Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Head of Nursing - Cardiac Care Division
The closing date is 20 November 2026
Job summary
This is a permanent Head of Nursing post. The postholder will be based within the Cardiac Care Division for the first nine months, providing senior professional and operational leadership for the nursing and AHP workforce across the Care Division. Following this initial period, the post will be reviewed with the Director of Nursing, with a view to confirming a Head of Nursing post within WTWA hospitals.

The role provides clinical governance and professional leadership, supporting delivery of the Trust's strategic objectives, workforce priorities, clinical quality, patient safety, patient experience and financial performance. Further details about the post, including the initial placement and review arrangements, can be discussed with the recruiting manager.

Main duties of the job

• Strategic and operational leadership - Work with the Clinical Director and Associate Director of Performance and Operations to deliver Care Division objectives, Trust strategy and operational priorities.
• Professional leadership - Provide visible leadership for nursing and AHP staff, ensuring professional standards, accountability and high-quality, patient-centred care.
• Clinical governance and safety - Lead quality, patient safety, risk management, clinical effectiveness, compliance, patient experience, complaints and regulatory requirements.
• Workforce leadership - Lead workforce planning, recruitment and retention, skill mix, education, training, appraisal, development and succession planning.
• Performance and improvement - Monitor key performance measures, lead improvement plans, address underperformance and support delivery of service objectives.
• Quality, research and innovation - Promote evidence-based practice, research, innovation and continuous quality improvement.
• Financial management - Support financial delivery, manage temporary staffing expenditure and identify cost reduction and avoidance opportunities.
• People and culture - Promote inclusion, staff engagement, wellbeing, learning, development, performance and effective team working.
• Partnership and change - Work collaboratively with clinical, operational, corporate and external stakeholders to improve services, reduce inequalities and deliver transformation.

About us
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) is a leading, integrated healthcare provider, the largest of its kind in specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe, serving over 1 million people per year through our 10 hospitals and extensive community services. With a workforce of 30,000 plus, we are at the forefront of system leadership, innovation, and transformation across Greater Manchester.

As a senior manager, you will play a critical role in shaping and delivering our strategic objectives. You will lead complex programmes, drive operational excellence, and influence Trust-wide transformation, working collaboratively with or through Executive and Clinical Leaders to deliver sustainable improvements for our patients, staff, and communities.

MFT offers a dynamic, inclusive environment where your leadership, vision, and expertise are valued. You will have the opportunity to lead high-impact projects, develop future talent, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, supported by advanced digital infrastructure and a commitment to professional development. Join us to make a lasting impact--help shape the future of our Trust, drive innovation, and deliver outstanding care for the people of Manchester, Trafford and beyond.

Details
Date posted: 13 November 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 8c
Salary: £79,504 to £91,609 a year
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 349-WTWA-8437364-RL4
Job locations: Wythenshawe Hospital, Southmoor Road, Manchester, M23 9LT, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities
To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience you will need for this role, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Documents to download heading.

Diversity Matters
MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post.

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 to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer details
Employer name: Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Wythenshawe Hospital, Southmoor Road, Manchester, M23 9LT, United Kingdom
Employer contact: Deputy Director of Nursing, Matt Bilney, Matthew.bilney@mft.nhs.uk, 01612915422