Job summary
The Trust is seeking to appoint a highly motivated and experienced Clinical Service Manager within the Family Services & Surgical Division to provide leadership and drive change within the Theatre, Anaesthetics, Critical Care & Decontamination Services Care Group.

Providing high quality services and developing innovative ways of meeting rising demand is a priority for the Trust. We are developing services in conjunction with the community for many specialties and have good working relations with local GPs.

The post is a key role within the Trust, as well as helping the division to shape services for the future, you will have the passion and drive to support the development and lead the implementation of key objectives within the Theatre, Anaesthetics, Critical Care & Decontamination Services Care Group.

The successful candidate will have a track record of delivery against key performance targets and budgets and a background of working in an acute setting. They will be a credible role model and have the ability to lead a team as well as function as part of the Divisional team. A current professional registration with a clinical body such as HCPC, NMC is essential for this role.

Other services may be added to this portfolio in line with the Clinical Service Manager's personal development programme, and the needs of the service.

Main duties of the job
To be responsible for the overall governance and the operational management of the Theatre Services Care Group providing clear leadership and working with the Divisional head of Nursing & Quality, Matrons, Clinical Director, Divisional Director of Operations and Divisional Director to ensure the provision of high quality patient care and the most efficient and cost-effective use of resources.

To portfolio of the Service Manager includes operational management to the following areas:

• Theatre complex including Day surgery and Weymouth satellite theatre.
• Surgical Admissions Lounge
• Pre-operative Assessment Unit
• Anaesthetics Department
• Critical Care Unit & CCOT
• Decontamination Department

To be responsible for ensuring that within all specific work areas all local and national performance targets and objectives are met.

To be responsible for ensuring the operational delivery of services; leading and effectively implementing change management initiatives to improve service provision.

To influence and lead on the strategic development and service improvement of services in conjunction with and in support of the Clinical Director and Matrons.

To ensure the highest standard of safe clinical care through the provision of effective leadership and management of clinical and administrative staff.

To participate in the Trust's on-call manager rota.

About us
At DCHFT, we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients, and on the culture, we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff

Our Mission is to work in partnership to provide high quality, compassionate services and to nurture an environment where people can be at their best. Our vision is healthier lives, empowered citizens, thriving communities.

We are a Trust that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups.

We understand that AI can be a useful tool when completing your application. However, we are seeing an increasing over-reliance of AI tools, which can negatively affect your application as it reduces a candidate's individuality, and makes it difficult for us to gain a clear and authentic understanding of your experience, skills, and in turn your suitability for the role.

All submissions must be truthful and if you do use AI, it should only be used to enhance your application and not create your supporting statement in its entirety. Your supporting statement should be in your own words and must accurately reflect your personal experience and achievements. Where we have concerns that AI has been used to generate content that misrepresents your experience and suitability for the role, we may withdraw your application.

Details
Date posted: 03 August 2026
Closing date: 17 August 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 8b
Salary: £66,582 to £77,368 a year
Per Annum: subject to formal banding
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 405-26-AC395CSM
Job locations: Dorset County Hospital, Williams Avenue, Dorchester, DT1 2JY, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities
Our DCHFT Job Description and Person Specification (attached) tells you all about this role, what to expect and what is needed to succeed. When completing your application please make sure to tell us how your experience and skills fit the person specification.

UKVI Sponsorship: This role is eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). We welcome applications from individuals who require sponsorship to work in the UK. Sponsorship will be offered subject to meeting UKVI eligibility criteria.

Please contact us at dch.recruitment@nhs.net if you are unable to view or download the attachment.

For all our roles, we are looking for staff who hold our Trust Values of Integrity, Respect Teamwork and Excellence, and who are passionate about providing the best patient care. To read more about our Trust and our Values search Dorset County Hospital online

Person Specification
Skills & Abilities
Essential

• Ability to develop and maintain a cohesive, high performing team.
• Practical experience and evidence of facilitating change
• Ability to communicate clearly in writing and orally to committees and meetings including computer and presentation skills
• Well-developed negotiating skills with effective interpersonal and influencing skills
• Ability to anticipate and plan for change and service improvement
• Ability and evidence of analysing and interpreting data
• Flexible and resilient approach to service needs

Knowledge & Experience
Essential

• Comprehensive experience in the management and leadership of NHS staff
• Evidence of continued professional development
• Clinical experience within Theatres, Anaesthetics or Critical Care
• Experience in an Acute Hospital setting with a sound knowledge of processes including the legislation and policy relating to health and social care
• Application of Evidence Based Practice
• Experience of managing change
• Evidence of effective budget management
• Experience of service improvement to ensure the delivery of high standards of performance to achieve national and local targets
• Passionate about service improvement and the benefits this can deliver to patient care.

Desirable

• Experience in demand and capacity and in the scheduling of services e.g. clinics
• Understanding of Local Authorities and Social Services and detailed knowledge of the NHS.

Education, Qualifications & Training
Essential

• Qualified to Masters level or significant equivalent experience
• Comprehensive, recent & significant experience in a senior management role
• Registered professional of a clinical body such as HCPC, NMC

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.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details
Employer name: Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Dorset County Hospital, Williams Avenue, Dorchester, DT1 2JY, United Kingdom
Employer's website: Apply through our website

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Deputy Divisional Director of Operations, Joe Lythe, joe.lythe@nhs.net, 01305253123