Senior Theatre Matron

Job overview

RNOH is looking for an experienced and dynamic Senior Theatre Matron (Band 8b) to lead Operating Theatre Services. This pivotal role provides strategic and operational leadership to ensure safe, high-quality perioperative care, drive service transformation, and enhance patient experience. Responsibilities include managing theatre operations, workforce planning, quality governance, and compliance with clinical standards, as well as overseeing recruitment, staff development, and budget management. The post holder will also champion innovation, research, and quality improvement initiatives.

Main duties of the job

The Senior Matron for Theatres will provide expert clinical and professional leadership, ensuring safe, high-quality perioperative care. The role involves leading operational delivery, managing resources and budgets, and driving service transformation to improve patient safety, experience, and efficiency. You will oversee workforce development, embed robust governance processes, and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to influence strategic planning. Acting as a visible senior leader, you will support staff and patients, promote education and research, and participate in the on-call rota to provide out-of-hours support.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The Senior Theatre Matron provides expert leadership and operational oversight for Operating Theatre Services at RNOH. The role ensures safe, high-quality patient care, compliance with clinical standards, and delivery of the theatre transformation agenda. Key responsibilities include:

• Clinical Leadership: Accountable for theatre operations, promoting best practice, patient dignity, and safety. Supports complex cases and maintains robust monitoring processes.
• Professional Management: Line manages theatre staff, oversees workforce planning, recruitment, and retention. Ensures compliance with mandatory training and HR processes.
• Quality Governance: Implements governance frameworks, audits, and risk management to maintain CQC standards and improve patient experience.
• Education & Workforce Development: Leads staff development, training programmes, and fosters a culture of continuous professional growth.
• Research & Improvement: Drives quality improvement initiatives and supports research projects aligned with Trust strategy.
• Financial Accountability: Manages delegated budgets, contributes to business planning, and ensures efficient resource use.
• Communication & Collaboration: Engages with multidisciplinary teams, communicates complex information, and represents theatres at senior forums.
• Safeguarding & EDI: Promotes safeguarding, equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of service delivery.