Head of Clinical Engineering
Job Overview
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS) is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us. The role is a full‑time, senior leadership position within our Medical Physics & Clinical Engineering Department. It involves responsibility for organisational medical device governance, safety, training and policy across the Trust. UHS is one of England’s largest acute teaching Trusts, offering extensive learning and development opportunities and a supportive flexible working environment. We are committed to creating an inclusive, anti‑racist, anti‑discriminatory workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered.
Reporting to the Care Group Manager of Clinical Support Services, the Head of Clinical Engineering will act as the Trust’s Medical Device Safety Officer (MDSO) and CAS Liaison Officer, ensuring compliance with national standards and driving innovation in healthcare technology management.
The department manages approximately 37,000 medical devices with a book value exceeding £100 million, oversees external service contracts worth £3.4 million, and leads capital replacement planning of £2.2 million annually.
Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities
* Set the vision and strategic direction for Clinical Engineering services.
* Lead organisational compliance with MHRA guidance, ISO9001 standards, and statutory obligations.
* Develop and implement policies for lifecycle management of medical devices, including procurement, commissioning, maintenance, and disposal.
* Oversee major capital equipment programmes and lead negotiations with clinical, technical, and financial stakeholders.
* Ensure robust quality management systems and coordinate audits, incident investigations, and regulatory responses.
* Provide leadership for medical device user training and workforce development.
* Act as budget holder for multiple budgets, ensuring efficient use of resources.
* Support research, development, and innovation activities within Clinical Engineering.
You will lead a team of approximately 42 WTE staff across technical services, medical equipment library, medical device training, and business support.
Key Responsibilities
* Act as the Trust expert for all medical device issues, including regulations and risk.
* Lead emergency preparedness and resilience planning for Clinical Engineering.
* Maintain ISO9001 certification and ensure compliance with MHRA guidance.
* Manage external maintenance contracts and oversee annual reviews.
* Drive continuous improvement and innovation in healthcare technology management.
Please refer to the person specification when completing your application and include clear examples demonstrating how you meet both the essential and desirable criteria. We look forward to hearing from you!
Person specification
Essential criteria
* BSc or BEng Hons degree in Engineering or Physical Science (minimum 2:1).
* Scientific education and training in Medical Engineering subject area to MSc level or equivalent experience.
* Extensive experience in relevant quality management systems (for example ISO 9001).
* Highly specialised theoretical and practical knowledge of clinical engineering, including practical clinical applications of medical devices and equipment management in a healthcare setting; HCPC registered Clinical Scientist.
* Significant proven track record as a senior Clinical Scientist / Chartered Engineer, or equivalent experience, with proven management experience in the highly specialised field of Medical Equipment Management at a senior level.
* Expert knowledge and experience of relevant legislation, national standards, professional and other guidelines relating to the use and application of healthcare technologies (for example ISO 13485:2016, ISO14971:2019 and including MHRA safety documents, BS EN 60601-1, EC Medical Device Directive, Risk Management Standards, Care Quality Commission).
* Evidence of formal leadership and management training.
* Ability to analyse complex information and situations where conflicting demands on limited resources must be reconciled to minimise risk to the organisation.
* Budget management experience.
* People management experience.
* Risk management experience.
* Change management experience.
Desirable criteria
* Extensive experience in ISO 13485 quality management system.
* Experience in a commercial equipment management environment.
* PhD in Medical Engineering subject area or equivalent experience.
* HCPC registered Clinical Scientist.
* Experience in the initiation funding and expedition in the development of R&D relevant to the post.
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