Ward Manager, Head and Neck, Band 7

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Gloucester; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS Trust in the UK is seeking a Ward Manager for the Head and Neck Inpatient Ward. The position entails offering clinical leadership, managing staffing levels, and upholding high standards of care. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in nursing leadership and experience in clinical governance. This role includes developing the nursing team, implementing training programs, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to enhance patient experience and safety. A competitive salary package and excellent benefits are offered.

Benefits

Generous annual leave allowance

NHS pension scheme

Staff discounts at local shops

Access to onsite nurseries

Flexible work opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven nursing leadership and management experience at Band 6 level or above.
• Experience in managing staffing and clinical governance in a ward environment.
• Ability to lead and develop a nursing team effectively.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical leadership for the nursing team on Ward 2B.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety and quality standards.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to improve patient experience.

Skills

Leadership

Clinical governance

Problem-solving

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Active registration with the NMC as a Registered Nurse

Management or leadership qualification

Recognised teaching and assessing qualification

Postgraduate qualification in Head and Neck Nursing or relevant qualification

Job description

Go back Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Ward Manager, Head and Neck, Band 7

The closing date is 23 December 2025

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.

The Ward Manager will be responsible for leading and developing the nursing team, managing staffing levels and rosters, and ensuring compliance with clinical governance, infection prevention, and quality standards. They will play a key role in service development, education, and staff training, while promoting innovation and shared leadership across the team. This position requires excellent communication, organisational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage change, resolve challenges, and act as a role model for professionalism and compassionate care.

Main duties of the job

• 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.

About us

We take pride in placing people at the centre of everything we do, working together as a united team. Driven by a shared ambition to continually grow, develop, and learn, we recognise and value every contribution. By combining our experience and skills, we not only support our vibrant, diverse communities, but also support one another.

With a team of over 9,000 employees, we are proud to be the largest employer in Gloucestershire and rank among the top 10 largest Trusts in the South West region. By joining our Trust, you will benefit from an excellent package that includes exclusive benefits, flexible working opportunities and the chance to gain valuable experience in one or both of our innovative hospitals.

As well as generous annual leave allowance, you will have access to the excellent NHS pension scheme, competitive bank rates, discounts at local shops and restaurants, access to two on‑site nurseries, discounted public transport, reward and recognition and a range of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Job responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities/Key Responsibilities

• 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.
• Lead on patient safety and quality initiatives within the ward, ensuring compliance with Trust standards and continuous improvement.
• 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.
• Administer and oversee the safe delivery of medications in line with the Procedure for the Ordering, Prescribing, and Administration of Medications (POPAM) guidelines.
• 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.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Training

• Active registration with the NMC as a Registered Nurse
• Management or leadership qualification, or equivalent level of skill and experience gained through practice.
• Recognised teaching and assessing qualification
• Evidence of ongoing professional development, including maintenance of a professional portfolio and compliance with NMC revalidation requirements.
• Completion of Silver Quality Improvement
• Postgraduate qualification in Head and Neck Nursing or relevant qualification

Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to effectively lead and motivate a nursing team to deliver high standards of patient care and achieve service objectives.
• Demonstrates advanced clinical reasoning skills to assess, plan, deliver, and evaluate patient care in complex situations.
• Comprehensive knowledge of leadership styles and change management strategies, with the ability to apply these effectively in a clinical setting.
• Strong understanding of clinical governance principles, including incident reporting, investigation processes, and quality assurance frameworks.
• Knowledge of Human Resource policies and procedures, including line management responsibilities and performance management.
• Familiarity with the Trust appraisal and staff development process, supporting continuous professional growth.
• Highly self‑motivated, able to work independently, take initiative, and prioritise workload effectively under pressure.

Clinical/Experience

• Nursing leadership and management experience at Band 6 level or above, with proven ability to lead teams effectively.
• Experience of managing individuals, including objective setting, learning and development, and reviewing progress against development plans.
• Evidence of building strong working relationships with members of the multidisciplinary team and other key stakeholders.
• Experience of leading and managing change within a clinical environment.
• Experience (through placement or employment) of working in an acute clinical environment, demonstrating adaptability and resilience.
• Previous experience working in a Head and Neck service or other relevant specialty.

Personal Attributes

• Enthusiastic with a passion for quality improvement
• Creative and flexible with an ability to adapt to changing working environment and processes
• Resilient under pressure, self‑aware and with an ability to learn through constructive feedback and personal reflection
• Team focused, ability to work collaboratively and always underpinned by kindness and respect towards others

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.

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

£47,810 to £54,710 a year(pa, pro rata if part-time)