Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust

Unit Manager - Ophthalmology Ward & Theatres

The closing date is 01 March 2026

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Charge Nurse/Unit Manager within the Ophthalmology Department. A busy fast paced theatre area which includes the theatre & ward environment based at Broomfield Hospital and Braintree Community Hospital.

We are looking for a dynamic and pro-active person to lead the department. It is an exciting time to join the department with new and exciting times ahead.

The candidate must have proven leadership and management experience, working within an Ophthalmology environment with sound clinical Ophthalmology knowledge & skills.

The post holder will need to be well organised and effective in their practice; they must be able to multi-task, actively contribute towards a developing department and lead the team to uphold high standards of care for our patients.

Main duties of the job

The role requires providing effective leadership to all nursing staff and technicians, including oversight of sickness management, rota planning, recruitment processes and appraisals. It involves promoting best practice in the care of patients with ophthalmic conditions and working collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to ensure high-quality, patient-centred services. The post holder will support the daily clinical and operational management of the department and ensure that evidence-based care is consistently delivered to agreed standards, contributing to the achievement of all clinical and operational performance indicators. An understanding of local and national nursing strategies, including Compassion in Practice and the 6Cs, is essential to positively influence patient safety, experience and quality of care. The role also requires maintaining accurate and compliant record keeping in line with Trust and NMC guidelines, ensuring all risk-management procedures are followed, and overseeing the reporting, investigation and learning from incidents, near misses, accidents and equipment faults. Additionally, the post holder must ensure a clean, safe and compliant environment for patients, staff and visitors in accordance with all relevant legislation, policies and clinical protocols.

About us

Our ambition is to deliver excellent local and specialist services, to improve the health and well being of our patients, and provide a vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers.

We aim to make the most of our skills and experiences so we can become the best we can be. As one organisation we will recruit the finest and retain more specialist staff due to more employment opportunities across our Trust.

Details

Date posted

24 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£47,810 a year Per Annum (Pro Rata for Part Time)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

390-SUR-BR-3422-A

Job locations

Broomfield

Court Road

Chelmsford

CM1 7ET


Job description

Job responsibilities

Are you looking for an exciting new role using your unique qualities, then we want to hear from you.

For full details about this varied and rewarding role, please see attached job description.

We look forward to your application.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Are you looking for an exciting new role using your unique qualities, then we want to hear from you.

For full details about this varied and rewarding role, please see attached job description.

We look forward to your application.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Full NMC Registration
  • Registered General Nurse
  • Evidence of CPD
  • Nursing Degree

Desirable

  • MIPS, ENB 998 or desire to complete

Experience

Essential

  • Ophthalmology Scrub Experience
  • Substantial experience as a qualified nurse
  • Experience managing rosters
  • Proven significant Ophthalmology management experience
  • Clinical leadership & management of a team
  • Experience managing complex clinical scenarios

Desirable

  • VR Experience
  • Experience of complex Employee Relations
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Full NMC Registration
  • Registered General Nurse
  • Evidence of CPD
  • Nursing Degree

Desirable

  • MIPS, ENB 998 or desire to complete

Experience

Essential

  • Ophthalmology Scrub Experience
  • Substantial experience as a qualified nurse
  • Experience managing rosters
  • Proven significant Ophthalmology management experience
  • Clinical leadership & management of a team
  • Experience managing complex clinical scenarios

Desirable

  • VR Experience
  • Experience of complex Employee Relations

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

Employer details

Employer name

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Broomfield

Court Road

Chelmsford

CM1 7ET


Employer's website

https://www.mse.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Broomfield

Court Road

Chelmsford

CM1 7ET


Employer's website

https://www.mse.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Head of Nursing

Anna-Marie Raymond

anna-marie.raymond@nhs.net

01245362000

Details

Date posted

24 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£47,810 a year Per Annum (Pro Rata for Part Time)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

390-SUR-BR-3422-A

Job locations

Broomfield

Court Road

Chelmsford

CM1 7ET


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

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