Job summary
To take daily responsibility and professional leadership for the designated theatre team, demonstrating effective communication and appropriate use of resources, maintaining standards of care, adherent always to both National and local policies and procedures.

Deputise on a rotational basis for the nominated Theatre Manager

Main duties of the job
To actively influence the overall efficiency and development of the theatre service. Working with Theatre Team Manager, Matron, Clinical Services Manager and Theatre Operational team.

Working with the Theatre Team Manager, identify and develop clinical changes to working practice and working in different ways to enhance the service provision.

Provide daily leadership and clinical support for designated theatre. Maintaining 85% clinical and 15% managerial role within designated theatre including managing theatre suite out of hours.

To work with the Theatre Manager on improvement initiatives.

To work in collaboration with the Team Manager on the procurement of supplies and equipment within the designated area.

To work with Theatre Central Stores team on stock management initiatives.

About us
We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment manager for this post who will put you in touch with the recruitment team. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Details
Date posted: 29 October 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: 216-SF-DC8285574
Job locations: Cardiothoracic Theatres, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, PL6 8DH, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

• Be responsible for the day-to-day workload planning including off duty, stores and stock control, reflecting the need to utilise all resources effectively and to meet budgetary constraints. Actively encourage budgetary awareness within designated theatre.
• Demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based practice and clinical excellence and play an active part in the introduction of this evidence to improve patient centred care and service delivery. Promotion of continuous quality improvements.
• Undertake research and clinically lead the audit process.
• Participate in risk management and Clinical Governance issues within designated area reporting any untoward incidences to Cluster Team Leader
• Maintain accurate staff annual leave and sickness records liaising with the Senior theatre team leader any areas of concern. Carry out back to work and exit interviews.
• Conduct annual staff appraisals and develop staff personal development plans for Band 5 and Band 2 staff within area of responsibility ensuring staff development needs are met in line with Agenda for Change and the Knowledge and Skills framework.
• Provide a supportive working environment for staff in area of responsibility ensuring opportunities for further development and education are identified to the senior theatre team leader.
• Assist as a panel member in recruitment and selection.
• To update and facilitate induction programmes for new staff members in area of responsibility.
• Support the senior theatre management team, in ensuring that staffing establishments and skill mix are appropriate for clinical demands.
• Take responsibility for clinical standards and ensure that theatre procedures and protocols are followed i.e. infection control, theatre dress policy etc.
• Maintain personal and professional development to meet the changing demands of the service.
• Be responsible for ensuring the theatre, anaesthetic and prep rooms are cleaned and maintained to a (high) standard.
• Responsible for maintaining a safe environment, conducive to high patient and staff morale, achieved by leadership, personal example and involvement in the activities of the department.
• Act as Mentor/Facilitator for their team, offering advice, guidance and support as appropriate.
• Utilise clinical expertise and academic knowledge to act as a resource for members of the team and other health care professionals.
• To provide a flexible approach to duty rosters and undertake any duties required to fulfil the needs of the service.
• The post holder is required to be available for on-call duties, weekends, night duty and late shifts on a roistered basis and under negotiation, so ensuring the 24-hour emergency service is maintained.

Please note that applications from temporary workers who have been engaged with the Trust for a minimum of 3 months are welcome. Available as a fixed term contract or secondment opportunity (with current line manager's agreement).

Person Specification
Knowledge & Experience (Essential)

• Recent demonstrable experience within Cardiothoracic surgery at Band 5 or above
• Credible clinical expert in relevant area of practice
• Competent in one or all of anaesthetics, scrub and recovery areas.

Qualifications

• Essential: RN / ODP; Registered with NMC / HPC; Completed a recognised management programme or demonstrable experience
• Desirable: Degree or equivalent experience Trainer /Assessor/Theatre Educator or relevant educational course e.g. Cert Ed or ENB 998

Aptitude & Abilities (Essential)

• Organisational skills
• Methodical
• Effective influencing skills, in general and with senior health care professionals.

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: University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Employer's website: https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

For questions about the job, contact: Cardiothoracic Theatre Manager, Rebecca Nicholas-Pinhey, Rebecca.pinhey@nhs.net, 01752431104