Job summary
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Neonatal Unit Manager (Band 7) to lead our Special Care Baby Unit at Yeovil District Hospital. The principal responsibility of this full-time role is to lead and co-ordinate the clinical, managerial, and educational requirements of the Neonatal Service, ensuring robust systems are in place to support continuity of care over a 24-hour, 7-day period. This position involves close liaison and partnership with Somerset NHS Foundation Trust (SFT) neonatal colleagues and includes a significant proportion of cross-site working with Musgrove Park Hospital.
As an expert in neonatal care, you will provide exemplary clinical leadership, champion family-centred care, and drive service improvements in line with national standards and Trust objectives.
Main duties of the job
- Lead and manage the neonatal team to deliver safe, high-quality care.
- Ensure compliance with national service specifications, BAPM recommendations, and Southwest Operational Delivery Network criteria.
- Oversee rostering, resource allocation, and operational effectiveness.
- Promote neonatal safety through governance, audit, and quality improvement initiatives.
- Maintain accurate data reporting (BadgerNet, NNAP) and monitor service performance.
- Support staff development through education, mentorship, and performance reviews.
- Act as a role model for innovation, compassion, and professionalism.
- Liaise with multidisciplinary teams, families, and external agencies to ensure coordinated care.
- Commit to regular cross-site working with Musgrove Park Hospital.
About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:
- Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
- NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
- Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
- A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential
Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.
The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.
Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Job description
Job responsibilities
In this pivotal leadership role, you will:
- Clinical Leadership: Maintain advanced clinical competence, provide direct patient care when required, and ensure family-centred care is prioritised.
- Governance & Quality: Deliver clinical governance and risk management, ensuring adherence to Trust policies and safeguarding standards.
- Service Development: Develop and implement neonatal guidelines and policies, champion evidence-based practice, and lead change initiatives.
- Education & Training: Identify learning needs, supervise staff development, and ensure mandatory training compliance.
- Resource Management: Demonstrate effective use of resources, manage budgets, and oversee equipment maintenance.
- Communication: Build strong relationships with internal teams, external agencies, and service users, ensuring transparency and collaboration.
- Cross-Site Collaboration: Work closely with SFT colleagues to maintain continuity and consistency across neonatal services.
Job description
Job responsibilities
In this pivotal leadership role, you will:
- Clinical Leadership: Maintain advanced clinical competence, provide direct patient care when required, and ensure family-centred care is prioritised.
- Governance & Quality: Deliver clinical governance and risk management, ensuring adherence to Trust policies and safeguarding standards.
- Service Development: Develop and implement neonatal guidelines and policies, champion evidence-based practice, and lead change initiatives.
- Education & Training: Identify learning needs, supervise staff development, and ensure mandatory training compliance.
- Resource Management: Demonstrate effective use of resources, manage budgets, and oversee equipment maintenance.
- Communication: Build strong relationships with internal teams, external agencies, and service users, ensuring transparency and collaboration.
- Cross-Site Collaboration: Work closely with SFT colleagues to maintain continuity and consistency across neonatal services.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- RN/RGN/RSCN
- Qualification in Speciality
- Management course
- Degree or equivalent level of knowledge
- NALS certification
Experience
Essential
- Neonatal nursing experience
- Leadership abilities
- Relevant expertise working at the Band 6
Desirable
- Change management skills
- Audit and Quality Improvement skills
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Can demonstrate developed approach to care of sick and preterm infants in a neonatal environment.
- Sound understanding of National neonatal agendas.
- Evidence based knowledge of current clinical and professional issues
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- RN/RGN/RSCN
- Qualification in Speciality
- Management course
- Degree or equivalent level of knowledge
- NALS certification
Experience
Essential
- Neonatal nursing experience
- Leadership abilities
- Relevant expertise working at the Band 6
Desirable
- Change management skills
- Audit and Quality Improvement skills
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Can demonstrate developed approach to care of sick and preterm infants in a neonatal environment.
- Sound understanding of National neonatal agendas.
- Evidence based knowledge of current clinical and professional issues
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.
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. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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.
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. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
