Operational Lead Orthoptist | University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust

University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust; Burton upon Trent; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Burton upon Trent seeks an experienced Operational Lead Orthoptist. The role involves providing clinical and operational leadership while managing a clinical team of orthoptists. Candidates should have strong clinical skills and be adept at fostering collaboration within the healthcare community. Exceptional development opportunities and staff benefits are available in this crucial healthcare position.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Employee assistance programme

Discounted gym membership

Onsite fitness classes

Qualifications

• Experienced Orthoptist with proven clinical skills.
• Ability to lead and manage a clinical team effectively.
• Exceptional communication and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical and operational leadership at the Burton sites.
• Manage a clinical team, including rota and absence management.
• Collaborate with other specialties to improve service delivery.

Skills

Clinical leadership

Patient care

Team management

Orthoptic provision

Job description

Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Orthoptist to join our team as an Operational Lead Orthoptist. The successful candidate will provide clinical and operational leadership of our teams at our Burton sites. Working with colleagues on orthoptics and the wider ophthalmology specialty the role will require coordinating, leading and driving our service forward to meet the future needs of our local population.

This post combines experienced clinical skills with day-to-day management of the service and is an ideal promotional opportunity for a senior orthoptist who wishes to lead a highly effective clinical team.

Responsibilities

• Undertaking highly skilled clinical duties and direct patient care as an experienced orthoptist
• Providing professional support and guidance to clinical staff to deal with all areas of orthoptic provision, including complex care
• Day-to-day management and leadership of a clinical team of orthoptists, including rota management, absence management, personal development, resolving daily problems in the service and all types of line management
• Working with other leaders in orthoptics, optometry, ophthalmology and other specialties within our organisation and partner organisations to deliver service improvements

What we offer

As a trusted organisation at the heart of our communities, we recognise the important role we can play in supporting the public, patients, our own people and local partners in achieving the best of health for the local population and the communities in which they live by providing Exceptional Care Together. Our fundamental Values of Compassion, Openness and Excellence underpin how we intend to work as a Trust and the associated behaviours are becoming embedded in all aspects of how we work.

• Development opportunities, both professional and leadership development
• On-going support from recruitment to when you join our team and beyond
• Staff benefits including employee assistance programme, discounted gym membership, onsite fitness classes, car schemes

Key Facts

• We see on average 4810 OP appointments a day.
• We are the 4th busiest Trauma & Orthopaedic outpatients department in England – an average of 2077 per week.
• An average of 1115 patients are seen in A&Es across our network every day – 3rd largest in the country.
• Our hospitals admit an average of 195 emergency patients daily.
• Last year we undertook almost 33,700 planned surgical operations in our 57 operating theatres.
• We are one of only 7 Trusts nationally with more than 50 operating theatres.
• We carry out more than 140 elective procedures each working day.
• UHDB is a research active University Hospital with a large and varied portfolio of clinical trials and research opportunities for all staff.

How to apply

Please see attached Job description and Person Specification. To apply please click APPLY FOR THIS JOB – this link will take you to the TRAC Recruitment Site. You will need to register if you do not already have an account.

Following the recent update on UK immigration policy for those on a Health and Care Visa or Skilled Worker Visa, please click on the link to check your eligibility before applying for this post as we may be unable to provide sponsorship.

This advert closes on Wednesday 8 Oct 2025