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.

Key details
Band: Band 8c
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 349-WTWA-8314441-RL3E

Qualifications - Essential

• First level registration NMC registered graduate in Nursing Graduate in health-related subject
• Masters or higher degree or evidence of working towards
• Evidence of relevant study and continuing professional development
• Post registration leadership development

Qualifications - Desirable

• Management / Leadership courses relevant to role

Knowledge - Essential

• Knowledge and understanding of NHS Policy and regulatory policy, demonstrating ability to interpret these and implement changes where appropriate

Knowledge - Desirable

• Experience of research activities.

Training and experience - Essential

• Significant operational management experience at Lead Nurse level or above
• Significant clinical experience at Lead Nurse level within a complex organisation.
• Experienced in a range of clinical settings and models of care.
• Experience in managing an operational service including budget management/financial planning and strategic development.

Training and experience - Desirable

• Evidence of leading major organisational change
• Evidence of leading governance / clinical effectiveness agenda in complex service

Skills - Essential

• Evidence of experience in management of change.
• Evidence of collaborative working and learning.
• Evidence of experience of clinical governance
• Evidence of strong leadership skills.
• Strategic thinking
• Ability to make decisions in a pressured environment.

Attributes - Essential

• Excellent interpersonal skills and experience in interdisciplinary working/communication
• Ability to produce reports, action plans, both written and verbal.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills. Confident and articulate.
• Demonstrates and role models Trust values and behaviours

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 (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship
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.

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

Employer details
Employer name: Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Wythenshawe Hospital, Southmoor Road, Manchester, M23 9LT, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://mft.nhs.uk/careers/

For questions about the job, contact: Matt Bilney, Deputy Director of Nursing, Matthew.bilney@mft.nhs.uk, 01612915422

We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Our adverts may close early if we receive a high level of interest. 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.