Job summary
MFT is seeking an exceptional Medical Director for North Manchester Clinical Group (NMCG) at a pivotal stage in its transformation and the development of healthcare services across Manchester and surrounding areas. As a key member of the North Manchester Senior Leadership Team and wider MFT medical leadership community, the postholder will provide strategic leadership across clinical quality, patient safety, service transformation, workforce and redevelopment.

The successful candidate will shape NMCG's future clinical model and advance quality improvement, clinical effectiveness, productivity, research and innovation, medical workforce transformation and outstanding patient outcomes. With ambitious improvement priorities, the New Hospitals Programme and the wider regeneration of North Manchester, this is a rare opportunity to influence the long-term redevelopment of a major NHS provider site and ensure services meet the needs of patients, communities and future generations.

Offering broad visibility within one of the UK's largest NHS organisations, the role involves close partnership with clinical, operational and corporate leaders. It is suited to an experienced senior clinician seeking executive leadership experience, large-scale transformation, involvement in a nationally significant redevelopment programme and progression towards future Medical Director or Board-level roles.

This post is for 5-8 PA's.

Main duties of the job

• Provide strategic clinical leadership to the North Manchester Clinical Group as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team.
• Lead improvements in patient safety, clinical quality, governance and effectiveness, ensuring high standards of care and outcomes.
• Shape future clinical pathways, service models and integrated care through the organisation's transformation agenda.
• Work with clinical and operational leaders to strengthen medical engagement, professional leadership and accountability.
• Develop the medical workforce with the Director of Workforce and OD, covering planning, recruitment, retention, productivity, education and employee relations.
• Champion innovation, research, education and quality improvement to sustain services for the future.
• Support the North Manchester redevelopment, New Hospitals Programme and wider transformation initiatives.
• Provide expert clinical advice and constructive challenge for strategic and operational decisions.
• Build strong partnerships across MFT, Greater Manchester and the wider system.
• Lead and inspire an inclusive, high-performing medical leadership community, acting as a visible and credible leader who embodies MFT values, compassion, excellence and continuous improvement.

About us
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) is the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe. We are an ambitious organisation, serving over 1 million patients and users annually through our 10 hospitals and extensive community services. With a workforce of 30,000 plus, we are a driving force for innovation, clinical excellence, and system leadership across Greater Manchester.

As a senior leader at MFT, you will shape strategy and transformation at scale, working alongside a diverse, high-performing executive team. Our £3bn plus turnover and leading-edge digital infrastructure, including the Hive EPR, enable us to deliver integrated, patient-centred care and drive continuous improvement. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, values-led culture where your expertise, vision, and leadership will directly influence organisational direction and population health outcomes.

You will have the opportunity to lead complex change, champion research and innovation, and develop future talent in a supportive, collaborative environment. Join us to make a lasting impact on our Trust, our communities, and the future of healthcare.

Date posted: 19 October 2026
Pay scheme: Very senior manager (VSM)
Salary: Depending on experience Attractive Remuneration Package
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Part-time
Reference number: 349-NMGH-8339050-RL3
Job locations: North Manchester General Hospital, North Manchester House, Eyam Road, Manchester, M8 5EP, United Kingdom

Essential qualifications

• Senior qualified Doctor or Dentist with current General Medical Council or General Dental Council registration and appropriate specialist accreditation, or equivalent medical professional
• Educated to degree level or equivalent
• Post-graduate degree in health-related subject or equivalent
• Evidence of recent and relevant continuous professional development

Desirable qualifications

• Formal management or leadership qualification

Essential skills, knowledge and experience

• Outstanding personal impact with highly developed interpersonal, networking, advocacy, written and presentation skills
• Ability to lead and work in a multi-disciplinary team, motivating others to secure continuous service improvement and successful outcomes
• Highly developed analytical skills with the ability to think and act strategically, tactically and creatively
• Ability to translate a strategic vision into operational action and ensure objectives are adhered to
• Extensive senior level medical or dental leadership and managerial experience within an acute NHS Trust (or comparatively large and complex multi-disciplinary organisation)
• Extensive senior level medical or dental experience as a clinical practitioner
• Extensive knowledge of clinical governance systems and risk management
• Experience of developing and implementing transformation programmes, including service change, operational process improvement and cost reduction
• Evidence of undertaking clinical audit and contributing to research programmes and quality improvement

Desirable skills and experience

• Extensive experience of leading and directing change and quality improvement in clinical practice, with evidence of successful outcomes and improvements in patient experience
• Evidence of developing or implementing high profile initiatives underpinned by the national research and innovation agenda
• A successful track record of delivering a long-term vision whilst responding to short-term challenges and opportunities

Personal attributes (essential)

• Highly motivated, hard-working and self-confident individual with a drive to deliver and commitment to excellence
• Aligned to MFT's values of 'Everyone Matters', 'Working Together', 'Dignity and Care', and 'Open and Honest'
• Able to communicate openly, effectively listen and is consistently approachable to colleagues
• Willingness and ability to travel between MFT's sites as required

Closing date: 20 October 2026

MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination. Applications are welcome from all backgrounds. This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a Disclosure and Barring Service check. Applicants must have current UK professional registration.