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- Tasks: Lead and support theatre staff to ensure high-quality patient care in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, a leading employer in Devon.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible hours, and extensive professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patient care while advancing your career in healthcare.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and a passion for delivering excellent patient care required.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team with great work-life balance and no unsociable hours.
The predicted salary is between 33900 - 45700 £ per year.
We’re seeking an organised, proactive Theatre Team Leader to support the smooth, safe, and efficient running of our Heavitree day surgery theatres. In this dynamic leadership role, you’ll guide and support theatre staff, coordinate daily lists, and help ensure every patient receives high‑quality, timely, and compassionate care.
You’ll play a key role in maintaining safe clinical environments, supporting theatre flow, and working closely with surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses, ODPs, and wider MDT/theatre schedule colleagues. From preparing theatres and managing turnaround times to resolving issues calmly and professionally, you’ll help keep our day surgery service running to the highest standards.
The successful candidate will be part of the team within the Day Surgery Unit at Heavitree with the flexibility to support the other Day Surgery Units within the Community (Tiverton, Exmouth) and Wonford theatres if required.
If you are committed, a good communicator, have excellent interpersonal skills, are hard‑working and would like to make a real difference within this service, we would like to hear from you.
Working at the Day Surgery unit allows great work-life balance as there are no unsociable hours including weekends, bank holidays or nights.
About the Role
With significant development projects underway — including the opening of two additional day surgery operating theatres — this is an exciting moment to join us. These expansions will create further opportunities for professional development, leadership progression, and involvement in shaping the future of our surgical services.
If you’re a confident communicator with strong leadership skills and a passion for delivering excellent patient care, we’d be delighted to hear from you.
The Heavitree Day Surgery Unit is located on 2 levels. The lower floor (Lower Ground) comprises of the Reception area, 5 Single Rooms, small bay Ward, Theatre 1 and Recovery and pain suite. The upper floor (Ground) comprises Theatres 2&3 and Recovery.
The Unit is open 0730-1900 - potential open until 8PM in future with both morning and afternoon theatre lists covering a wide range of specialities under general, regional and local anaesthesia. Specialities include:
- General Surgery including Upper GI, Colorectal and Vascular
- Gynaecology
- ENT adults/paeds
- Urology including laser stone fragmentation procedures
- Orthopaedics
- Plastics
- Oral and Pain Management
Working Pattern: The Heavitree Day Case Unit consists of 3 theatres and a pain suite. The department is operational and staffed Monday to Friday 7.30am to 7pm.
As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities.
Preference will be given to staff with ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.
About Us: Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford). Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people’s own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).
Our state‑of‑the‑art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world‑class care to our local communities.
We strive to help our staff create a healthy work‑life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies. If you are starting out in the NHS, you’ll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.
You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups. We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.
This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we will help you get there.
Salary is not the only financial benefit. You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including:
- National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
- Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter.
- Car lease schemes.
- The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
- Cycle to work scheme.
These are just a few of the benefits available – if the role is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you.
Salary Band 6: £39,959 - £48,117 per annum pro rata.
Frequency Annual.
Vacancy Reference 185-734-12541.
Contract Type Permanent.
Closing Date 3 March, 2026.
Job Category Nursing.
Staff Group Nursing & Midwifery Registered.
Location Heavitree Day Case Unit, Heavitree Hospital, Gladstone Road, Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom.
Theatre Team Leader in Exeter employer: Rdehospital
Contact Detail:
Rdehospital Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Theatre Team Leader in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the healthcare field, especially those who work in surgery or theatre roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even recommendations.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your leadership skills and patient care scenarios. Think of examples where you’ve successfully managed a team or resolved conflicts in a clinical setting. We want to see how you shine under pressure!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for patient care! During interviews, share stories that highlight your commitment to high-quality, compassionate care. This is what sets you apart as a Theatre Team Leader.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our fantastic team at Heavitree.
We think you need these skills to ace Theatre Team Leader in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Theatre Team Leader role. Highlight your leadership skills and experience in managing theatre staff, as well as your commitment to high-quality patient care.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves working closely with various medical professionals, emphasise your communication abilities. Share examples of how you've effectively collaborated with teams in the past to ensure smooth operations.
Be Proactive in Your Approach: Demonstrate your proactive nature by discussing how you've previously identified and resolved issues in a clinical setting. This will show us that you're ready to tackle challenges head-on in our dynamic environment.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you'll find all the details you need to make your submission stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rdehospital
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the specific responsibilities of a Theatre Team Leader. Brush up on your knowledge about theatre flow, patient care standards, and how to manage turnaround times effectively. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role but also prepared to take it on.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully led a team or resolved conflicts. Highlight your ability to communicate clearly and supportively with theatre staff and other medical professionals. This is key in demonstrating that you can guide and motivate your team.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to theatre management. Think about how you would handle issues like delays in surgery or unexpected changes in the schedule. Practising these scenarios can help you respond calmly and professionally during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the Day Surgery Unit’s future projects or team dynamics. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the workplace culture aligns with your values.