Ward Manager

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

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in the United Kingdom is seeking a compassionate and experienced Ward Manager for the Paediatric Ward. You will lead a dynamic team to deliver safe, family-centred care for children. Responsibilities include overseeing clinical practices, managing staff performance, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Applicants must be registered nurses with leadership experience and a commitment to professional growth. A competitive salary package is offered, and candidates from diverse backgrounds are particularly encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Must hold valid NMC registration for childcare.
• Experience in a clinical leadership role is essential.
• Strong communication skills are necessary for effective teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Lead the nursing staff on a 15-bed paediatric ward.
• Ensure high standards of patient care and safety.
• Manage budgets and resources efficiently.

Skills

Clinical risk management

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Training and education delivery

Audit and report writing

IT skills with EPR

Conflict resolution

Motivated and innovative

Experience in MDT working

Education

Registered Children's Nurse

Degree in Nursing Studies or Health related subject

Recognised teaching/assessing qualification

Masters

Job description

Ward 21 Ward Manager

Go back County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

The closing date is 09 February 2026

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced, motivated and compassionate Paediatric Nurse to lead our dynamic team on Ward21, DMH.

Working closely with the Paediatric Matron, you will provide strong clinical and professional leadership, inspiring your team to deliver the highest standards of safe, family-centred care for babies, children, and youngpeople. You will play a pivotal role in shaping our service, supporting staff development, and fostering a culture where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to excel.

As Ward Manager, you will combine strategic leadership with hands‑on clinical involvement, ensuring visibility on the ward and maintaining your clinical credibility. You will be a role model for our Trust values, demonstrating compassion, respect, and excellence in everything you do.

We are proud of our collaborative, multidisciplinary approach and our commitment to providing outstanding care and positive experiences for families. If you are ready to take the next step in your career and make a real difference to children's lives, we would love to hear from you.

For any further queries we would encourage you to contact Alison Crozier, Matron for Paediatrics, on 07442832977.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under‑represented.

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will be a qualified Paediatric Nurse with experience at Band 6 or above, possessing specialist clinical expertise, leadership, and excellent communication skills. They will manage all aspects of clinical practice and professional standards with a diverse portfolio covering a 15‑bed paediatric ward, day surgery unit and a Paediatric Assessment Area (PAA), ensuring safe, high‑quality patient care. The role involves overseeing staff performance, development and allocation, as well as managing budgets, resources, and the ward environment efficiently. The ward manager will coordinate multidisciplinary teams, promote professional practice, and support continuous service improvement. They will support the Matron for Paediatric Services in shaping the future of care delivery, implementing policies, and maintaining compliance with organisational and regulatory standards. This position demands strategic planning, problem‑solving, and proactive operational management to ensure optimal outcomes for both patients and staff.

Key responsibilities

• Have continuing responsibility for the ward‑based nursing service over a 24‑hour period.
• Provide visible, effective, and compassionate leadership to the nursing and support team, ensuring a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Manage the operational and clinical delivery of a 15‑bed paediatric ward, day surgery, and PAA department, ensuring high standards of patient care and safety.
• Coordinate staffing levels, skill mix, and duty rotas to ensure safe and efficient service provision.
• Manage budgets, resources and the ward environment in line with Trust policies and financial procedures.
• Maintain compliance with all professional, organisational and statutory requirements.
• Support and mentor nursing staff, facilitating their professional growth, appraisal and continuing development.
• Lead by example in delivering compassionate, family‑centred care and promoting effective communication with patients, families and the wider multidisciplinary team.
• Contribute to service improvement initiatives, audits and quality assurance programmes.
• Act as a clinical expert, supporting staff to develop and maintain advanced paediatric nursing skills.
• Work regular clinical shifts to maintain up‑to‑date skills and ensure staff are delivering safe and effective care.
• Assist the Matron for Paediatric Services in strategic planning, policy implementation and service development.
• Ensure a safe, positive, and inclusive working environment that supports the wellbeing of both patients and staff.
• Provide strong, visible leadership and act as a role model for staff at all times.
• Oversee a team of Band 6 Nursing staff, supporting their development in management areas such as recruitment, induction, appraisal and performance management.
• Monitor and manage sickness absence, disciplinary matters and staff wellbeing in line with Trust policies.
• Support Band 6 Nursing staff to develop their leadership and management skills.
• Ensure effective communication across all members of the multidisciplinary team.
• Maintain a high standard of evidence‑based paediatric nursing practice and safe patient flow.

Person Specification

Special Skills & Knowledge

• Knowledge and understanding of clinical risk management
• Sound knowledge of national and local networks / guidelines
• Knowledge of Clinical Governance Agenda
• Good interpersonal skills
• Excellent organisational skills
• Experience of developing and delivering training / education to staff
• Audit & report writing
• IT skills familiar with EPR
• NMC Code of Conduct
• Understanding of Safeguarding for children and Young People
• Ability to resolve conflict
• Motivated and Innovative
• Experience of MDT working – linking with outside agencies

Qualifications

• Registered Children's Nurse
• Degree in Nursing Studies or Health related subject
• Recognised teaching/assessing qualification
• Evidence of ongoing professional development
• Evidence of study relating to management & leadership
• Masters
• EPALS or equivalent

Experience

• Proven experience as a clinical nurse leader
• Experience of managing staff
• Proven ability to work effectively independently and within a team
• Approachable and able to build relationships with a wide variety of colleagues
• Experience of professional development / appraisal facilitation
• Demonstrate ability to make clinical decisions and to develop others in this area
• Budget control management

Special Requirements

• Able to travel across Trust sites to meet the requirements of the post

Statutory Registration

• Current NMC Registered Nurse Child Branch

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

£47,810 to £54,710 a year per annum, pro rata