Job summary
We are looking for an ambitious, operationally strong and people-focused leader to join The Barkantine Practice as our Reception Manager.

This is not just a rota management role this is a key leadership position within our Senior Leadership Team (SLT), responsible for shaping and driving the delivery of high-quality patient-facing services in a fast-paced, forward-thinking NHS practice serving 27,700 patients.

If you are an experienced General Practice professional with strong supervisory skills, a passion for service improvement, and the confidence to lead from the front, this is an opportunity to make real impact.

The post 37.5 hours over 5 days, Monday to Friday 8am start.

Main duties of the job
As Reception Manager, you will lead and develop our Patient Adviser team and take full operational responsibility for the smooth running of reception and patient-facing services.

You will:

• Lead, motivate and performance-manage the reception team
• Manage staffing rotas and ensure safe, efficient service delivery
• Manage appointment systems and clinical session structure
• Ensure workflow, correspondence and daily operational tasks are effectively coordinated
• Act as the central communication link between patients, clinicians and administrative teams
• Drive high standards of professionalism and patient experience
• Monitor attendance, sickness and performance
• Support recruitment, induction and staff development
• Ensure compliance with practice protocols and policies
• Identify and implement service improvements
• Work closely with the Practice Manager and Deputy Practice Manager to support operational strategy

This is a visible leadership role requiring resilience, initiative and a hands-on approach. You will be expected to set standards, role model behaviours and contribute actively to continuous improvement.

Who We Are Looking For
We are seeking someone who:

• Has a minimum of 3 years experience working within General Practice.
• Has strong supervisory or team leadership experience. Understands inner-city primary care challenges and demographics. Is confident managing rotas and operational workflows
• Who can work five days a week Monday to Friday at 8am start

About us
The Barkantine Practice is a large, progressive and rapidly developing NHS GP practice based near Canary Wharf in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.

We:

• Care for approximately 27,700 patients
• Deliver PCN Enhanced Access services for eight local GP practices
• Host a Same Day Access Hub supporting NHS 111
• Are actively implementing the Modern General Practice Access model
• Have a strong culture of quality improvement and service transformation

We are committed to innovation, operational excellence, and supporting our staff to grow into future leaders within primary care.

Job responsibilities
The Role Make a Difference Where It Matters
As Reception Manager, you will lead and develop our Patient Adviser team and take full operational responsibility for the smooth running of reception and patient-facing services.

You will:

• Lead, motivate and performance-manage the reception team
• Manage staffing rotas and ensure safe, efficient service delivery
• Manage appointment systems and clinical session structure
• Ensure workflow, correspondence and daily operational tasks are effectively coordinated
• Act as the central communication link between patients, clinicians and administrative teams
• Drive high standards of professionalism and patient experience
• Monitor attendance, sickness and performance
• Support recruitment, induction and staff development
• Ensure compliance with practice protocols and policies
• Identify and implement service improvements
• Work closely with the Practice Manager and Deputy Practice Manager to support operational strategy

This is a visible leadership role requiring resilience, initiative and a hands-on approach. You will be expected to set standards, role model behaviours and contribute actively to continuous improvement.

Person Specification
Experience
Essential

• Minimum GCSE (AC) in English and Maths (or equivalent),
• Minimum 3 years experience within General Practice,
• Experience supervising or managing staff,
• Strong organisational and time management skills,
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills,
• Ability to work independently and under pressure,
• Strong IT skills,
• Commitment to equality, diversity and patient-centred care,
• Understanding of health inequalities within inner-city populations,
• Ability to triage/signpost appropriately,

Desirable

• Evidence of ongoing professional development,
• Experience supporting service redesign or operational improvements,
• Experience contributing to recruitment and training,

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.

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.