Job summary
The post holder will be pivotal in ensuring the safe, efficient and compassionate delivery of surgical services within a paediatric theatre environment. The post holder will be responsible for the day-to-day management of operating theatres, leads a multidisciplinary team to deliver high standard of care tailored to the unique needs of children and young people.
This role involves strategic planning, staff coordination, resource management, and compliance with clinical governance standards. The post holder is expected to foster a culture of excellence, safety and continuous improvement, working closely with surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses, and allied health professionals to optimise patient outcomes and experiences.
Main duties of the job
Key responsibilities include:
- Overseeing the operational management of paediatric surgical theatres.
- Leading and developing theatre staff, ensuring appropriate training and professional development.
- Managing theatre schedules and resources to maximise efficiency and minimise delays with
- Ensuring adherence to infection control, safeguarding, and paediatric-specific safety protocols.
- Collaborating with clinical and administrative teams to support integrated care pathways.
- Monitoring performance metrics and implementing quality improvement initiatives.
About us
At Evelina London, our paediatric theatres are central to specialist surgical care. We operate seven inpatient and two day case theatres, each with dedicated recovery units, supporting a wide range of specialties including ENT, Orthopaedics, Spine, Plastics, Urology, General Surgery, Dental, Ophthalmology, and Robotic Surgery. Our team also supports procedures in MRI, Interventional Radiology, Cath Lab, PET Scan, and occasionally adult theatres for paediatric cardiac and ophthalmology cases.Despite being spread across the hospital, our theatre staff work as one cohesive team, rotating across all areas. This fosters strong multidisciplinary collaboration and enables staff to develop specialist skills and grow professionally.We are supported by dedicated clinical educators who deliver structured training and development. The Trust promotes flexible working and upskilling programmes, helping staff gain competencies across perioperative specialties. These efforts contribute to high staff retention and a culture of continuous improvement.Evelina London also collaborates with other NHS trusts, creating opportunities for innovation and service expansion. We are preparing to launch the Children's Cancer Service--a transformative project enhancing our paediatric oncology expertise. This is a unique opportunity to join a pioneering team delivering exceptional care to vulnerable children while advancing your career in a dynamic, supportive environment.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Operational Leadership
- Manage the day-to-day running of 7 inpatient theatres and 2 day case theatres, including recovery units.
- Coordinate theatre schedules, staffing, and resources to optimise patient flow and minimise delays.
- Ensure compliance with infection control, safeguarding, and paediatric-specific safety protocols.
Clinical Governance & Quality
- Monitor and evaluate clinical standards, ensuring adherence to national and Trust policies.
- Lead on incident reporting, risk management, and implementation of quality improvement initiatives.
- Support audit, research, and service evaluation activities.
Workforce Management
- Lead a multidisciplinary team, promoting collaborative working across demographically split areas including MRI, Cath Lab, Interventional Radiology, and PET Scan.
- Facilitate staff rotation across all areas to support skill development and team cohesion.
- Conduct appraisals, manage performance, and support career progression.
Education & Development
- Work closely with dedicated clinical educators to identify training needs and deliver structured development pathways.
- Promote upskilling programmes across perioperative services, enabling staff to gain competencies in multiple specialties.
- Support preceptorship, mentorship, and student placements.
Strategic & Service Development
- Contribute to strategic planning and service expansion, including the upcoming Childrens Cancer Service.
- Represent the theatre service in Trust-wide initiatives and external collaborations.
- Drive innovation and transformation in paediatric surgical care.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Operational Leadership
- Manage the day-to-day running of 7 inpatient theatres and 2 day case theatres, including recovery units.
- Coordinate theatre schedules, staffing, and resources to optimise patient flow and minimise delays.
- Ensure compliance with infection control, safeguarding, and paediatric-specific safety protocols.
Clinical Governance & Quality
- Monitor and evaluate clinical standards, ensuring adherence to national and Trust policies.
- Lead on incident reporting, risk management, and implementation of quality improvement initiatives.
- Support audit, research, and service evaluation activities.
Workforce Management
- Lead a multidisciplinary team, promoting collaborative working across demographically split areas including MRI, Cath Lab, Interventional Radiology, and PET Scan.
- Facilitate staff rotation across all areas to support skill development and team cohesion.
- Conduct appraisals, manage performance, and support career progression.
Education & Development
- Work closely with dedicated clinical educators to identify training needs and deliver structured development pathways.
- Promote upskilling programmes across perioperative services, enabling staff to gain competencies in multiple specialties.
- Support preceptorship, mentorship, and student placements.
Strategic & Service Development
- Contribute to strategic planning and service expansion, including the upcoming Childrens Cancer Service.
- Represent the theatre service in Trust-wide initiatives and external collaborations.
- Drive innovation and transformation in paediatric surgical care.
Person Specification
Education/Qualification
Essential
- NMC registered nurse
- Evidence of post graduate degree or equivalent
- Evidence of ongoing professional development relevant to role required
- Mentorship qualification
Desirable
- Evidence of leadership and management course
- Master's degree or working towards it
Experience
Essential
- Clinical expertise across theatre discipline - anaesthetics/scrub/recovery
- Experience in roster management and resource management
- Leadership experience as a Band 6
Desirable
- Experience in workforce management (staff appraisals/sickness management)
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- Up-to-date knowledge of current clinical and professional issues
- Understanding of clinical governance, quality and safety and risk management
- Skills in medicines management
- Resource Management Skills - budget management and team performance
- Ability to analyse and interpret data
Values and Behaviour
Essential
- Upholding high standard of ethical practice, confidentiality and accountability
- Demonstrates active listening to colleagues and patients, clear and sensitive explanation of care
- Promotes equality, diversity and inclusion at all times
Person Specification
Education/Qualification
Essential
- NMC registered nurse
- Evidence of post graduate degree or equivalent
- Evidence of ongoing professional development relevant to role required
- Mentorship qualification
Desirable
- Evidence of leadership and management course
- Master's degree or working towards it
Experience
Essential
- Clinical expertise across theatre discipline - anaesthetics/scrub/recovery
- Experience in roster management and resource management
- Leadership experience as a Band 6
Desirable
- Experience in workforce management (staff appraisals/sickness management)
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- Up-to-date knowledge of current clinical and professional issues
- Understanding of clinical governance, quality and safety and risk management
- Skills in medicines management
- Resource Management Skills - budget management and team performance
- Ability to analyse and interpret data
Values and Behaviour
Essential
- Upholding high standard of ethical practice, confidentiality and accountability
- Demonstrates active listening to colleagues and patients, clear and sensitive explanation of care
- Promotes equality, diversity and inclusion at all times
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).
