Neonatal Operational Matron

NHS; Southampton; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

A large acute teaching trust in England is hiring a Neonatal Operational Matron. The role involves leading teams to ensure high-quality neonatal care, workforce planning, and collaboration with medical teams for service improvement. Candidates must be leaders with experience in neonatal nursing, hold necessary registrations, and have teaching experience. The position offers an annual salary of £55,690 to £62,682, pro rata, and promotes a supportive and inclusive work environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Continuous learning and development opportunities

Inclusive work environment

Qualifications

• Experience in leading teams to deliver high-quality neonatal care.
• Evidence of advanced leadership qualities.
• Formal and informal teaching experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead neonatal teams to promote safe and effective family-centred care.
• Collaborate with consultants and senior nursing teams on service improvement.
• Play a key role in workforce planning and quality improvement initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Patient safety

Staff management

Collaboration

Education

First degree or equivalent

Masters or equivalent experience

1st Level Registered nurse on relevant part of the NMC Register / HCPC Registration

Job description

Go back University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust

Neonatal Operational Matron

The closing date is 06 January 2026

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

Please see below for detailed job description of the role

Main duties of the job

Southampton Neonatal Services are seeking an experienced and dynamic neonatal nursing leader to join our senior leadership team as Operational Matron. Due to the ongoing expansion of our regional Level 3 service, this is an exciting opportunity for a motivated leader to shape and develop neonatal services at both a local and regional level.

The Operational Matron will provide visible, professional leadership across the service, leading teams to deliver high-quality, safe and effective family-centred care, promoting patient flow, and supporting the workforce to foster a positive, inclusive and compassionate culture.

Southampton Neonatal Services encompass a wide range of specialist services, including Neonatal Intensive Care, Special Care, Transitional Care, Home Outreach, Neonatal Transport (SONeT) and the Milk Bank. The post holder will use their expert clinical knowledge, leadership skills and influence to drive operational development and service improvement across these areas, ensuring care is responsive, efficient and aligned with national standards.

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.

At UHS we proudly champion individuality, recognising that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We are 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

Working in close partnership with the Lead Matron, Consultant Neonatologists, Senior Nursing Team and Care Group Management Team, the Operational Matron will play a key role in workforce planning, quality improvement, risk management and performance delivery. You will act as a professional role model, supporting staff development, wellbeing and retention, while maintaining a strong focus on patient safety, experience and outcomes.

This role is ideal for an experienced neonatal nurse leader with a passion for service development, collaborative working and delivering excellence in neonatal care within a complex and evolving healthcare environment.

Attached you will find the person specification document which provides more detail about the essential and desirable skills and experience needed for this role.

Person Specification

Qualifications, knowledge and experience

• 1st Level Registered nurse on relevant part of the NMC Register / HCPC Registration
• First degree or equivalent
• Masters or equivalent experience
• Formal and informal teaching experience
• Evidence of advanced leadership qualities
• Staff and resource management experience

Trust Values and Behaviours

• Patients First
• Always Improving
• Working Together

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

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