Ward Manger - Senior Sister/Charge Nurse | Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A university teaching hospital seeks a Ward Manager for its Neonatal Unit. The ideal candidate will lead a multidisciplinary team, ensuring high standards of patient care while managing day-to-day operations. This role requires proven leadership in neonatal care, excellent communication skills, and the ability to foster a collaborative environment. Join a forward-thinking institution committed to advancing patient care through research and education.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership qualities in neonatal care.
• Experience in delivering high standards of patient care.
• Ability to manage day-to-day activities across multiple units.

Responsibilities

• Act as a leader for the Neonatal Unit staff.
• Ensure high-quality evidence-based care.
• Manage day-to-day unit operations.
• Create an environment conducive to clinical excellence.
• Provide support to staff, patients, and families.
• Maintain mandatory training for all team members.
• Participate in teaching and education of junior staff.

Skills

Leadership in neonatal care

Communication skills

Clinical excellence

Team collaboration

Risk and governance familiarity

Education

Specialist qualification in neonatal care

Job description

Ward Manager – Senior Sister/Charge Nurse

Department: Neonatal Unit

Band: 7, £47,810 – £54,710 per annum

Hours: 37.5 per week; all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working

About the role

Are you an experienced, expert leader in neonatal care with a specialist qualification? We have an exciting opportunity to join our senior neonatal leadership team. You’ll play a crucial role in maintaining high standards of care, developing services, and compassionately leading the team. The ideal candidate will demonstrate proven leadership qualities, showcase clinical excellence and promote innovative practice while working closely with the multidisciplinary team. You will manage day‑to‑day activities across the ITU, HDU and Special Care units, ensuring effective and safe decision‑making.

In addition to your leadership responsibilities, you’ll actively participate in staff management, leveraging outstanding communication skills to foster a collaborative work environment and encompass the FI care aspect of our unit. Familiarity with risk, governance, and safeguarding processes is essential to excel in this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as an effective professional and managerial leader for all members of staff across the Neonatal Unit
• Ensure the provision of high‑quality, evidence‑based care and a positive patient/family experience
• Be responsible for day‑to‑day unit management and serve as a point of contact for all staff as required
• Create an environment where excellence in clinical practice flourishes and demonstrate a professional approach to staff leadership and management
• Provide a visible, accessible, and authoritative presence within the department for staff, patients, and families to seek assistance, advice, support, and intervention
• Maintain the highest standards of patient care at all times, prioritising quality and compassion
• Ensure all team members maintain mandatory and essential training in line with Trust and Division targets
• Participate in teaching and support others in the education of students, junior staff and the wider team, fostering a conducive learning environment

How we work

‘We care, We communicate, We collaborate, We contribute’ – these values guide our multidisciplinary teamwork and evidence‑based practice. The post holder will work closely with the Matron for Neonatal Services, medical, nursing and managerial staff to provide the highest standard of clinical nursing care to premature infants and will also provide direct line management of the nursing team, expected to work clinical shifts to maintain skills and knowledge.

Milton Keynes University Hospital is a University Teaching Hospital committed to advancing patient care through cutting‑edge research and education. With a ‘Good’ rating from the CQC and significant investment underway, this is an exciting time to join our team and grow your career.

Interview: 11 November 2025

Closing date

This advert closes on Monday 3 Nov 2025