Job requirements
Essential
27 listedRequirements the employer expects applicants to meet.
- Experience
Experience of working in neonates, some of which is at a junior managerial level.
- Experience
Experience managing competing priorities, changing workloads, staffing pressures and operational demands within a complex clinical environment
- Experience
Experience of managing staff performance, appraisal, attendance and wellbeing in line with Trust policies
- Experience
Experience of working within a team and of developing good working relationships with internal and external staff at all levels
- Experience
Experience of managing safeguarding concerns and referrals and applying safeguarding children policies and procedures.
- Experience
Experience collecting, interpreting and presenting data, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Experience
Experience leading or contributing to change management, quality improvement, audit, service development or improvement initiatives
- Experience
Experience of workforce planning, roster management, sickness absence management and safe staffing escalation.
- Experience
Experience supporting staff development, supervision and appraisal processes
- Experience
Experience of managing safety events and knowledge of patient safety systems including PSIRF and escalation processes.
- Skills & Aptitudes
Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to communicate sensitively and effectively in complex situations
- Skills & Aptitudes
Highly organised, able to prioritise competing demands, manage deadlines and work effectively under pressure
- Skills & Aptitudes
Demonstrates analytical and problem-solving skills
- Skills & Aptitudes
Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, develop, support and motivate staff and articulate a clear vision for high-quality neonatal care
- Skills & Aptitudes
Confident use of Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel, with accurate documentation and datahandling skills.
- Skills & Aptitudes
Able to use initiative, make sound decisions and work with appropriate autonomy while recognising when escalation is required
- Education & Qualifications
Registered Children’s Nurse / RGN NMC Registration Neonatal Qualification in Specialty (QIS)
- Education & Qualifications
Degree in Nursing or equivalent evidence of academic achievement; evidence of ongoing professional development relevant to neonatal care and leadership
- Education & Qualifications
Current neonatal clinical competence, including Neonatal Advanced Life Support or equivalent relevant training.
- Education & Qualifications
Mentorship, practice assessor/supervisor or equivalent educational qualification
- Personal Qualities & Attributes
Demonstrates commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Personal Qualities & Attributes
Compassionate, approachable and family-centred
- Personal Qualities & Attributes
Excellent interpersonal, communication and influencing skills.
- Personal Qualities & Attributes
Resilient and able to work effectively under pressure.
- Personal Qualities & Attributes
Positive role model with professional credibility and integrity
- Personal Qualities & Attributes
Flexible, adaptable and able to lead change effectively
- Personal Qualities & Attributes
Committed to quality improvement, patient safety and service excellence
Desirable
2 listedAdditional qualities the employer would prefer.
- Experience
Experience of managing resources, budgets or delegated financial responsibilities
- Education & Qualifications
Master’s qualification or equivalent or working towards qualification
Job overview
We are seeking an experienced, dynamic and compassionate neonatal nursing leader to join our team and play a pivotal role in delivering outstanding care for babies and their families. The successful candidate will provide visible clinical and operational leadership within the neonatal service, ensuring the delivery of safe, effective and family-centred care in line with Royal Free London’s World Class Values.
The postholder will be responsible for leading and developing nursing practice, maintaining high standards of quality, safety and patient experience, and supporting staff to deliver evidence-based care. They will oversee workforce planning, staff development, performance management and service improvement initiatives, while promoting a positive culture of learning, inclusion and continuous improvement. The role will also contribute to governance, patient safety, quality assurance, education and research activities that improve outcomes for babies and families.
The ideal candidate will be an effective team player who can work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams, inspire and develop others, manage change and drive improvements in patient safety and service delivery. They will demonstrate strong leadership, sound professional judgement and a commitment to excellence, innovation and compassionate care.
Main duties of the job
The Neonatal Unit Ward Manager is a senior clinical leader responsible for the day-to-day operational management of the neonatal unit, ensuring babies and their families receive safe, effective, compassionate and high-quality care.
Working closely with the Neonatal Matron, Head of Nursing, Consultant Neonatologists and multidisciplinary teams, the postholder provides visible leadership, maintains clinical standards and supports the delivery of patient safety, quality improvement and service development priorities. The role includes workforce management, staff supervision, education, recruitment, wellbeing and professional development, fostering a positive culture of learning, accountability and continuous improvement.
The Ward Manager will lead on governance, risk management, audit and quality initiatives while supporting the implementation of evidence-based practice and family-centred care. They will collaborate across neonatal services and sites to promote consistency, shared learning and best practice. The ideal candidate will be a compassionate, resilient and highly motivated neonatal nurse with excellent leadership, communication, organisational and people management skills.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see attached job description for more information about this role and working at Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust.
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Band 7 Neonatal Ward Manager with Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust in Barnet, England. It is listed as a Band 7 Ward manager role. The advertised salary is £55,524 - £62,652 per annum inclusive of HCAS (pro rata). The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 02 Nov 2026.
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