Practice Manager in Horsham

We are seeking an inspirational Practice Manager to lead our dedicated team through the next stage of our development. This is an exciting opportunity for a visible, approachable and strategic leader who can balance operational excellence with a genuine commitment to staff wellbeing, patient experience and continuous improvement.

Working closely with our GP Partners, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the practice, supporting innovation, strengthening our workforce and ensuring we continue to deliver outstanding primary care to our growing patient population. Located in the heart of Horsham, West Sussex, Courtyard Surgery is a well-established, NHS general practice with a proud history of serving our local community since 1928. Operating from our current premises on London Road (with a new build surgery due 2027), we are committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care while continually embracing innovation to improve access and services for circa 16,000 patients. The practice is rated Good by the Care Quality Commission and is recognised as an approved GP Training Practice, supporting the development of the next generation of primary care clinicians.

Terms and Benefits

• Hours are 37.5 per week Monday to Friday
• We offer: NHS pension, 30 days annual leave per annum and Onsite parking

Main duties of the job

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the Practice.
• Support financial planning, budget management and business reporting.
• Lead HR processes including recruitment, induction, training, appraisal and staff development.
• Maintain effective governance, risk management, policy review and compliance systems.
• Promote continuous improvement in patient access, service quality and operational efficiency.
• Work collaboratively with external stakeholders including the Primary Care Network, Integrated Care Board and other local partners.

About you

• Proven experience of managing people, services and competing priorities.
• Strong communication, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Sound financial awareness and confidence working with budgets and management information.
• Ability to lead change positively and support teams through improvement.
• Understanding of confidentiality, information governance, health and safety and employment responsibilities.
• Knowledge of general practice, NHS contracts, CQC requirements or primary care systems is desirable.

About us

Our multidisciplinary team is made up of experienced GPs, nurses, healthcare professionals, administrative and patient services colleagues who work collaboratively to provide safe, responsive and compassionate care. We have adopted modern digital systems, including online consultation and triage through SystmConnect, enabling us to continually evolve the way we meet patient demand while maintaining a strong focus on quality and accessibility.

We offer a supportive and collaborative working environment with close working with our PCN with 3 other surgeries where ideas are welcomed and professional development is encouraged. If you are an experienced healthcare manager with strong leadership skills, commercial awareness and a passion for delivering exceptional primary care services, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Job responsibilities

• To provide strategic, operational and financial leadership for Courtyard Surgery, ensuring the Practice is well-led, financially sustainable and able to deliver safe, effective and patient-centred services.
• To lead and support the Practice team, promoting a positive, accountable and high-performing working culture.
• To develop and maintain effective systems for staff performance, training, communication and service improvement.
• To ensure the Practice meets its NHS contractual, regulatory, employment, information governance, health and safety, and Care Quality Commission requirements.
• To advise the GP Partners on primary care developments, risks and opportunities, including changes affecting NHS contracts, local commissioning, the Primary Care Network and wider health system.
• To support continuous improvement so that services are responsive to patients, staff and the needs of the local community.
• Prepare and present financial management information, business cases and service development plans for the GP Partners.
• Oversee the day-to-day financial management of the Practice, including budgets, income, expenditure, payroll, pensions and supplier arrangements.
• Provide visible leadership and effective management across the whole Practice team, supporting collaboration between clinical and non-clinical colleagues.
• Lead strategic planning for the Practice, identifying risks, opportunities and priorities that support long-term sustainability and high-quality patient care.
• Review Practice systems, workflows and appointment processes to improve access, efficiency, patient experience and service quality.
• Manage the HR function for all staff, including recruitment, induction, training, appraisals, contracts of employment, absence management, payroll and pension administration.
• Maintain clear and effective communication across the Practice, ensuring staff receive timely information about operational, clinical and organisational developments.
• Ensure staff induction, training and development are delivered and reviewed in line with Practice policies, statutory requirements and service needs.
• Develop, implement and review Practice policies and procedures, ensuring they remain current, accessible and embedded in day-to-day working.
• Attend and, where appropriate, chair Practice meetings, ensuring actions are recorded, followed up and communicated effectively.
• Represent the Practice professionally with external stakeholders, including the Integrated Care Board, Primary Care Network, accountants, solicitors and other relevant organisations.
• Ensure buildings, services, equipment and facilities are maintained safely and effectively, with appropriate records, servicing and risk assessments in place.
• Oversee Practice equipment maintenance, testing, repairs, security and insurance requirements.
• Lead and maintain compliance with Care Quality Commission requirements, including evidence, audits, risk management and quality improvement activity.
• Ensure safe working practices in accordance with health and safety legislation, employment legislation, information governance requirements and Practice policies.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties requested by the GP Partners that are consistent with the scope and seniority of the role.

Person Specification

• Excellent communication skills (Written and Oral)
• Time Management and the ability to work to deadlines
• Negotiation and conflict management
• Analytical skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Smart, polite and confident
• Planning and organising
• Performing under pressure
• Using initiative
• Self motivated
• Flexibility
• Confidentiality
• Detailed understanding of HR management principles & techniques
• A detailed understanding of General Business Management
• A working knowledge of employment legislation
• An understanding of Health and Safety legislation
• An understanding of the GMS/PMS contract competency framework

Qualifications

• GCSE Mathematics C or above
• GCSE English C or above
• First Degree
• Membership of professional body

Experience

• Practical experience of Primary Care general business management
• Practical experience of managing and motivating people
• Experience of strategic planning and development planning
• Practical experience of budget-setting, financial management and accounting Practices
• Practical experience of managing health and safety at work
• Experience of managing change

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.