Job summary
We are seeking an experienced, dynamic and highly motivated Matron to lead our Ophthalmology services within the Surgery, Anaesthetics and Cancer Division.

This is an exciting opportunity for a senior nurse with extensive ophthalmology experience to provide visible clinical, professional and operational leadership across our services.

As Matron, you will champion high-quality patient care, lead service improvement, support workforce development and ensure delivery of safe, effective and responsive services.

Working closely with clinical and operational leaders, you will play a key role in shaping the future of ophthalmology services, including the development of advanced clinical practice roles and innovative models of care.

This role includes a clinical component, participation in the Senior Nurse out-of-hours rota and following a year focus on Ophthalmology expanding the portfolio to include Head and Neck services.

This is a cross site role.

Provisional date for interviews 19th November 2026.

Main duties of the job
You will provide strong professional leadership to nursing teams, ensuring patients remain at the centre of all care delivery. Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and developing ophthalmology nursing services.
• Maintaining a visible clinical presence and supporting frontline care delivery.
• Driving quality improvement, governance, patient safety and patient experience initiatives.
• Managing and developing senior nursing staff through appraisal, coaching and workforce planning.
• Leading responses to patient feedback, incidents and complaints to improve services.
• Supporting education, training and professional development across the workforce.
• Developing future workforce models, including Advanced Nurse Practitioner roles.
• Managing resources effectively and contributing to budget planning and financial performance.
• Working collaboratively with consultants, multidisciplinary teams, community partners and external stakeholders to deliver seamless patient pathways.

About us
With a new hospital planned for Watford, work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital and plans for a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead, this is an exciting time to join us. We are building on the success of our award-winning virtual hospital and re-imagining models of care, working closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare. Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience. Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. We offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work life balance. If you have a disability or long-term health condition and require support or guidance please contact westherts.recruitment@nhs.net. If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick "Member of the Armed Forces Community" on the application form. We reserve the right to close this advert early due to the volume of applicants. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Job responsibilities
The successful candidate will be accountable for clinical and non-clinical quality within Ophthalmology services and will work in partnership with the Clinical Lead, Head of Nursing and Divisional Senior Management Team to deliver operational and strategic objectives.

You will provide professional leadership across the service, support implementation of the Trust Nursing Strategy, lead infection prevention initiatives, oversee workforce development and contribute to long-term service planning. The post holder will also participate in the Senior Nurse out-of-hours rota and work clinically to maintain visibility and credibility within the service.

Core hours are typically Monday to Friday, with flexibility required to meet service needs, including participation in the out-of-hours senior nursing rota.

Essential education and qualifications

• Current and relevant NMC registration.
• First level registered nurse.
• Post graduate qualification in Ophthalmology.
• Evidence of continuous professional development.
• Management experience including staff management.
• Practice assessor or equivalent teaching qualification.

Desirable education and qualifications

• Evidence of master's level study.
• Non Medical Prescriber Course.

Essential knowledge

• Experience at Band 7 or equivalent
• Current knowledge of clinical practice in an acute setting.
• Experience working in partnership with multi-disciplinary team.
• Knowledge of current developments in nursing and the NHS.
• Budget Management.
• Lifelong learning, professional education and training.
• Workforce planning, recruitment and retention.

Desirable knowledge

• Ability to operationalise strategies.

Essential experience

• Significant experience managing a ward / unit.
• Broad senior clinical and managerial experience relevant to the post.
• Success in working collaboratively across professions and services.
• Demonstrable success in managing change.
• Experience with the introduction of evidence-based practice.
• Project management.

Desirable experience

• Experience obtained in more than one clinical setting.
• Research experience, audit experience.

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 NHS Careers website.

Closing date: 10 November 2026
Reference number: 360-B-11994
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time, Flexible working

Apply through our website.