Job overview
We have an exciting opportunity at Chorley Theatres, proudly accredited as an Elective Surgery Hub for both adult and paediatric surgical patients.
Are you a skilled and passionate Scrub Practitioner ready to take the next step in your career?
We are seeking a 13 month secondment full-time Band 6 general surgery Scrub Team Leader to join our dynamic and forward-thinking team. This is a unique role that combines clinical expertise with leadership responsibilities, supporting the theatre team while driving quality and safety standards.
Are you passionate about leading and inspiring your team?
Do you thrive in creating a positive, collaborative culture and delivering exceptional care?
If so, we want to hear from you!
As general surgery Team Leader, you will:
1. Provide professional leadership and expert guidance in the general surgery Theatre Team.
2. Be a visible and proactive role model, championing excellence and supporting staff development.
3. Play a key role in shaping the future of our elective hub service.
Chorley Theatres comprises 13 operating theatres covering over 14 specialties, including fortnightly elective paediatric day case lists. Our elective hub is a progressive and vibrant service, and we’re looking for a leader with the drive, passion, and vision to help us continue delivering outstanding patient care.
Main duties of the job
As general surgery Team Leader, you will lead a highly skilled theatre team of Registered Nurses (RN), Operating Department Practitioners (ODP) & Theatre Support Workers (TSW) who support the elective general theatres.
Extensive experience in general surgery within the theatre environment is essential, alongside the ability to deliver strong leadership and clear direction. You’ll champion innovation, research, and continuous improvement, driving excellence across the service.
Working collaboratively with 12 peer team leaders (Scrub). There will also be the opportunity to shadow the role of theatre co-ordinator, where you will:
4. Assist in the day-to-day running of the theatre department
5. Support the theatre teams in decision-making and problem-solving
6. Escalate concerns to the Clinical Managers as appropriate
You will play a vital role in staff engagement and development, offering clinical supervision and expert advice to help colleagues and students reach their full potential. A proactive and positive approach is key, particularly in identifying issues early and implementing standards that ensure a safe, clean, and well-organised environment.
Working for our organisation
At Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, you’ll be part of a team of over 10,000 dedicated professionals working together to deliver exceptional care. Every role—clinical or non-clinical—makes a real difference to the lives of 370,000 local people and provides specialist services to 1.5 million across Lancashire and Cumbria.
Joining us means being part of something truly meaningful. Every task you undertake contributes to patient wellbeing and staff support, helping us thrive and deliver outstanding healthcare across our communities.
You’ll enjoy extensive development opportunities, gain new skills, and work alongside fantastic colleagues in a collaborative environment. From learning about hospital life to working with diverse professionals, you’ll build a career that makes a genuine impact.
We encourage bold thinking and innovation. You’ll be challenged to think differently, drive improvements, and be part of a team that puts patient care and experience at the heart of everything we do. Your role will be pivotal—and something to be proud of.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
As general surgery Scrub Team Leader, you’ll be at the heart of driving excellence in patient care and theatre performance.
This is a pivotal leadership role where you’ll inspire your team, uphold the highest clinical standards, and ensure safe, effective, and compassionate care every day.
Key Responsibilities
7. Lead with Impact: Be a visible role model, setting and maintaining exceptional standards of care and professional practice while fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
8. Shape Operations: Collaborate with the all general specialities to optimise workstream planning and maximise theatre utilisation.
9. Champion Patient-Centred Care: Ensure care delivery meets personalised health and wellbeing needs, aligned with Trust Values, HCPC, and the Nursing & Midwifery Professional Framework.
10. Develop Talent: Provide clinical supervision, mentorship, and guidance to staff and students, helping them reach their full potential.
11. Hands-On Leadership: Work clinically to support theatres, offering expertise and proactive problem-solving.
12. Maintain Excellence: Ensure a safe, clean, and well-organised environment that supports productivity and patient safety.
Person specification
Knowledge & Experience
Essential criteria
13. Awareness of changes in practice and the ability to implement change.
14. Knowledge of Clinical Governance and the relevance to practice
15. Knowledge of relevant policies and procedures
16. Knowledge of escalation and cancellation processes
Desirable criteria
17. Knowledge of Leadership and Management
18. Experience of budgetary management
Qualifications & Education
Essential criteria
19. Registered nurse / ODP with current NMC/ HCPC registration
20. Evidence of current and continuing professional development
21. Extensive Scrub experience in general surgery
22. Mentorship qualification or willingness to work towards following 12 months commencement in post.
Desirable criteria
23. Experience in General surgery
24. Degree in related health care area
25. Level 3 ILM (Institute of leadership and Management) or equivalent.
26. Core people management skill