Scrub Team Leader

NHS; Bedford; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional hospital trust in Bedford is seeking a dedicated Scrub Team Leader to manage theatre operations and promote quality patient care on a permanent basis. The ideal candidate must possess leadership skills and clinical experience, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement and professional growth. Responsibilities include operational supervision, staff training, and ensuring effective teamwork. This role offers an attractive salary of £38,682 to £46,580 per year, along with opportunities for ongoing training and career progression.

Qualifications

• Registered with NMC/HCPC.
• Evidence of continuous professional development.
• Experience within theatre scrub specialities.

Responsibilities

• Manage the preparation of the theatre suite.
• Participate in the department’s internal rotation.
• Establish communication for effective patient care.
• Participate in teaching and mentorship.
• Provide support to all staff members.

Skills

Clinical experience

Leadership skills

Team management

Effective communication

Education

Registered with NMC/HCPC

Continuous professional development

Further relevant training

Job description

Scrub Team Leader

Closing date: 23 January 2026

Are you an experienced and dedicated practitioner looking to take the next step in your career? We are seeking a motivated Band 6 Team Leader to join our team on a permanent basis. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in a leadership role and is committed to delivering high‑quality care and achieving positive outcomes.

We're looking for individuals who are proactive, highly motivated, and able to demonstrate strong clinical experience. You will bring effective leadership and team‑management skills, along with a commitment to continuous improvement and ongoing professional development.

In this role, you will lead and support a multidisciplinary team, ensuring the delivery of safe, effective, and compassionate care. You will help foster a culture of collaboration, learning, and excellence, while contributing to service development and innovation.

By joining us, you'll become part of a supportive and forward‑thinking environment, with opportunities for training, career progression, and the chance to make a meaningful impact within your community.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be responsible for effective and efficient operational supervision of the department within the specialist area. This includes budgetary awareness, clinical governance, and supporting staff development and training. They will provide professional leadership, offering clear direction and inspirational guidance to the multidisciplinary team.

The post holder will contribute to the development of protocols, guidelines, and key service improvements to ensure the highest possible standards of care. Working across Bedfordshire NHS Trust, they will be accountable for the provision, organisation, delivery, and ongoing development of safe, high‑quality patient care within their specialty and scope of competence, including “scrubbing and circulating” for robotics and other multi‑specialty procedures, in collaboration with the Band 7 Senior Theatre Practitioner.

About us

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both sites offer key services such as A&E, obstetrics‑led maternity, and paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high‑performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in the region, you will have access to a programme of high‑quality training and development.

We recruit not only on qualifications and experience but also on behaviours that underpin our core values. We promote equality, diversity, and an inclusive culture.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when a sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering the first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Review all attached documents to familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.

Job responsibilities

• Manage the preparation of the theatre suite for an operating theatre session with respect to staffing and skill mix, equipment and instrument availability, and sustainability.
• Participate in the department’s internal rotation and on‑call system, including weekends and bank holidays, thereby ensuring a 24‑hour service.
• Establish and maintain communication that facilitates multi‑disciplinary working and coordination of effective patient care.
• Participate in the teaching and mentorship of learners and trainee theatre practitioners in the appropriate specialist area.
• Provide support and skilled assistance to all staff members and contribute to maintaining a safe and clean environment within the department.

Person Specification

Knowledge

• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Patient safety and WHO checklist.
• Knowledge of professional codes of conduct and practice.

Qualifications

• Registered with NMC/HCPC.
• Evidence of continuous professional development.
• Further relevant training within the speciality.

Experience

• Flexibility in working patterns.
• Experience within theatre scrub specialities.
• Ability to work as part of the team.
• Ability to work shifts required by the department.
• Participation of audits.
• Teaching students.

Personal Skills

• Open, reflective, and warm.
• Enthusiastic and self‑aware.
• Creative and flexible.
• Team focused.
• Reliable, adaptable, and dependable.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and therefore a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service is required.

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

£38,682 to £46,580 a year (pro rata)