Job overview

Part-time 34.5 hours per week. Permanent post.

The Head and Neck Unit Manager is responsible for the operational, clinical and strategic management of Head and Neck services, ensuring the delivery of safe, effective, high-quality patient care across inpatient, outpatient and cancer pathways. The post holder provides visible leadership to multidisciplinary teams within ENT, Maxillofacial and Head and Neck services, maintaining compliance with national standards, regulatory requirements and Trust objectives.

The post holder leads on service transformation and quality improvement initiatives, using data and performance metrics to identify opportunities for improvement and support evidence-based decision-making. They collaborate with regional cancer networks and tertiary centres to ensure seamless patient pathways and coordinated care across organisational boundaries.

Key responsibilities include workforce management, budgetary oversight, risk management, incident investigation, audit, complaints management and implementation of national and local policies. The Unit Manager promotes a culture of compassionate leadership, professional development and continuous learning, supporting staff wellbeing and fostering high-performing multidisciplinary teams.

Main duties of the job

The Head and Neck Unit Manager is responsible for the leadership, operational management and continuous development of Head and Neck services, ensuring the delivery of safe, effective and patient-centred care across ENT, Maxillofacial, Oral Surgery and Head and Neck cancer pathways.

The post holder provides visible leadership to multidisciplinary teams, ensuring appropriate workforce planning, staff development, performance management and effective deployment of resources to meet service demands. They oversee the day-to-day management of services, ensuring compliance with national standards, cancer targets, Trust objectives and regulatory requirements.

Working closely with consultants, matrons, clinical nurse specialists and operational colleagues, the Unit Manager coordinates complex patient pathways, supports service transformation and drives quality improvement initiatives to improve patient outcomes and experience. They are responsible for monitoring performance, managing budgets, identifying and mitigating risks, and ensuring efficient use of resources.

The role leads on governance activities including incident investigation, complaint management, audit, assurance processes and implementation of learning to improve safety and quality. The post holder will develop strong partnerships with tertiary centres, cancer networks and external organisations to ensure seamless care across organisational boundaries.

Working for our organisation

Bolton NHS Foundation Trust is one of the North West’s busiest healthcare providers, delivering high-quality care at Royal Bolton Hospital and across 20+ community sites. Serving around 320,000 people in Bolton and Greater Manchester, the Trust employs over 6,000 staff and is rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission. Our services include emergency care, maternity, surgical specialties, and community health, all underpinned by our values: Vision, Openness, Integrity, Compassion, and Excellence.

What We Offer

• Professional Development – Training opportunities and ongoing learning.
• Supportive Culture – Collaborative team environment.
• Impactful Work – Help improve and implement digital tools and technologies to enhance patient care and staff efficiency.
• Variety & Challenge – EPR changes, clinical safety standards, clinical process mapping, and supporting technical projects.
• Commitment to Equality & Wellbeing – Thrive in an inclusive, respectful workplace that champions diversity and prioritises your health, and overall wellbeing.