Job summaryPart-time 34.5 hours per week. Permanent post.
The Head and Neck Unit Manager is responsible for the operational, clinical and strategic management of Head and Neck services, ensuring the delivery of safe, effective, high-quality patient care across inpatient, outpatient and cancer pathways. The post holder provides visible leadership to multidisciplinary teams within ENT, Maxillofacial and Head and Neck services, maintaining compliance with national standards, regulatory requirements and Trust objectives.
The post holder leads on service transformation and quality improvement initiatives, using data and performance metrics to identify opportunities for improvement and support evidence-based decision-making. They collaborate with regional cancer networks and tertiary centres to ensure seamless patient pathways and coordinated care across organisational boundaries.
Key responsibilities include workforce management, budgetary oversight, risk management, incident investigation, audit, complaints management and implementation of national and local policies. The Unit Manager promotes a culture of compassionate leadership, professional development and continuous learning, supporting staff wellbeing and fostering high-performing multidisciplinary teams.
Main duties of the jobThe Head and Neck Unit Manager is responsible for the leadership, operational management and continuous development of Head and Neck services, ensuring the delivery of safe, effective and patient-centred care across ENT, Maxillofacial, Oral Surgery and Head and Neck cancer pathways.
The post holder provides visible leadership to multidisciplinary teams, ensuring appropriate workforce planning, staff development, performance management and effective deployment of resources to meet service demands. They oversee the day-to-day management of services, ensuring compliance with national standards, cancer targets, Trust objectives and regulatory requirements.
Working closely with consultants, matrons, clinical nurse specialists and operational colleagues, the Unit Manager coordinates complex patient pathways, supports service transformation and drives quality improvement initiatives to improve patient outcomes and experience. They are responsible for monitoring performance, managing budgets, identifying and mitigating risks, and ensuring efficient use of resources.
The role leads on governance activities including incident investigation, complaint management, audit, assurance processes and implementation of learning to improve safety and quality. The post holder will develop strong partnerships with tertiary centres, cancer networks and external organisations to ensure seamless care across organisational boundaries.
About usBolton NHS Foundation Trust is one of the North West's busiest healthcare providers, delivering high-quality care at Royal Bolton Hospital and across 20+ community sites. Serving around 320,000 people in Bolton and Greater Manchester, the Trust employs over 6,000 staff and is rated
'Good' by the Care Quality Commission. Our services include emergency care, maternity, surgical specialties, and community health, all underpinned by our values: Vision, Openness, Integrity, Compassion, and Excellence.
What We Offer- Professional Development - Training opportunities and ongoing learning.
- Supportive Culture - Collaborative team environment.
- Impactful Work - Help improve and implement digital tools and technologies to enhance patient care and staff efficiency.
- Variety & Challenge - EPR changes, clinical safety standards, clinical process mapping, and supporting technical projects.
- Commitment to Equality & Wellbeing - Thrive in an inclusive, respectful workplace that champions diversity and prioritises your health, and overall wellbeing.
Job responsibilitiesFor the full detailed job description and main responsibilities, please see attached job description and person specification for the role.
Qualifications & RegistrationEssential- Educated to degree level or equivalent experience
- Registered healthcare professional (NMC, HCPC or equivalent professional registration)
- Leadership qualification or equivalent experience
- Head and neck qualifications / experience
Desirable- Masters Degree or equivalent experience
- Leadership qualification or equivalent experience
ExperienceEssential- Substantial clinical experience at a senior level in the relevant profession
- Recent clinical practice
- Teaching and mentoring in clinical practice
- Experience of leadership/management in a MDT role
- Recent experience Implementing change, leading a quality improvement initiative/ project
Desirable- Experience managing Head and Neck cancer pathways.
- Experience of budget management and business planning.
KnowledgeEssential- Understanding of NHS policies, standards and regulatory requirements.
- Knowledge of clinical governance, patient safety, risk management and quality improvement methodologies.
Desirable- Understanding of commissioning and healthcare strategy.
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.Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). 
