Head and Neck Unit Manager

Job overview

Part-time 34.5 hours per week. Permanent post.

The Head and Neck Unit Manager is responsible for the operational, clinical and strategic management of Head and Neck services, ensuring the delivery of safe, effective, high-quality patient care across inpatient, outpatient and cancer pathways. The post holder provides visible leadership to multidisciplinary teams within ENT, Maxillofacial and Head and Neck services, maintaining compliance with national standards, regulatory requirements and Trust objectives.

The post holder leads on service transformation and quality improvement initiatives, using data and performance metrics to identify opportunities for improvement and support evidence-based decision-making. They collaborate with regional cancer networks and tertiary centres to ensure seamless patient pathways and coordinated care across organisational boundaries.

Key responsibilities include workforce management, budgetary oversight, risk management, incident investigation, audit, complaints management and implementation of national and local policies. The Unit Manager promotes a culture of compassionate leadership, professional development and continuous learning, supporting staff wellbeing and fostering high-performing multidisciplinary teams.

Main duties of the job

The Head and Neck Unit Manager is responsible for the leadership, operational management and continuous development of Head and Neck services, ensuring the delivery of safe, effective and patient-centred care across ENT, Maxillofacial, Oral Surgery and Head and Neck cancer pathways.

The post holder provides visible leadership to multidisciplinary teams, ensuring appropriate workforce planning, staff development, performance management and effective deployment of resources to meet service demands. They oversee the day-to-day management of services, ensuring compliance with national standards, cancer targets, Trust objectives and regulatory requirements.

Working closely with consultants, matrons, clinical nurse specialists and operational colleagues, the Unit Manager coordinates complex patient pathways, supports service transformation and drives quality improvement initiatives to improve patient outcomes and experience. They are responsible for monitoring performance, managing budgets, identifying and mitigating risks, and ensuring efficient use of resources.

The role leads on governance activities including incident investigation, complaint management, audit, assurance processes and implementation of learning to improve safety and quality. The post holder will develop strong partnerships with tertiary centres, cancer networks and external organisations to ensure seamless care across organisational boundaries.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For the full detailed job description and main responsibilities, please see attached job description and person specification for the role.

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.