Neonatal Operational Matron | University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust

University Hospital Southampton NHS FT; Southampton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A major healthcare provider in Southampton is seeking an experienced Operational Matron to lead neonatal services. The role involves providing leadership for teams, driving operational improvements, and working with senior healthcare professionals to ensure high-quality, family-centered care. Applicants should demonstrate strong leadership skills and commitment to fostering a positive work culture. This position offers flexibility to support work-life balance and unique opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Flexible working environment

Diverse and inclusive work culture

Extensive learning and development opportunities

Responsibilities

• Provide visible, professional leadership across the service.
• Promote patient flow and support a compassionate culture.
• Drive operational development and service improvement.
• Work in partnership on workforce planning and quality management.
• Act as a professional role model supporting staff development.

Job description

Overview

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

Southampton Neonatal Services are seeking an experienced and dynamic neonatal nursing leader to join our senior leadership team as Operational Matron. This role offers an exciting opportunity for a motivated leader to shape and develop neonatal services at both a local and regional level.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide visible, professional leadership across the service, leading teams to deliver high‑quality, safe, and effective family‑centred care.
• Promote patient flow and support the workforce to foster a positive, inclusive and compassionate culture.
• Drive operational development and service improvement across NICU, Special Care, Transitional Care, Home Outreach, Neonatal Transport (SONeT) and the Milk Bank, ensuring care is responsive, efficient and aligned with national standards.
• Work in close partnership with the Lead Matron, Consultant Neonatologists, Senior Nursing Team and Care Group Management Team on workforce planning, quality improvement, risk management and performance delivery.
• Act as a professional role model, supporting staff development, wellbeing and retention while maintaining a strong focus on patient safety, experience and outcomes.

Qualifications

Essential and desirable skills and experience are detailed in the attached person specification document, which is used by hiring managers during shortlisting.

Benefits and Working Environment

• Flexible working environment where possible to support work‑life balance.
• A diverse, inclusive and anti‑racist work culture that values all backgrounds, identities and experiences.
• Placement in a large acute teaching Trust with extensive learning and development opportunities.
• Convenient location on the south coast with direct rail links to London and proximity to the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.

This advert closes on Tuesday 6 Jan 2026.