main duties of the job

Operational Leadership: Oversee referrals, assessments, and team activity; ensure delivery of agreed care pathways.
Quality and Clinical Effectiveness: Coordinate clinical effectiveness initiatives and audits across the service.
Staff Management: Recruitment, induction, supervision, and appraisals; maintain professional behaviour and development.
Stakeholder Collaboration: Work in partnership with health and social care teams to ensure responsive, equitable services.
Complex Case Oversight: Provide expert input for challenging cases involving multiple conditions or safeguarding concerns.
Financial Accountability: Manage delegated budgets, business continuity, and service planning.

This role is essential for maintaining high standards of care, supporting staff, and ensuring adults with learning disabilities receive safe, effective, and equitable health services.

About us

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) is the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe - what better place to shape and develop your leadership career.

We deliver care to over 1 million patients & users each year through our 10 hospitals and extensive community services. Our 30,000 plus strong workforce is central to our success and innovation.

You will play a pivotal part in supporting our operational excellence and strategic ambitions. You'll work collaboratively with clinical and non-clinical teams, driving improvements that enhance patient experience, staff wellbeing, and service efficiency across the Trust.

MFT offers a dynamic, inclusive environment where your leadership, ideas, and expertise are valued. You'll have access to professional development, digital tools and opportunities to contribute to transformational projects that shape the future of healthcare delivery. We are committed to supporting your growth and wellbeing, recognising the vital role you play in our organisation's success.

Join us and help shape the future of our Trust—make a real difference to our teams, our services, and our communities, and fundamentally, our patients.

Job responsibilities

To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience you'll need, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Supporting Documents heading. So that you're even more equipped to make an informed decision to apply to us, you'll need to take time to read the Candidate Essentials Guide that sits with the Job Description and Person Specification. This document provides you with details about the Trust, our benefits and outlines how we care for you as you care for others. Most importantly, it also contains critical information you'll need to be aware of before you submit an application form.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application

Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, we're proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOU for our patients, our communities, and each other.

As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your application—especially personal statements and responses to role-specific questions—is written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.

Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.

Diversity Matters

MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.

Person Specification

• Degree level or equivalent level of significant relevant experience. HCPC registered or NMC registered 5 years experience working with adults with learning disabilities
• NHS, legislation & policy related to adults with learning disabilities. Information Governance / Data protection principles Caldicott Guidelines
• Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD) and current Personal Development Plan Ability to manage work autonomously Experience of working across organisational boundaries and with external partners Extensive experience of service area Experience of liaison and management of contracts
• Evidence of Professional development Evidence of Leadership development Excellent interpersonal / communication skills Negotiation Policy development Service planning Conflict resolution Presentation skills Ability to counsel, mentor and support staff Excellent organisation skills Budget management Clear thinking under pressure
• Flexibility to meet the service needs.
• Management Qualification ECDL / ITQ
• Data analysis Change management
• Team management

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.

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

£55,690 to £62,682 a year per annum (pro rata)