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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead clinical operations and shape strategies in a modern ophthalmology setting.
- Company: Join a leading NHS and private ophthalmology provider in Bristol.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, performance bonuses, and ongoing training.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on eye care services and mentor future professionals.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified optometrist with significant leadership experience.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 90000 £ per year.
We are working with a leading NHS and private ophthalmology provider to recruit an experienced Head of Clinical Services to join their friendly, forward-thinking team at a modern site in Bristol (Aztec West). This is a unique opportunity to shape and deliver clinical strategy, drive professional development, and ensure regulatory compliance across multiple locations.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and implementation of clinical protocols, standards, and training programmes, including Ophthalmic Technician, pre-reg, and IP placements.
- Oversee professional registration, CPD compliance, and audit readiness.
- Attend Clinical Governance Committees and represent the organisation at industry forums, conferences, and practice locations.
- Drive adoption of advanced diagnostic technologies (OCT, biometry, fundus imaging, glaucoma management).
- Mentor ophthalmic technicians and support talent development pathways.
- Collaborate with external agencies to advise on enhanced eye care services.
- Monitor clinical KPIs, patient outcomes, and lead quality improvement initiatives.
- Oversee all planned outpatient clinical activity across all sites.
- Manage and develop a large, multi-disciplinary clinical team.
- Build relationships with stakeholders (ICBs, NHS Trusts, Health Boards, Primary Care) to optimise patient care.
Person Specification
Essential
- Fully qualified optometrist registered with the GOC.
- Minimum 10 years post-qualification experience, including 5+ years in senior clinical roles.
- Proven track record in clinical governance, audit, and training delivery.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Confident with Office 365 and tech systems (training provided).
- Ability to manage competing priorities calmly and clearly.
- Understanding of CQC standards, NHS standards, and ICB criteria.
Desirable
- Experience in multi-site optical practices, NHS / ISP ophthalmology services, or ICB commissioning.
- Higher qualifications (MOptom, Professional Certificate in Glaucoma, IP qualification).
- Published research or contributions to optometric journals.
- Familiarity with patient electronic medical management systems (e.g., Open Eyes).
- Strategic thinker with commercial awareness.
What's on Offer
- Competitive salary: £75,000 - £90,000 per annum
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays (increasing with service)
- Performance bonus
- Pension scheme
- Enhanced family leave and sick pay
- Employee Assistance Programme 24/7 confidential support
- Perks & discounts (private healthcare / dental care, retail savings)
- GOC fees paid + generous CPD allowance
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- Opportunity to shape national clinical strategy in a growing, innovative group
Hours: 40 hours per week, 100% office based.
Head of Clinical Operations employer: Alexander Mae (HR) Ltd
Contact Detail:
Alexander Mae (HR) Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Clinical Operations
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend conferences, workshops, or local meet-ups related to ophthalmology. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Don’t just talk about your experience; demonstrate it! Prepare a portfolio or presentation that highlights your achievements in clinical governance and training delivery. This will set you apart when you’re discussing your fit for the role.
✨Be Ready for the Interview
Research the organisation thoroughly and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their clinical strategy. Think about specific examples from your past that align with their goals, especially around patient care and quality improvement.
✨Apply Through Our Website
We encourage you to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities tailored to your expertise in clinical operations.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Clinical Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the key responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description. Highlight your experience in clinical governance and leadership, as these are crucial for the Head of Clinical Operations role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of how you've driven professional development or implemented clinical protocols in your previous roles.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves managing a large, multi-disciplinary team, be sure to emphasise your leadership experience. Talk about how you've mentored others and built relationships with stakeholders in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, we can ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and you can easily keep track of your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at Alexander Mae (HR) Ltd
✨Know Your Clinical Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest clinical protocols and standards in ophthalmology. Be ready to discuss your experience with advanced diagnostic technologies and how you've implemented training programmes in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led multi-disciplinary teams and driven professional development. Highlight any specific instances where you've mentored staff or improved patient outcomes through effective leadership.
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Familiarise yourself with CQC standards, NHS guidelines, and ICB criteria. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles and how you would approach this in the new position.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you've collaborated with external agencies or stakeholders in the past. Be ready to share strategies for optimising patient care and how you would build relationships with ICBs, NHS Trusts, and Health Boards.