Job summary
We are pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for a Band 7 Ophthalmology Unit Manager to join our team at CDDFT.
Ophthalmology is a dynamic and rapidly evolving specialty, where patient needs and service demands can change quickly. We are seeking an innovative, motivated, and forward thinking clinical leader who can drive service excellence, support workforce development, and ensure the delivery of safe, effective, and compassionate care across the unit.
You will bring strong leadership skills, advanced clinical knowledge, and the ability to inspire and support a diverse multidisciplinary team. Excellent communication, sound decision making, and the ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively are essential.
In return, you will be supported by a committed leadership team with access to ongoing professional development to help you continue to grow in your leadership journey.
Main duties of the job
Provide visible, effective leadership for the Ophthalmology Unit, ensuring safe, high quality care and standards are met. Oversee day to day operational management, including clinic flow, patient pathways, and resource allocation to maintain efficient service delivery. Act as the senior clinical decision maker within the unit, offering expert advice and supporting escalation when required.Lead, support, and develop the nursing and support workforce, ensuring appropriate skill mix, supervision, and professional development.Coordinate staff rotas, manage sickness/absence, and ensure adequate staffing levels to meet service demands.Lead on clinical governance activities, including incident management, risk assessments, audits, and implementation of learning outcomes. Ensure compliance with national ophthalmology standards, Trust policies, and regulatory requirements. Drive continuous quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient safety, experience, and clinical outcomes.Act as the primary point of contact for operational issues within the unit, ensuring effective communication across the multidisciplinary team.
About us
If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.
You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.
We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.
Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.
Over reliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of success.
For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.
Details
- Date posted: 26 May 2026
- Pay scheme: Agenda for change
- Band: Band 7
- Salary: £49,387 to £56,515 a year per annum, pro rata
- Contract: Permanent
- Working pattern: Full-time
- Reference number: C9439-2627-697
- Job locations: Darlington Memorial Hospital NHS Trust, Hollyhurst Road, Darlington, County Durham, DL3 6HX, United Kingdom
Job responsibilities
As the Band 7 Ophthalmology Unit Manager, you will provide visible, proactive leadership to ensure the delivery of a safe, efficient, and patient centred ophthalmology service. You will oversee the daily operational management of the unit, supporting the smooth running of outpatient clinics, diagnostic activity, and specialist nurse led pathways.
You will lead and develop the nursing and support workforce, ensuring high standards of clinical practice, professional development, and staff wellbeing. A key part of the role involves coordinating staffing, managing resources, and ensuring that patient flow is maintained across a busy and varied service.
You will play a central role in clinical governance, leading on quality improvement, incident management, risk reduction, and compliance with national ophthalmology standards. Working closely with consultants, optometrists, orthoptists, and administrative teams, you will help shape and develop services to meet growing demand and enhance patient experience.
This is a highly rewarding leadership role for an experienced ophthalmic nurse who is passionate about service improvement, team development, and delivering exceptional care to patients with a wide range of eye conditions.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Unit Manager with County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust in Darlington, North East and Yorkshire, England. It is listed as a Band 7 Manager and corporate role. The advertised salary is £49,387 to £56,515 a year. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 23 Jun 2026.
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