Unit manager (Senior sister/Charge nurse)

The Christie NHS Foundation Trust; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Greater Manchester is seeking a senior nurse with an oncology focus to lead service development and provide strategic nursing leadership for SACT Outreach and Bloods Closer to Home services.

You will drive clinical governance, workforce planning and partner collaboration to ensure safe, high-quality patient care across multiple sites while promoting professional development and staff wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Nurse with leadership in oncology or cancer services.
• Experience leading service development and change management.
• Commitment to patient-centred, evidence-based practice.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational delivery of SACT Outreach and Bloods Closer to Home services.
• Provide line management and professional development for nursing staff.
• Oversee governance, patient safety and incident reporting across sites.
• Coordinate workforce, rosters and training to maintain service quality.

Skills

Communication

Assessment

Leadership

Computer literacy

Quality of care

Education

Degree or Diploma in Nursing Studies

Post Registration Certificate in Cancer

Teaching & assessing qualification

Job description

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

We are an innovative and forward-thinking team committed to continually reviewing and improving the way we deliver care to meet the evolving needs of our patients. We welcome new ideas and are seeking a motivated senior nurse with a genuine passion for oncology care, service development and leadership. The successful candidate will demonstrate initiative, strategic thinking and a commitment to continuous improvement, leading service developments and supporting the implementation of change to ensure services remain efficient, responsive and patient-centred. You will be expected to foster a positive team culture, promote professional development and maintain strong collaborative relationships with colleagues and partner organisations across the region.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Service Leadership and Operational Management

• Lead the operational delivery of the SACT Outreach and Bloods Closer to Home services, ensuring safe, effective and high-quality patient care across all locations.
• Plan, review and implement service developments and changes to improve patient experience, clinical effectiveness, capacity and demand management.
• Organise and manage workforce deployment, daily staffing requirements and off-duty rotas to ensure appropriate skill mix and service provision.
• Collaborate with medical staff, multidisciplinary teams and external providers to ensure effective service delivery and utilisation of resources.
• Provide visible leadership across outreach locations and peripheral treatment sites, maintaining effective partnerships and communication networks.
• Deputise for the Matron as required and provide cross-cover and support to other Band 7 managers within the SACT Directorate and Outpatients.

Patient Care and Clinical Responsibilities

• Assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care, ensuring accurate and contemporaneous clinical records are maintained.
• Promote and maintain high standards of clinical practice, patient safety and patient experience across all service locations.
• Investigate and manage patient incidents, complaints and concerns in accordance with Trust policies and procedures.
• Ensure services comply with Trust policies, professional standards, governance requirements, health and safety legislation and risk management processes.
• Participate in the hospital on-call rota as required.

Human Resources and Staff Management

• Provide line management, professional leadership and support to nursing and healthcare support staff.
• Undertake recruitment, induction, supervision and performance management activities to maintain a competent workforce.
• Support staff through appraisal, personal development planning and competency assessment to promote professional development and fitness to practise.
• Manage attendance, sickness absence and disciplinary matters in accordance with Trust policies and in collaboration with Human Resources.
• Act as a preceptor, mentor and role model for staff, supporting learning, wellbeing and professional growth.
• Ensure staff comply with professional standards, uniform policies and organisational requirements.

Financial and Physical Resources

• Assist in the management of staffing and non-staff budgets, ensuring resources are used effectively and within agreed limits.
• Monitor and supervise the procurement and utilisation of equipment and stock to ensure availability and cost-effective use of resources.
• Collaborate with support services to maintain high standards of cleanliness, nutrition and environmental safety.

Information and Governance

• Maintain accurate clinical, operational and workforce records in line with legal, professional and organisational requirements.
• Report, investigate and record incidents, complaints and risks in accordance with Trust policies.
• Monitor service performance and activity, providing regular updates to senior nursing and operational leadership teams.
• Participate in policy development, implementation and review to support service and organisational objectives.

Education, Training and Professional Development

• Facilitate and support the education, training and assessment of pre-registration and post-registration learners in partnership with higher education institutions.
• Deliver and support education relating to clinical practice, leadership and management.
• Promote evidence-based practice and ensure staff maintain mandatory training and professional competencies.
• Maintain own professional development and ensure knowledge remains current in relation to cancer nursing, SACT services and leadership practice.
• Support colleagues to identify and achieve their professional, educational and developmental objectives.

Service Improvement and Research

• Identify opportunities for service improvement and lead or contribute to projects that enhance patient care, service delivery and operational performance.
• Participate in audit, quality improvement, research and service evaluation activities to support evidence-based practice and continuous improvement.
• Keep abreast of local and national developments affecting cancer services and communicate relevant information to the wider team.

Communication and Partnership Working

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with patients, carers, multidisciplinary teams, senior managers, external healthcare providers and partner organisations.
• Represent the Outreach and Bloods Closer to Home services at relevant operational, professional and organisational forums.
• Communicate effectively at all levels, providing specialist advice and guidance regarding Outreach and Bloods Closer to Home services.

Values and Behaviour

• Demonstrate the Trust's agreed values and behaviours in all aspects of practice.
• Take personal responsibility and accountability for professional conduct, decision-making and performance.
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion, treating patients, carers, colleagues and partners with dignity, respect and compassion.
• Contribute to a positive working environment through effective teamwork, communication and mutual support.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

• RGN Level 1
• Degree or Diploma in Nursing Studies
• Post Registration Certificate in Cancer or equivalent
• Qualification in teaching & assessing or equivalent

Desirable criteria

• Management Course

Experience

Essential criteria

• Oncology or acute care experience

Desirable criteria

• Managerial experience

Skills

Essential criteria

• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent assessment skills
• Ability to deliver a high quality of care
• Computer literacy
• Leadership skills

Desirable criteria

• Understanding of need for evidence based practice

Knowledge

Essential criteria

• Committed to own personal professional development and that of all ward staff

Other

Essential criteria

• Participate in on call cover for Senior Nurses
• Team player
• Ability and willingness to travel to SACT Outreach and BCTH sites

The closing date for this post may be extended if there are insufficient applicants or brought forward if there is a high volume of applicants.