PCN Management Lead

Job description

Job responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Development

Support Clinical Directors and the PCN Board in defining and delivering PCN objectives aligned with NHS priorities.

Identify opportunities for innovation, service transformation, and quality improvement.

Represent the PCN in external meetings (e.g., ICB, Primary Care Alliance) and report back to the board.

Lead on the implementation of new service models and pathways (e.g. Access, IIF, ARRS projects and Extended Access).

Operational Management

Oversee day-to-day operations of PCN services ensuring delivery is efficient, high quality, and patient-centred.

Convene and lead PCN meetings (e.g., board meetings, management team), prepare agendas, and ensure timely documentation.

Liaise with practices and external partners on collaborative projects and service development initiatives.

Develop and implement policies, procedures, and SOPs across the network.

Financial Oversight

Line manage and work in partnership with the PCN Finance Manager to ensure accurate monitoring, reporting, and strategic use of funds.

Coordinate regular PCN income payments and ensure adherence to budget and contract requirements.

Organise procurement processes and ensure value for money in all expenditures.

Workforce & HR Management

Support the recruitment, induction, training, and ongoing development of PCN staff, including ARRS roles.

Monitor mandatory training compliance and workforce capacity planning.

Develop HR processes in collaboration with Practice Managers and support positive staff engagement.

Act as a point of contact for HR matters, appraisals, performance management, and staff wellbeing.

Governance, Compliance & Risk

Ensure PCN compliance with GDPR, FOI, Health & Safety, CQC standards, and national NHS guidance.

Manage PCN Limited company and deliver TUPE of PCN Staff based in PCN Practices.

Maintain an up-to-date risk register and lead on mitigation planning and issue resolution.

Oversee quality assurance processes including audits, SEAs, and performance reviews.

Develop and maintain policies relating to clinical governance, infection control, safeguarding, and data protection.

Data Management & Reporting

Ensure accurate collection, validation, and reporting of data to ICB, NHSE, and other stakeholders.

Use data to support decision-making, evaluate service impact, and inform strategic planning.

Work with HR portals Systmone, and other digital systems to enable efficient information flow across practices.

Digital Transformation

Collaborate with digital leads from PCN and practices to design and deliver a PCN-wide digital transformation plan.

Support initiatives such as online access, digital inclusion, and patient communication via digital platforms and social media.

Liaise with ICB and NHS IT teams to secure funding, upgrades, and system improvements.

Education & Workforce Development

Act as PCN Education Lead: coordinate shared teaching, training sessions, and collaborative learning opportunities.

Support learners and educators, collate feedback, and liaise with Training Hubs and HEIs.

Produce an annual PCN education quality report for NHSE and ensure CPD opportunities for all staff.

Business Development & Innovation

Identify new funding streams, contracts, or partnership opportunities that support PCN sustainability and growth.

Lead on bid writing, project planning, and delivery of innovative services to improve patient outcomes and reduce inequalities.

Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

Act as the central liaison between practices, external partners, and community organisations.

Ensure clear and timely communication of strategic updates, changes, and learning across the PCN.

Promote the PCNs vision and values through internal and external engagement.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• The ideal candidate will be educated to degree level in a relevant field such as business, health, or public sector management, or possess equivalent professional experience. A minimum of GCSE English and Maths (Grade C or above) or equivalent is required. Candidates should also hold a business or management qualification (e.g., MBA, ILM Level 5/7, or CMI) and demonstrate ongoing commitment to professional and personal development.
• They will have significant management and leadership experience within healthcare, ideally in Primary Care, PCNs, or NHS settings. Experience in financial management, including budget setting, monitoring, and reporting, is essential, along with the ability to manage teams and support HR and workforce planning functions. The successful applicant will have a proven track record in service transformation, project delivery, and performance monitoring. Strong skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), digital platforms, and healthcare systems are required. They should also have experience in stakeholder engagement and collaboration across organisational boundaries.
• Candidates must possess strong leadership, planning, and project management skills, with the ability to analyse, present, and use data for decision-making. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential, as is the ability to build professional relationships while maintaining appropriate boundaries. The post-holder should have in-depth knowledge of NHS structures, PCN DES, funding mechanisms, governance, safeguarding, GDPR, and compliance requirements. A commitment to tackling health inequalities and improving service accessibility is also vital.
• On a personal level, applicants must be proactive, self-motivated, and solution-focused. They should be resilient under pressure, collaborative in leadership style, and adaptable in a fast-changing environment. Professionalism, empathy, and a strong commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and patient-centred care are all essential attributes.
• This job description outlines the main duties and responsibilities of the role, but it is not exhaustive. The post-holder may be required to undertake other duties within the scope and grading of the role, as directed by the PCN Clinical Director or Board.

Desirable

• While not essential, it would be advantageous for applicants to hold membership with a professional management body such as the Institute of Healthcare Management (IHM) or the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). Experience with EMIS clinical systems is beneficial, as is familiarity with project management tools or systems commonly used in healthcare settings.
• It is also desirable for candidates to have worked within a Primary Care Network or a multi-practice setting and to have experience working closely with GP practices and clinical teams. Knowledge of NHS contract management and funding systems, including the Primary Care Network DES and Investment and Impact Fund (IIF), is an added advantage. The ability to manipulate and present data to support strategic decisions and develop well-reasoned business cases will further enhance a candidates suitability for the role.

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Northolt PCN

Address

Grand Union Village Health Centre

Taywood Road

Northolt

Middlesex

UB56WL

Employer's website

https://northoltpcn.com (Opens in a new tab)