At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a team in sterile services and decontamination for a modern private hospital.
- Company: Join a growing private healthcare provider focused on quality and patient care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for progression in a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Take ownership of vital hospital services and make a real impact on patient safety.
- Qualifications: Experience in sterile services or decontamination with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 36000 £ per year.
- Sterile Services & Decontamination Lead – Brand New Private Hospital
- £36,000 (Flexible DOE) + Competitive Company Benefits
- Oxford - Oxfordshire
- Full-Time / Permanent – 40 Hours
Want to take ownership of an on-site sterile services and decontamination department?
Looking for the opportunity to lead and develop a small, dedicated team?
Interested in supporting high-quality surgical and endoscopy services within a modern private hospital?
Compass Associates are proud to be partnering with a growing private healthcare provider in the search for a Sterile Services & Decontamination Lead.
The Opportunity
- Take day-to-day ownership of the hospital’s on-site sterile services provision
- Lead, support, and develop a team of two to three Decontamination Technicians
- Support two operating theatres delivering surgical and endoscopy procedures
- Work closely with the Theatre Manager, clinical teams, and senior leadership
- Maintain the highest standards of decontamination, traceability, quality, and patient safety
- Have genuine autonomy to improve processes and shape how the service develops
The hospital will provide a range of surgical, diagnostic, and minimally invasive procedures across its operating theatres and endoscopy service.
With sterile services delivered entirely on site, the Decontamination Lead will play an essential role in ensuring that all reusable medical devices and surgical instruments are safely received, cleaned, disinfected, inspected, assembled, sterilised, stored, and distributed.
Why Join?
- Small, supportive, and collaborative team
- Opportunity to take ownership of an important hospital service
- Close working relationship with the Theatre Manager and clinical leadership team
- Investment in training, professional development, and progression
- Growing healthcare organisation with a strong focus on quality and patient care
What is in it for you?
- Salary of £36,000, flexible depending on experience
- Competitive company benefits package
- Generous annual leave allowance
- Company pension scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Opportunities for progression as the hospital and service continue to grow
- Additional benefits to be confirmed
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Sterile Services or Decontamination professional to take day-to-day responsibility for the hospital’s on-site decontamination service.
Reporting directly to the Theatre Manager, you will oversee a small team of Decontamination Technicians and ensure that all reusable medical devices are processed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with relevant standards, policies, and manufacturer instructions.
This will be a hands-on leadership position.
Alongside supervising the department, you will support the team with the cleaning, inspection, assembly, packing, sterilisation, and distribution of surgical instruments and endoscopy equipment.
You will work closely with theatre practitioners, endoscopy staff, infection prevention colleagues, engineers, suppliers, and external advisers to ensure the service remains safe, compliant, and responsive to the needs of the hospital.
Responsibilities
- Take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the sterile services and decontamination department
- Lead, supervise, and support a team of two to three Decontamination Technicians
- Allocate workloads and ensure instruments are processed in line with theatre and endoscopy requirements
- Maintain a visible, hands-on presence within the department
- Ensure reusable medical devices are cleaned, disinfected, inspected, assembled, packaged, sterilised, and stored correctly
- Oversee the safe reprocessing of surgical instruments and endoscopy equipment
- Ensure full traceability of instruments and decontamination cycles
- Monitor stock levels and ensure the timely availability of sterile instruments and consumables
- Ensure equipment is used correctly and maintained in safe working order
- Complete and oversee routine equipment checks, testing, and documentation
- Escalate faults and coordinate repairs, servicing, and maintenance where required
- Maintain accurate records relating to sterilisation cycles, traceability, testing, maintenance, and quality assurance
- Support the development, review, and implementation of departmental policies and standard operating procedures
- Ensure compliance with relevant decontamination guidance, including HTM 01-01 and HTM 01-06
- Ensure manufacturer instructions for use are followed consistently
- Support audit activity, quality monitoring, and continuous improvement initiatives
- Assist with regulatory inspections and maintain readiness for CQC review
- Work closely with Infection Prevention and Control colleagues to maintain high standards
- Support investigations into incidents, non-conformances, equipment failures, and process deviations
- Implement corrective and preventative actions where required
- Ensure appropriate infection prevention, health and safety, and manual handling procedures are followed
- Recruit, induct, train, and develop members of the decontamination team
- Maintain staff competency records and ensure ongoing training requirements are met
- Complete performance reviews and provide regular feedback and support
- Promote a positive, professional, and accountable team culture
- Support the Theatre Manager with departmental planning, equipment procurement, and service development
- Build effective working relationships with theatre, endoscopy, clinical, and operational teams
What can you bring?
- Previous experience within sterile services, decontamination, or endoscopy decontamination
- Experience working with surgical instruments and reusable medical devices
- Previous supervisory, team-lead, or senior technician experience
- Strong understanding of decontamination processes, infection prevention, and traceability
- Knowledge of washer-disinfectors, sterilisers, and associated decontamination equipment
- Experience following technical procedures, quality standards, and manufacturer instructions
- Ability to lead and motivate a small operational team
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to patient safety
- Excellent organisational and workload-management skills
- Ability to respond effectively to changing theatre and endoscopy requirements
- Strong communication and stakeholder-management skills {???} }
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Sterile Services & Decontamination Lead in Oxford employer: Compass Associates
Compass Associates is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Wokingham. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide ample opportunities for professional development and career advancement, all while being part of a mission-driven team dedicated to transforming healthcare operations. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a supportive environment that values your contributions and encourages you to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sterile Services & Decontamination Lead in Oxford
✨Get Involved with Local Health Initiatives
Join local community health events or volunteer for organisations like public health agencies. This not only builds your experience but also helps you network with industry professionals who might know of openings at places like Compass Associates.
✨Tap into Professional Associations
Check out associations like the Institute of Healthcare Management. They often have job boards, networking events, and conferences that are perfect for connecting with potential employers in health sciences administration.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow health policy news and trends—being knowledgeable about the current landscape will not only help you in interviews but also make you stand out as a candidate. You can discuss recent developments and their implications when chatting with folks at Compass Associates.
✨Apply Through Our Website for Better Visibility
When you find roles that excite you, especially at places like Compass Associates, don’t forget to apply through our website. This can sometimes give you an edge by showing the employer you’re savvy and committed to finding the right fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Sterile Services & Decontamination Lead in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at Compass Associates.
Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at Compass Associates.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to Compass Associates. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at Compass Associates. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Associates
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research Compass Associates’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
