Job SummaryAn exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and inspirational senior nurse to join the Care Division of Medicine as Lead Nurse for the Paediatric Emergency Department, Clinical Bed Coordinators and Outpatients Services at RMCH. The key leadership role provides visible professional, clinical and operational leadership across nursing and AHP services, ensuring the delivery of safe, effective and high-quality patient care inline with regulatory and professional standards.
The successful candidate will work collaboratively with the MDT team to drive quality improvement, patient safety, workforce development and service transformation aligned to the trust strategic aims.
Support the "One MFT" clinical leadership approach by working collaboratively with multi-professional colleagues.
Work in collaboration with Trust corporate colleagues supportingrelevant agendasbuilding for research and innovation within the Clinical Group.
Who Should ApplyWe are seeking experienced MFT leaders currently working at Band 8a or above, who:
- Have a proven track record of delivering high standards of governance, safety, and service improvement.
- Demonstrate inclusive, compassionate leadership and an ability to inspire teams.
- Are ready to contribute to Clinical Group priorities and shape the future of nursing and AHP's in the Divisions of Paediatric Emergency Medicine and Outpatients.
Main Duties of the JobThe Lead Nurse will support the Head of Nursing in the professional development of nurses and allied health professionals (AHP) at all levels within the Clinical Group and will champion and embed a culture of quality improvement, research and innovation (R&I), ensuring that all services are of high quality now and in the future.
The Lead Nurse will provide clinical and professional leadership and line management to nursing and allied health professional (AHP) staff across the Care Division. The post holder will be accountable to the Care Division's Head of Nursing, providing visible leadership across a clinical service setting, monitoring and maintaining professional high standards. The post holder is an innovative and dynamic practitioner committed to delivering high standards of patient care, with a focus on quality, patient safety and compliance and patient experience. The post holder will also participate in the delivery of clinical governance and any regulatory and / or statutory requirements pertinent to the Care Division.
The Lead Nurse will be an integral member of the Care Division management and senior nursing team, providing support to implement and monitor progress on delivery of the Trust strategy and objectives within the Care Division. The post holder will support the Head of Nursing in defining the Care Division's nursing and AHP objectives to meet Trust strategic aims ensuring that quality standards and statutory and regulatory requirements are met.
About UsJoin Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and become part of a 30,000 plus strong team, delivering exceptional care to over 1 million people every year. As the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe, we are forward-thinking, committed to clinical excellence and driven to deliver innovation, and continuous improvement.Whether you're beginning your career or taking the next step, MFT offers a stimulating and supportive environment where your contribution truly matters. Our Hive Electronic Patient Record system enables safer, smarter, and more efficient ways of working - empowering you to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients.You'll be part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary community, working alongside professionals from a wide range of clinical backgrounds. Together, we push boundaries, share knowledge, and deliver care that transforms lives.
At MFT, you'll find a workplace where everyone is respected, supported, and encouraged to thrive. We offer clear clinical pathways for professional development, helping you grow your skills and achieve your ambitions.Your journey at MFT is more than a job - it's an opportunity to make a lasting impact. We'll support you as you shape the future of healthcare, one patient at a time.
DetailsDate posted: 04 August 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 8b
Salary: £66,582 to £77,368 a year
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 349-SPH-8170000-RL3E
Job locations: RMCH at ORC, Manchester, M13 9WL, United Kingdom
Job ResponsibilitiesTo find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need for this role, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Supporting Documents heading.
Explore Inside MFT Your Candidate PlaceTo help you feel confident, prepared and fully informed before you apply, we invite you to explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place. This welcoming onestop hub gives you a real sense of who we are what we stand for, how we reward and support you, and the many ways we care for you as you care for others. Youll also find practical hints and tips for submitting a great application, along with the essential information you need to know before you apply.
To access Inside MFT Your Candidate Place, simply click on the relevant PDF document under the Supporting Documents section and once opened, you can where either scan QR code or click on the link provided.
Closing vacancy listings earlyWe welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.To help us manage applications fairly and give each one the time it deserves, our adverts may close early if we receive a high level of interest. Early applications are therefore encouraged.
Person SpecificationQualificationsEssential- First level registration (RN Child or equivalent).
- Recent and significant experience in a paediatric critical care setting.
- Appropriate teaching qualification.
- Graduate or working towards Masters level or equivalent in health related subject.
- Evidence of relevant study and continuing professional development.
- Operational management experience at Matron level or above.
- Post registration leadership development.
KnowledgeEssential- Knowledge of the professional development agenda in the NHS.
- Evidence of implementing and managing change using service improvement methodologies to improve services or patient experience.
- Understanding of the principles and practice of performance improvement and key performance indicators.
- Experience in management of staff in line with Human Resources policies and procedures
Desirable- Knowledge of regulatory and NHS strategy which impacts on education provision and experience of developing strategies to address changes.
- Experience in delivering research and development in practice.
- Experience in delivering service changes which require staff consultation processes.
Training and ExperienceEssential- Knowledge and experience of clinical audit. Knowledge and understanding of NHS Long Term Plan and implications for clinical leadership development. Current knowledge of relevant professional and NHS Policy Initiatives. Experience in managing projects to identified milestone and budget allocation. Ongoing recent evidence of leading clinical innovation or leading change within clinical practice. Effective leadership skills in relation to managing staff with ability to motivate and develop others.
Desirable- Experience of business planning.
- Proven achievement in developing policy and service objectives, establishing and implementing innovative solutions.
Skills and AbilitiesEssential- Strategic thinker.
- Ability to make decisions in a pressured environment. Excellent interpersonal skills and experience in interdisciplinary working/communication.
- Initiative, planning and finishing skills evidence. Ability to produce reports, action plans, both written and verbal, with the ability of persuade and influence.
- Ability to ensure a balance between empowering others to act and holding to account in order to achieve agreed targets and objectives.
- Ability to work at a strategic level representing the trust to external stakeholders.
- Ability of implement organisational change including the development of effective teams.
- Evidence of managing project budgets and providing reports in line with project milestones.
AttributesEssential- Enthusiasm and inspirational skills.
- Commitment to equality, diversity and human rights.
- Appreciation of and astuteness in political issues.
- Highly developed interpersonal skills.
- Team leader/player.
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.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.Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website. 
