Deputy Director of Nursing Manchester

Are you ready to take the next step in your leadership journey? This role offers a unique opportunity to operate at Band 9 as a Deputy Director of Nursing/AHP within the Local Care Organisation and University Dental Hospital Manchester clinical group at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT). Working across the clinical group, you will play a central role in shaping strategic nursing and AHP leadership, strengthening clinical quality, and driving continuous improvement across a diverse specialist portfolio. We welcome applications from experienced senior leaders currently working at Band 8d who are ready to progress to Band 9. This pivotal role requires a dynamic, compassionate and forward‑thinking leader who can influence across complex systems, support the 'One MFT' approach, and contribute to the delivery of high‑quality, safe and effective care.

As a key member of the senior leadership team, you will work closely with medical, operational and corporate colleagues to deliver excellence, champion innovation and support the long‑term development of the workforce. If you are ready to take the next step in your leadership journey and make a significant impact across the Local Care Organisation and University Dental Hospital Manchester clinical group, we would love to hear from you.

Main duties of the job:

• Demonstrating inclusive, compassionate leadership with the ability to inspire and develop high‑performing teams, you will provide visible, professional and strategic leadership across a multi‑professional workforce, ensuring high standards of care and clinical practice.
• With a proven track record of delivering high standards of governance, safety, quality and service improvement, you will lead on quality, compliance, safety and patient experience, embedding robust governance and assurance processes across all services.
• Working collaboratively with senior medical, operational and corporate colleagues, you will support the 'One MFT' leadership approach to deliver shared priorities and strengthen integrated clinical leadership.
• Acting as a trusted deputy and key decision‑maker for the Clinical Group Director of Nursing, you will provide leadership, oversight and professional advice in their absence.
• You will drive continuous improvement and support the delivery of high‑quality, patient‑centred care and champion research, innovation, digital transformation and evidence‑based practice.
• Alongside contributing to system‑level priorities and helping shape the future of nursing and AHP leadership across the Clinical Group, you will be leading and support workforce development, nurturing strong professional standards, enable effective education and a positive staff experience across all services.

About us:

Join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and become part of a 30,000 plus strong team, delivering exceptional care to over 1 million people every year. As the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe, we are forward‑thinking, committed to clinical excellence and driven to deliver innovation, and continuous improvement. Whether you're beginning your career or taking the next step, MFT offers a stimulating and supportive environment where your contribution truly matters.

Our Hive Electronic Patient Record system enables safer, smarter, and more efficient ways of working - empowering you to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients. You'll be part of a collaborative, multi‑disciplinary community, working alongside professionals from a wide range of clinical backgrounds. Together, we push boundaries, share knowledge, and deliver care that transforms lives. At MFT, you'll find a workplace where everyone is respected, supported, and encouraged to thrive. We offer clear clinical pathways for professional development, helping you grow your skills and achieve your ambitions. Your journey at MFT is more than a job - it's an opportunity to make a lasting impact. We'll support you as you shape the future of healthcare, one patient at a time.

Diversity Matters:

MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.

Person Specification:

Qualifications:

• Essential: First level graduate registration Nurse or AHP degree. Educated to Degree / Master's level or equivalent training and experience. Current NMC / HCPC registration. Evidence of recent and relevant continuous professional development.
• Desirable: Doctorate-level degree in health‑related subject. Formal management or leadership qualification.

Knowledge:

• Essential: A clear appreciation of the context of acute healthcare provision within the modern NHS and understanding of the NHS Operating Framework. A strong understanding of national NHS policy and strategy as it relates to nursing staff, AHPs and broader clinical workforce, as well as current professional challenges. Extensive knowledge of clinical governance systems and risk management. Understanding of regulation and preparedness.
• Desirable: A strong understanding of how MFT fits into the wider health and social care system.

Experience:

• Essential: Extensive senior level nursing/AHP leadership and managerial experience within an acute NHS Trust (or comparatively large and complex multi‑disciplinary organisation). Extensive senior level nursing/AHP experience as a clinical practitioner. Extensive experience of leading and directing change and quality improvement in clinical practice, with evidence of successful outcomes and improvements in patient experience. Experience of developing and implementing transformation programmes, including the management of service change, operational process improvement and cost reduction. A successful track record of developing an organisational culture committed to high quality, people, financial and performance standards. Demonstrable success in building, developing and inspiring high performing multi‑disciplinary teams, increasing staff engagement and innovation, and motivation to improve performance. Evidence of communicating successfully and working effectively in co‑operation with a wide range of internal and external bodies, including statutory and nonstatutory organisations, senior managers, colleagues and their representatives. Evidence of undertaking clinical audit and contributing to research programmes / studies and quality improvement.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship:

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.

UK Registration:

Applicants must have current UK professional registration.