Ward Manager for Head and Neck Inpatient Ward

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Gloucester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Gloucester seeks a Ward Manager for the Head and Neck Inpatient Ward. This role requires strong clinical leadership and management skills to ensure high-quality patient care. The successful candidate will oversee ward operations, manage staffing levels, and foster continuous improvement in line with the Trust's vision. Applicants should have a Registered Nurse qualification and be experienced in creating and leading patient safety initiatives. Join a dynamic team committed to excellent patient care and professional development.

Benefits

NHS pension scheme

Flexible working opportunities

Generous annual leave

Health and wellbeing initiatives

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse with a current NMC registration.
• Experience in a leadership or management role.
• Strong knowledge of clinical governance and patient quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide visible clinical leadership, ensuring high standards of care.
• Manage daily ward operations and staffing levels.
• Drive service improvement initiatives to enhance patient care.

Skills

Clinical leadership

Patient safety and quality initiatives

Operational management

Mentoring and support skills

Staff recruitment and retention

Team collaboration

Education

Registered Nurse qualification

Tools

Electronic rostering systems

Job description

The Ward Manager for Head and Neck Inpatient Ward (Ward 2B) will provide visible, proactive leadership to ensure the delivery of safe, high‑quality, and evidence‑based care for patients. This role involves operational management of the ward, clinical leadership, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement aligned with the Trust vision of “Best Care for Everyone.” The post holder will work closely with the Matron, senior nursing team, consultants, and the wider multidisciplinary workforce to maintain patient flow, achieve key performance indicators, and enhance patient experience within a complex and dynamic environment.

• Provide visible clinical leadership and act as a role model for high standards of care and professionalism.
• Lead on patient safety and quality initiatives, ensuring compliance with Trust standards.
• Coordinate and supervise patient care, including assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Support staff in developing airway management skills and other critical competencies.
• Oversee safe administration of medications in line with POPAM guidelines.
• Manage staffing levels, rota planning, and escalation to maintain safe workforce cover.
• Lead recruitment, retention, and development of nursing staff, including appraisals and performance management.
• Promote education, training, and mentorship for staff and students, fostering a culture of continuous learning.
• Drive service improvement initiatives, audits, and research projects to enhance patient care and operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with clinical governance, infection prevention, and health and safety standards.
• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team to maintain patient flow and improve patient experience.
• Deputise for the Matron when required and represent Head and Neck services at meetings.
• Maintain a strong clinical presence within the ward, acting as a visible role model for high standards of care, evidence‑based practice, and effective leadership.
• Directly deliver, coordinate, and supervise patient care, ensuring assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation meet the Trust vision of “Best Care for Everyone.”
• Demonstrate and supervise safe, appropriate care in a dynamic clinical environment, utilising highly specialised equipment and resources.
• Support staff in the management of airway skills, ensuring competency in critical situations.
• Actively manage and professionally lead the nursing team as a key member of the multidisciplinary workforce.
• Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to meet patient and family needs, ensuring seamless, high‑quality care.
• Take an active clinical leadership role, including acting as shift coordinator when required.
• Play a key role in implementing clinical initiatives and introducing new equipment or technologies.
• Promote and support continuous clinical training, education, and development for all staff members.

Professional Development, Education and Training

• In partnership with the Matron, identify personal training and development needs through the Trust appraisal process.
• Maintain and continually develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to perform the role effectively.
• Complete all mandatory training relevant to the role and ensure compliance with Trust and NMC requirements.
• Support the education, training, and development of staff within the service, fostering a culture of continuous learning.
• Actively contribute to departmental education programmes and initiatives.
• Develop skills to supervise, mentor, and support less experienced and non‑registered staff in clinical practice.
• Organise and facilitate mentorship and educational programmes for students, ensuring a positive learning environment.

Management and Leadership

• Work collaboratively with the Matron, Band 7 colleagues, senior nurses, consultants, and the wider team to define and deliver strategic service objectives.
• Manage and lead the ward within agreed Standard Operating Procedures, supporting the development and implementation of new working practices.
• Work with the Matron to create and execute action plans that achieve key performance indicators and maintain high standards of care.
• Contribute to service development initiatives, ensuring changes are implemented effectively and sustainably.
• Liaise with site and operational teams to maintain patient flow, reduce length of stay, and enhance patient experience.
• Ensure day‑to‑day safe staffing levels, escalating concerns through the appropriate processes.
• Maintain and monitor the electronic roster, ensuring accuracy and compliance with Trust targets for sickness and absence.
• Ensure effective rota planning and cover arrangements to maintain safe staffing levels, including escalation when required.
• Line manage a defined group of staff, ensuring adherence to HR policies and procedures.
• Address underperformance through effective performance management and action planning.
• Promote staff retention by supporting career development, job satisfaction, and clinical supervision.
• Facilitate recruitment processes to attract and select the most suitable candidates.
• Deliver staff appraisals and encourage completion of mandatory training to meet compliance targets.
• Actively work to resolve staff conflict and maintain a positive team culture.
• Support the Matron in managing pay and non‑pay budgets responsibly.
• Promote efficient use of resources and reduce unnecessary financial and environmental waste.
• Take responsibility for health and safety of patients, staff, and visitors, contributing to risk assessments and mitigation strategies.
• Manage patient, relative, and staff complaints in line with Trust procedures.
• Lead or support agreed quality improvement initiatives within Head and Neck services and collaborate with internal and external teams to share best practice.
• Deputise for the Matron during absences, representing Head and Neck services as required.
• Role model high standards of care, communication, and professionalism.
• Foster a culture of shared leadership, empowering staff at all levels to lead initiatives aligned with Trust values.
• Demonstrate a proactive, creative, and resilient approach to service development and change management.

Improving safety, quality and developing practice

• Promote and support audits and research initiatives within Head and Neck services and across the wider Trust.
• Champion the use of evidence‑based practice, ensuring adherence to relevant policies, procedures, and clinical guidelines.
• Assist in the collection, analysis, and reporting of data to maintain and monitor key performance indicators.
• Collaborate with senior staff on audit and research projects, contributing to recommendations for changes in management practice and supporting implementation.
• Actively participate in the Clinical Governance and Quality agenda, including service improvement initiatives, health and safety, and risk management.
• Take joint responsibility for leading safe and effective infection prevention and control measures.
• Share knowledge and expertise with colleagues locally and nationally, fostering a culture of continuous learning.
• Identify personal development needs aligned to service priorities and proactively seek opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge.
• Contribute to the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of Standard Operating Procedures, policies, and protocols relevant to the service.
• Constructively challenge strategic and operational practices to ensure continuous improvement in patient care standards.
• Report and investigate incidents in line with Trust policy, ensuring lessons learned are embedded into practice.

Communications and Working Relationships

• Communicate effectively with colleagues, patients, and relatives, demonstrating sensitivity, empathy, and professionalism at all times.
• Deliver complex and sometimes contentious information to individuals and groups, including in clinical settings where engagement may be challenging.
• Lead and manage difficult conversations with staff, including those related to underperformance, with tact and respect.
• Work cohesively with all members of the Head and Neck team and foster strong multidisciplinary collaboration.
• Act as a positive role model, including maintaining professional appearance and adherence to the Trust uniform policy.
• Promote and uphold the Trust values and objectives in all interactions and decision‑making.
• Demonstrate resilience and the ability to work under pressure, meeting agreed timescales and service priorities.
• Take initiative and adopt a progressive, creative, and forward‑thinking approach to problem‑solving and service improvement.
• Maintain compliance with the NMC Code of Conduct and ensure personal professional development, mandatory training, and NMC revalidation requirements are met.
• Seek advice and support when required and encourage a culture where others feel confident to do the same.

General Working Conditions

• Comply with all Trust and departmental policies and procedures, including Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), Manual Handling, Risk Management, Data Protection, and patient confidentiality at all times.
• Utilise recognised manual handling techniques and guidelines to ensure safe practice.
• Frequently manoeuvre patients and objects over 15 kg using appropriate equipment and aids.
• Work in environments with exposure to bodily fluids, infection risks, infestations, and substances hazardous to health, following all relevant policies and procedures.
• Regularly manage distressing and emotionally demanding situations involving patients, relatives, and staff, including exposure to verbal and physical aggression.
• Maintain concentration for extended periods while working under pressure in a fast‑paced and constantly changing clinical environment.
• Uphold excellent standards of care and professionalism at all times, even in challenging circumstances.
• Ensure a smart, professional appearance that reflects Trust values and enhances public confidence in the service.

We reserve the right to expire vacancies prior to the advertised closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.

You will only be contacted by the Recruitment Team via email if you are shortlisted for this post. Please ensure therefore that you check your e‑mail account regularly.

If you require sponsorship for a visa to work in the UK, to avoid disappointment, please check to ensure you are eligible under the UKVI points based system.

About Gloucestershire Hospitals

At Gloucestershire Hospitals, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the county’s largest employer, we are proud to provide high‑quality acute, elective, and specialist services to more than 650,000 people across our county. Our care is delivered across Gloucestershire Royal, Cheltenham General and Stroud Maternity Hospital. With over 9,000 employees representing more than 95 nationalities, we bring together a mix of cultures and experiences to the care that we deliver. Whether you’re beginning your NHS journey or looking to take the next step in your career, this is an exciting time to join us. We are investing heavily in innovation, research, and transformation, with more than 100 active clinical studies and major developments underway across our hospitals. We take pride in working as one team, driven by a shared ambition to grow, develop, and continually improve. Every contribution is valued and by combining our collective strengths, we support not only our diverse communities but one another. You can expect a warm, supportive culture and colleagues who are passionate about teamwork, professional development and delivering exceptional care. We offer structured development programmes, mentoring and leadership opportunities to help you progress in your career. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong. By joining our Trust, you will benefit from a comprehensive package that includes flexible working opportunities, generous annual leave, the NHS pension scheme, competitive bank rates, local discounts, access to on‑site nurseries, reduced public transport costs, reward and recognition schemes and a wide range of health and wellbeing initiatives.

Be part of Gloucestershire Hospitals, explore your future with us today.