University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Senior Team Leader

The closing date is 14 April 2026

Job summary

We are looking for a motivated, enthusiastic and dynamic registered Nurse or Operating Department Practitioner to lead our Preassessment service.

We are looking for individuals who are skilled in undertaking patient assessments, have proven leadership and management experience who would like to take on a new challenge in their career.

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

***Please note that applications from temporary workers who have been engaged with the Trust for a minimum of 3 months are welcome.

Available as a fixed term contract or secondment opportunity. (With current line manager's agreement). ***

Main duties of the job

For an overview of the main duties of the role please see the Job Description.

The post holder will be responsible for managing nursing teams, clinical leadership, infection prevention and control, standards of patient care and the environment. They will be responsible for the performance management of the Preassessment Unit and of key individuals in respect of the contribution to service delivery.

About us

We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Date posted

01 April 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£49,387 to £56,515 a year Per Annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

216-PL-DD7852171

Job locations

UHP

Derriford Hospital

PLYMOUTH

PL6 8DH

Job description

Job responsibilities

Key Dimensions:

Responsible for ensuring all staff work within the NMC Code of Professional Conduct /HPC Professional Guidelines.

To identify and implement service improvements to enhance clinical care and maximise theatre efficiency and utilisation.

To provide management and clinical input within the Preassessment unit, using a problem solving approach to resolve or prevent operational incidents.

Provide leadership and direction for all staff within area of responsibility, encouraging an environment that stimulates initiative and motivates staff.

Provision of clinical nursing and managerial expertise in all aspects of peri-operative care.

To actively maintain a 25% clinical and 75% managerial/leadership role within the preassessment unit

To act as Duty Senior on a regular basis.

To deputise for the Matron as required.

To work with the Theatre Matrons on improvement and initiatives.

Responsible for all budgetary and staffing issues within designated area.

Responsible for procurement of supplies and equipment within designated area. Post holder should proactively engage with Procurement and Logistics and positively support, champion Non Pay spend reduction activity in designated area.

To work with stores team on stock management initiatives

Review the daily staffing levels and skill-mix as required and lead initiatives to recruit, select and retain staff.

Actively manage sickness and absence in accordance with Trust and Directorate policies, seeking guidance and facilitation from the Clinical Services Manager and HR as appropriate.

Conduct annual staff appraisal and personal development programmes to ensure effective succession planning and identification of staff development needs.

Clearly define staff roles and responsibilities. Set and agree objectives for staff at their annual performance appraisal.

Ensure accurate personnel records are kept including annual and study leave, sickness absence and appraisal.

Review as necessary staffing establishment and skill mix within own area in line with current clinical case mix.

Utilise clinical expertise and academic knowledge to act as a resource for members of the team and other health care professionals offering advice, guidance and support as appropriate.

Responsible for the clinical supervision of junior nursing staff and act as an exemplary role model to junior colleagues

Provide a supportive working and learning environment for staff across area of responsibility that offers opportunities for further education, training and professional development.

Maintain a safe working environment at all times, ensure risk assessments are performed when required and that staff are aware of their responsibilities regarding health & safety issues.

Responsible for proactive reporting and investigation of untoward incidents and complaints according to Trust policy and implementing corrective follow-up actions as required.

Participate in the implementation of Risk Management and Clinical Governance strategies.

Proactive management of infection control and environmental cleanliness across area of responsibility.

To maintain equipment maintenance logs for unit resources and to arrange appropriate access for Estates/Clinical Engineering staff to perform planned or adhoc maintenance and repairs. Identification of future replacement equipment as necessary.

To maintain equipment training records for all grades of staff.

Facilitate and develop creative new ways of working to improve service delivery in conjunction with the Directorate management team.

Responsible for effective patient data entry (either manually or electronically) ensuring accuracy for whole cluster.

The post holder is required to be available for on call duties and flexible shifts (including weekend working, night duty and late shifts) as required to meet the needs of the service.

Undertake duties, adhoc or special projects in conjunction with the Directorate Manager/Clinical Services Manager commensurate with the grade of this post.

OTHER

Physical effort:

There is a frequent requirement for sitting or standing in a restricted position for long periods of time whilst performing the scrub nurse or anaesthetic practitioner role or when seated at PC or desk.

There is a frequent requirement for light physical effort for short periods of time; this involves manual handling of patients and inanimate loads.

Mental effort

There is a frequent requirement for concentration where the work pattern is unpredictable. Operational and staff demands are of an unpredictable nature.

Emotional effort

There is occasional exposure to distressing or emotional circumstances both when dealing with patients and staff.

Working conditions

There is frequent exposure to highly unpleasant working conditions. Exposure to bodily fluids and foul linen is common.