University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Ward Manager

The closing date is 04 February 2026

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our team as Band 7 Ward Manager leading our Special Care Baby Unit at Worthing.

Beeding Ward is a level 1 unit. We have 2 HDU and 10 special care cots and look after babies from 31+6 weeks gestation. We work within the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Neonatal ODN.

In this position you will have the opportunity to develop leadership skills, work with different members of the MDT from a multitude of specialities and be pivotal in influencing the delivery of care.

Extensive Neonatal experience is essential in this role as well as excellent communication skills the ability to decision make, be proactive and forward thinking. You will provide leadership and direction to your team, alongside this being able to motivate and support staff is essential as well as having the ability to adapt to changing priorities.

You will be supported by our Neonatal Matron and the Neonatal Education team.

We welcome applications from those who currently hold a UK NMC registration. If you currently hold an overseas nursing qualification and require sponsorship we are not currently direct hiring Internationally Qualified Nurses.

Main duties of the job

The Ward Manager will be an integral member of the divisional management team supporting the division in the delivery of all key performance targets. They will be accountable for the provision of effective professional nursing leadership and proactive resource management for the clinical area of their responsibility. As an experienced practitioner the post holder will be expected to focus on providing a clean environment for care, ensuring best practice in infection control, improving clinical care standards and treating patients with dignity and respect within the defined resource allocated.

About us

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer abuddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

Candidate Pack

Date posted

23 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£47,810 to £54,710 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

279-7697778-JAN26-A

Job locations

Worthing Hospital

UHSussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Worthing

BN11 2DH

Job description

Job responsibilities

Leads and articulates clear standards of care for their clinical area including but not limited to; appropriate nurse-to-patient ratio, and acuity & dependency factors.

Leads by example in the clinical setting maintaining professional behaviour and communications at all times.

Demonstrates clinical competence in the speciality area they manage.

Ensures there is an environment that provides caring and compassionate care in their area.

Ensures their visibility in the clinical area, working with their team supervising and supporting nurses, mentoring band 6s to model the behaviour and standards expected.

Proactively talks to patients and their relatives related to their condition, patient experience and discharge plans, to provide leadership and advocacy

Ensures completion of Family & Friends survey reviews these scores and discusses them with the team to ensure improvements are made and good practice recognised.

Effective and empathetic in their response to patient complaints including written responses and inclusive with team learning

Demonstrates a leadership style that is consistent and congruent with empowerment

Is responsible for the leading of care within their area to support the harm free care agenda at UHSussex.

Provides nursing reports at Directorate meetings to highlight key areas of activity/ concern in their ward /clinical area

Presents risks relevant to their clinical area at site Quality and Safety meetings

This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria.