Postnatal Ward Manager, Maternity

NHS; Worcester; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider is seeking a passionate Band 7 Ward Manager to lead the Postnatal Ward. You will oversee the delivery of high-quality care, manage operations, and provide clinical leadership. Ideal candidates will have substantial midwifery experience, proven leadership abilities, and a commitment to service improvement. This role offers a 12-month fixed-term contract, full-time hours, and the opportunity to make a significant impact in postnatal care.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years as a Band 6 midwife with CPD.
• Proven leadership and understanding of clinical governance.
• Knowledge of budget and resource management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the ward team to deliver safe, high-quality postnatal care.
• Manage patient flow and daily operations as unit coordinator.
• Provide clinical leadership and mentorship to staff.

Skills

Clinical expertise

Leadership

Communication skills

Knowledge of maternity policies

Complex decision-making

Education

Registered Midwife with NMC

Degree in health-related subject or working towards

Job description

Overview

Are you a passionate and motivated midwife looking to step into a senior leadership role? Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is offering an exciting opportunity for the right midwife to join us as a Band 7 Ward Manager on a 12-month fixed-term basis covering maternity leave. This key leadership role combines clinical expertise with operational management to ensure women, babies, and families receive the highest standard of care during the postnatal journey. You will lead the busy Postnatal Ward, work Monday to Friday, and contribute to service development within a supportive maternity leadership team.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives on variety, enjoys supporting and developing others, and wants to make a real impact on postnatal care at Worcestershire. You will gain valuable leadership experience and have opportunities to influence service development and your career progression.

Main duties and responsibilities

As Postnatal Ward Manager, you will:

• Lead the ward team to deliver safe, high-quality postnatal care.
• Act as unit coordinator to manage patient flow and daily operations as part of a roster with other ward managers.
• Oversee staffing, rostering and allocation to maintain safe cover.
• Provide clinical leadership and be the point of escalation for staff.
• Support and develop colleagues through supervision and mentorship.
• Ensure the ward environment is safe, effective, and patient-centred.
• Drive improvements in quality, safety, and patient experience.

Please refer to the job description and personal specification for further details on this exciting opportunity.

About us

Join our vibrant maternity team at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, supporting women, babies & families in a safe, compassionate environment. The team is led by a passionate group rated Good by the CQC in 2023 for leadership, safety and quality.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is a large acute and specialised hospital trust providing local and more specialised services across Worcestershire and beyond. Our services are delivered from three sites: Kidderminster, Redditch and Worcester. Our workforce is over 7,000 strong, and we are committed to flexible working as a flex-positive employer.

Our values — Being open and honest; Ensuring people feel cared for; Showing respect to everyone — underpin our everyday work.

Details

Date posted: 19 September 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for Change

Band: Band 7

Salary: £47,810 to £54,710 per year

Contract: Fixed term

Duration: 12 months

Working pattern: Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number: C9365-25-0832

Job locations: Charles Hastings Way, Worcester, Worcestershire, WR5 1DD

Job responsibilities

We are looking for a confident and motivated Band 7 leader who is passionate about postnatal care, teamwork, and driving service improvements. You will take on ward management duties, clinical leadership, and unit coordinator responsibilities as part of a team rota, and will be fully supported and developed within a dynamic maternity team.

Job Purpose:

• Ensure a high standard of midwifery care through effective management of staff and resources on the postnatal ward and Transitional Care Unit.
• Demonstrate strong clinical leadership in stressful situations and promote creative approaches to challenges.
• Act as advocate for the area and liaise with the multi-disciplinary team to coordinate postnatal care in the best interests of patients and families.
• Ensure training and educational programmes are available to meet staff needs; manage the Ward with deployment and supervision of staff.
• Maintain infection prevention and control practice and comply with relevant policies.

Key responsibilities

Professional / Clinical Leadership:

• Assess and address health and wellbeing needs; promote equality, diversity and rights.
• Coordinate holistic care for women, babies and families; organise midwifery care on the postnatal ward and Transitional Care Unit.
• Ensure safety through appropriate delegation and reporting of incidents; lead teams in knowledge development and practice improvement.

Clinical Governance:

• Promote best practice in health, safety and security; contribute to quality improvement.
• Ensure incident reporting and implement changes to reduce risk; support investigations and risk management reporting.
• Facilitate research-based practice and ensure adherence to Trust policies and audit standards.

Management:

• Provide duty rotas ensuring 24-hour service and consider budget constraints; manage workload and skill mix with other managers.
• Maintain effective communication with all disciplines to optimise patient care; manage ward/unit budget and resources.
• Maintain accurate records and provide cover in the absence of Matron; contribute to service development.

Staff development and Professional

• Develop staff to reach full potential, including clinical, managerial and communication skills; plan teaching with the University.
• Develop the role of midwifery within the Ward; undertake training and assessment to extend clinical skills; align with NMC guidelines.
• Maintain professional attitude and promote the Trust image; attend courses/conferences and mandatory trainings; participate in research where appropriate.

Personnel

• Participate in recruitment, interviewing and induction; monitor staff performance and conduct appraisals.
• Manage day-to-day discipline and safety; report hazards and incidents appropriately.

Qualifications and experience

Experience (Essential): Evidence of a minimum of 5 years CPD and 5 years as a Band 6 midwife; good postnatal and TCU midwifery competencies; credible clinical expert.

Knowledge and Skills (Essential): Proven leadership; up-to-date with professional practice; understanding of clinical governance; knowledge of maternity-related policies; budget and resource management; complex decision-making; ability to coordinate the maternity unit; safeguarding awareness; infection prevention and control; health and safety.

Qualifications (Essential): Registered Midwife with NMC; degree in health-related subject or working towards; CPD evidence; management experience/training; NMC Teaching/Assessing qualification.

Desirable: Teaching expertise; evidence of implementing change; complaints handling; Masters degree.

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act; a DBS disclosure will be required.

UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration. See NHS Careers website for details.

Employer details

Employer: Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

Address: Charles Hastings Way, Worcester, Worcestershire, WR5 1DD

Employer's website: https://www.worcsacute.nhs.uk/