Lead Practitioner

Job overview

We are delighted to offer an exciting Band 7 Lead Practitioner opportunity within the Surgical Theatre Suite at Royal Derby Hospital. We are seeking a professional and experienced individual to support the development and delivery of our surgical theatre service.

Our Surgical Theatre Suite provides care across a range of specialties, including ENT, OMF, Vascular Surgery, Bariatric Surgery, Urology, Colorectal Surgery, Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery and Emergency Surgery.

The successful candidate will play a key leadership role within the multidisciplinary team, contributing clinically and operationally. The department comprises 10 theatres, including a state-of-the-art Vascular/Radiology Hybrid Theatre, a dedicated Robotic Theatre and a 24-hour emergency service.

Applicants should possess experience within a surgical theatre environment and demonstrate excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills. As a senior leader, you will provide visible and enthusiastic leadership, fostering a positive team culture while driving high standards of patient care, safety and service delivery.

You will have the ability to inspire and lead theatre teams, support staff development, manage challenges effectively and contribute to the strategic development of the service. This is an excellent opportunity for a forward-thinking practitioner seeking to further develop their leadership career within a progressive theatre environment.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will work in partnership with the Theatre Manager to provide effective leadership, operational management and professional oversight of the Surgical Theatre Suite, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, patient-centred care.

The role will involve managing operational demands, resolving service issues and working with multidisciplinary teams to optimise theatre utilisation and service efficiency. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to innovation and continuous improvement, with enthusiasm for driving the ongoing development of the Surgical Theatre service.

The post holder will be responsible for departmental budget management, working closely with the Finance Team to ensure effective financial governance.

A key aspect of the role will be ensuring compliance with national standards, Trust policies, infection prevention measures, quality assurance frameworks and audit requirements. Through the analysis of audit findings, performance metrics and quality indicators, the successful candidate will lead the implementation of evidence-based improvements, ensuring practice is embedded and sustained.

The successful candidate will provide visible and inspiring leadership, promoting a culture of safety, quality, accountability and continuous learning, while supporting staff development and maintaining the highest standards of patient care.

Closing Date of Applications: 15 October 2026

Interview Date: 29 October 2026

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see attached Job description and Person Specification. To apply please click APPLY FOR THIS JOB – this link will take you to the TRAC Recruitment Site. You will need to register if you do not already have an account.

UHDB is committed to fair and transparent recruitment. We welcome authentic applications that reflect your own skills, experience and motivations for the role. While we understand that candidates may use AI tools for grammar, formatting or accessibility purposes, applications that appear to be substantially AI‑generated may be subject to additional review. If this applies to your submission, we will let you know and may ask for clarification. Please ensure your application accurately represents your experience and is written in your own words.

Following the recent update on UK immigration policy for those on a Health and Care Visa or Skilled Worker Visa, please click on the link to check your eligibility before applying for this post as we may be unable to provide sponsorship Skilled worker: Health and Care Visa | NHS Employers

Important visa information: Due to UK Home Office immigration rule changes effective from 22 July 2025, applicants sponsored under Occupation Code 6131 (Nursing Auxiliaries and Assistants) may not be eligible to bring dependants under the Skilled Worker route if their Certificate of Sponsorship is issued on or after this date. Applicants are responsible for understanding how these rules apply to their individual circumstances. The Trust cannot provide immigration advice. Further information is available on the Skilled Worker visa: Your partner and children - GOV.UK

Your application (for shortlisting purposes) is assessed based on the Person Specification in the job advert (below).

Skilled worker: Health and Care Visa

Read about the Health and Care Visa for employing overseas nationals (excluding Irish citizens) under the points-based immigration system.

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.