Practice Manager in Chorley

We are seeking an experienced and motivated GP Practice Manager to join GAB Healthcare. This is a key leadership role responsible for the effective operational management of a busy, forward-thinking GP practice, ensuring the delivery of safe, high-quality, patient-centred care. The Practice Manager will work as part of a senior management team to oversee day-to-day operations, workforce management, finance, contracts, estates and governance, ensuring compliance with NHS and regulatory requirements. The role includes leading and supporting staff, driving service improvement and implementing efficient systems and processes.

GAB Healthcare is a growing and innovative organisation that values collaboration, strong leadership and continuous improvement. We offer a supportive working environment where autonomy is encouraged, ideas are welcomed and professional development is actively supported. This role provides an excellent opportunity for a confident leader to influence change, develop services and play a vital role in shaping the future of general practice.

Main duties of the job

The Practice Manager is responsible for the overall operational management of a multi-site GP practice, ensuring safe, effective and high-quality patient care across all locations. Working closely with the senior management team, the role provides leadership across all non-clinical functions and supports consistent standards across sites. Key duties include managing day-to-day operations, leading and supporting staff across multiple sites, overseeing recruitment, HR, training, and staff wellbeing, and ensuring effective workforce planning. The post holder will manage practice finances, contracts and income streams, including QOF, enhanced services, and commissioning requirements.

The Practice Manager ensures compliance with NHS, CQC, and regulatory standards, maintaining robust governance, policies, and procedures across all sites. Responsibilities also include overseeing estates and facilities management, health and safety, information governance, data quality, and patient services. The role involves driving service improvement, implementing efficient systems and processes, supporting digital transformation, and responding to the evolving needs of primary care. The Practice Manager acts as a key point of contact for external stakeholders, including ICBs, PCNs, and partner organisations, ensuring consistent high-quality delivery across all locations.

About us

GAB Healthcare is a dynamic, multi-site primary care organisation dedicated to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care. As a large training organisation, we have a proven track record of developing clinicians and fostering a culture of learning, growth, and professional excellence. We offer an innovative, collaborative environment where leaders are empowered to make a real impact, drive service improvement, and shape the future of primary care. Our practices are modern, efficient, and responsive to the evolving needs of our patients and communities.

At GAB Healthcare, we value our people. We promote wellbeing, flexibility, and a healthy work-life balance, recognising that happy, supported staff deliver the best care. We invest in training, career development, and opportunities to take on new responsibilities, ensuring our teams can grow professionally while enjoying fulfilling, balanced careers.

Joining GAB Healthcare as a Practice Manager is a unique opportunity to lead across multiple sites, influence service delivery, support the next generation of clinicians, and thrive in a values-driven, supportive organisation where your contribution is valued and your impact is visible.

Job responsibilities

Summary of Role

To lead, plan and manage all aspects of the GP Practice in coordination with the Senior Management Team, ensuring the delivery of safe, efficient, and high-quality patient care across multiple sites. The role involves strategic planning, operational management, and continuous service improvement to meet the evolving needs of patients and staff within available resources.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• A. Strategic Management & Planning
  • Keep up to date with developments in primary care and identify opportunities and risks for the Practice.
  • Contribute to Practice strategy, setting objectives and making recommendations to Partners for future growth and development.
  • Develop and implement an annual Practice Development Plan, including accommodation, service expansion, and resource requirements.
  • Maintain and update the Business Continuity Plan, ensuring staff are trained and prepared for emergencies.
• B. Workforce & Human Resources
  • Lead all HR functions, including recruitment, retention, induction, appraisal, training, and staff development across all sites.
  • Develop, implement and maintain HR policies, contracts, and job descriptions, ensuring compliance with employment legislation.
  • Ensure optimal allocation of resources, including workforce planning, skill mix, and budgeting.
  • Monitor and implement compliance with statutory employment, health, and safety regulations.
• C. Information Management & Technology
  • Ensure compliance with information governance, confidentiality, and data protection requirements.
  • Maximise the use of clinical and administrative IT systems, including data security, backups, and disaster recovery.
  • Oversee IT and information governance training, liaising with external agencies and partners as required.
  • Maintain and update the Practice website and ensure technology supports efficient service delivery.
  • Implement effective financial systems, policies, and controls to optimise income and manage costs.
  • Advise Partners on the financial impact of legislative and contractual changes.
  • Oversee payroll, pensions, HMRC compliance, and accurate accounting records.
  • Produce financial reports and liaise with accountants and external bodies as required.
• D. Patient Services & Clinical Governance
  • Ensure compliance with contractual obligations, legislation, and CQC requirements.
  • Support clinical governance, including audits, Significant Event Analyses, and quality improvement initiatives.
  • Maintain effective systems for patient complaints, feedback, and communication.
  • Promote high standards of patient care across all sites.
  • Ensure practice premises, grounds, and equipment are maintained, safe, and compliant with relevant regulations.
  • Oversee fire, safety, and security arrangements, including staff training.
  • Manage insurance, medical defence, and other required cover.
  • Act as key contact with Local Medical Committees, CCGs/ICS, NHS Trusts, other providers, and out-of-hours services.
  • Advise and support Partners on partnership matters, including recruitment, agreements, and meetings.
• E. Equality, Diversity & Professional Development
  • Promote equality, diversity, and the rights of patients, carers, and colleagues.
  • Support a culture that respects privacy, dignity, and individual needs.
  • Participate in appraisals, personal development, and training, and encourage the same for staff.
• F. Other Duties
  • Undertake additional duties as required to support the Practice, in line with skills and experience.

Person Specification

Experience

• Knowledge of budgeting, financial planning, and practice accounting. Experience producing financial reports, managing budgets, and monitoring income/expenditure.
• Knowledge of employment law, recruitment, staff retention, appraisal, and workforce planning. Experience managing multi-site teams.
• Knowledge of data protection, confidentiality, and information governance in healthcare. Competence with clinical and administrative IT systems (e.g., EMIS, Microsoft).
• Knowledge of CQC standards, NHS regulations, and clinical governance frameworks. Ability to ensure compliance across multi-site practices.
• Strong strategic planning, operational management, and leadership skills. Ability to manage competing priorities across multiple sites.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to develop, mentor, and support staff, including planning training, appraisal, and professional development.
• Knowledge of patient care, complaints management, and patient engagement strategies.
• Experience leading digital transformation, implementing new IT systems, or training staff on IT/IG compliance.
• Experience leading CQC inspections, audits, or service accreditation.
• Experience in service redesign, business development, or primary care network (PCN) collaboration.
• Experience implementing large-scale staff development programmes or multi-site training initiatives.
• Experience in enhancing patient experience or leading patient-focused service improvements.

Qualifications

• Level 5 or 6 qualification in Health Management, Business Management, Public Health, or related field (e.g., NVQ Level 5, Diploma in Practice Management, or equivalent).
• Evidence of ongoing professional development (CPD).
• NHS Leadership or Management qualification (e.g., NHS Leadership Academy programmes).
• Membership of professional bodies such as the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) or Practice Managers Network.
• Formal HR qualification (e.g., CIPD Level 3/5) or equivalent practical experience in HR leadership.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.