Job summary
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Band 6 Lead Practitioner to join our dynamic Head & Neck team at Peterborough City Hospital. This role primarily supports the ENT speciality, while also working closely with Maxillofacial, Ophthalmic and Plastics services within our busy 18-theatre suite.

The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering a safe, efficient and patient-centred perioperative service. You will provide day-to-day clinical leadership, support theatre coordination and contribute to the delivery of a 24-hour emergency service.

You will act as a positive role model, leading by example, mentoring and developing junior staff, and supporting high standards of clinical practice. Strong communication, organisational skills and the ability to motivate and guide a multidisciplinary team are essential.

This post is open to both NMC-registered Nurses and HCPC-registered Operating Department Practitioners.

Main duties of the job

• Be responsible for the co-ordination of the surgical theatre team.
• Participate as scrub practitioner as a member of the surgical team.
• Take responsibility for safety checks of instruments and other items within the surgical field.
• Anticipating the need for and supervising the dispensing of surgical items and ensuring the availability of items required during the procedure.
• Anticipate the needs of the surgical team, proactively organising staff and resources for effective care delivery.
• Participate as circulating person for surgical procedures including responsibility for carrying out safety checks in conjunction with a second person.
• Prepare surgical equipment before use and anticipate that needs may change during the procedure.

About us
Priority will be given to colleagues identified as at risk through the Trust's redeployment process.

Date posted: 16 July 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 6
Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year per annum
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 176-S-8053748
Job locations: Peterborough City Hospital, Bretton Gate, Peterborough, PE3 9GZ, United Kingdom

Job description
For further details on the main responsibilities please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification.

Person Specification
Experience
Essential

• Ability to lead theatre team in ENT and emergencies
• Able to cope well with change
• Able to work effectively as a team member
• Ability to support less experienced staff

Desirable

• Aware of broader issues in healthcare and NHS

Key Skills
Essential

• IT skills
• Good written communications skills

Qualifications
Essential

• Registered Nurse/Operating Department Practitioner
• SSSA, Mentorship or equivalent
• Minimum of 3 years scrub experience in United Kingdom

Desirable

• Leadership training and qualification

Knowledge
Essential

• Committed to life long learning
• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development
• Aware of patients needs perioperatively

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 (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).

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

Employer details
Employer name: North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Peterborough City Hospital, Bretton Gate, Peterborough, PE3 9GZ, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.nwangliaft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

For questions about the job, contact:
Team Manager - Main Theatres
Laura O'Halloran
laura.ohalloran2@nhs.net
01733677361