Theatre Manager Full Time

Job Description:As Theatre Manager, you will hold overall responsibility for the safe, efficient and cost-effective delivery of operative services at Kinvara. This is a senior leadership position within the hospital management team, combining strategic oversight with hands-on operational management. You will lead, develop and inspire the theatre team to deliver the highest standards of clinical care, patient safety and customer experience, while driving theatre utilisation and ensuring full compliance with CQC standards and regulatory requirements.You will be a visible, collaborative leader who builds strong working relationships with surgeons, anaesthetists, the senior management team and colleagues across the hospital. You will champion a culture of continuous improvement, patient safety and professional development within your department.Key ResponsibilitiesClinical Leadership and Patient SafetyProvide strong clinical leadership to the theatre team, promoting a culture of safety, compassion and excellence in perioperative careEnsure all theatre activity is delivered in accordance with CQC standards, AfPP guidelines, WHO Safer Surgery protocols and hospital policiesDrive clinical governance within the department, including incident reporting, investigation, PSIRF and shared learningMaintain oversight of infection prevention and control within theatres, including scheduling deep cleans, monitoring air testing and ensuring adherence to IPC policiesOversee compliance with controlled drugs procedures, conducting monthly checks with the ODP Lead.Monitor and maintain accurate clinical documentation, including specimen tracking, surgical safety checklists and equipment logsAct as an advocate for evidence-based practice, encouraging the team to adopt and embed the latest clinical guidelinesOperational and Business ManagementEnsure optimal utilisation of theatre lists in partnership with surgeons, reviewing case mix, scheduling and session planning to maximise efficiencyTake budgetary responsibility for the theatre department, managing expenditure within agreed annual budgets for staffing, consumables and equipmentProvide costings for procedures across specialties and manage ad-hoc equipment cost requestsManage stock control for all theatre consumables, surgical instruments and pharmaceutical products, training the team in EPOS usage for accurate case costingCoordinate with sterile services, suppliers and industry representatives to ensure equipment availability, arrange loan kits and manage procurementMaintain a comprehensive equipment register and manage servicing schedules, microbiology air testing and theatre maintenance programmesObtaining quotes for theatre repairs and capital equipment, presenting business cases to the Senior Management TeamSet and review equipment goals on a quarterly RAG-rated basis (3, 6, 9 and 12 months)People Management and DevelopmentLead, manage and develop all theatre staff, including recruitment, induction, appraisals, one-to-ones, competency assessments and performance managementCreate and manage the monthly theatre rota, ensuring safe staffing levels in line with the staffing planner and monitoring full utilisation of contracted hoursMentor and support the ODP Lead to develop their leadership skills and to deputise effectively in your absenceConduct all theatre staff interviews alongside the ODP Lead, and liaise with the Senior Management Team on permanent recruitment needsFoster a positive, inclusive team culture that promotes engagement, professional growth and a collaborative approach to problem-solvingEnsure all team members maintain compliance with mandatory training, revalidation and professional registration requirementsStrategic Contribution and GovernanceParticipate as a proactive member of the hospital senior management team, contributing to strategic planning, service development and quality improvement initiativesAttend and actively contribute to Heads of Department meetings, Daily Comm Cell, clinical governance forums and patient safety meetings, cascading relevant information to the theatre teamDevelop, implement and review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to reflect best practice and regulatory requirementsSet annual targets and objectives for the theatre department aligned with the hospital strategic planSupport the development and introduction of new surgical services and technologiesManage complaints related to the theatre department, conducting timely investigation and ensuring documentation and learning are up to dateRespond to incidents with thorough investigation and ensure shared learning is embedded across the teamClinical Duties (will be determined according to need)Provide clinical cover within the theatre as required, maintaining your clinical competencies across relevant specialties. Participation in the management on-call rota.Act as a role model for junior staff in the delivery of safe, patient-centred perioperative careSupport the ward manager and multidisciplinary team in the implementation of agreed patient care plansMaintain a welcoming, professional environment for patients, relatives and visitors, ensuring dignity, privacy and clear communication at all timesPerson SpecificationEssential RequirementsRegistered Nurse (RGN) or Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) with current, active NMC or HCPC registrationExperience in a Theatre Manager or Deputy Theatre Manager role within an acute hospital setting (NHS or independent sector)Demonstrable experience of leading and developing high-performing theatre teamsStrong understanding of CQC regulatory standards and clinical governance frameworksExperience of budget management, including staffing, consumables and capital equipmentExcellent organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities effectivelyStrong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build collaborative relationships with consultants and multidisciplinary colleaguesEvidence of commitment to continuous professional developmentDesirable CriteriaDegree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject (e.g. healthcare management, leadership or perioperative care)Mentorship or teaching qualificationILS/ALS certificationExperience in the independent healthcare sectorExperience of working across multiple surgical specialties, including orthopaedics, plastic surgery and general surgeryChange management experience with a track record of service improvementExperience with digital governance systems and quality improvement toolsWhy Join Kinvara?Kinvara Private Hospital is not a large corporate chain. We are an independent hospital where every member of the team makes a tangible difference. As Theatre Manager, you will have genuine autonomy to shape the department, influence hospital-wide strategy and see the direct impact of your leadership on patient outcomes. You will work with a supportive Senior Management Team that values innovation, invests in its people and is committed to pursuing CQC Outstanding.What We Offer~Competitive salary~Company pension scheme~Free on-site parking~Genuine autonomy to lead and develop your department~Supportive senior leadership team~BUPA Private Medical Insurance~Career progression opportunities~A friendly, close-knit team environment~Funding towards professional development & training~Opportunity to shape a growing independent hospital