Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Clinical Group Deputy Director of Nursing
The closing date is 23 March 2026
Are you currently working at Band 8D within MFT and ready to take the next step in your leadership journey?
This opportunity is open exclusively to MFT colleagues in the first instance, who are at Agenda for Change band 8d and are in a ringfenced pool as part of the One MFT phase 3 consultation and are ready to progress to Band 9 as a Deputy Director of Nursing / AHP, supporting the delivery of our One MFT Clinical Leadership Model. This is a pivotal role within our Clinical Group structure, designed to strengthen strategic nursing and AHP leadership, champion clinical quality, and drive continuous improvement.
Main duties of the job
Provide professional and strategic leadership across a multi-professional workforce.
Lead on quality, compliance, safety, and patient experience, embedding governance and assurance at all levels.
Support the "One MFT" clinical leadership approach by working collaboratively with senior medical, operational, and corporate colleagues.
Act as a key decision-maker and trusted deputy to the Clinical Group Director of Nursing.
Champion innovation, research, workforce development, and digital transformation (e.g., transition from CIVICA to MyMFT).
Who Should Apply:
We are seeking experienced MFT leaders currently working at Band 8D, who:
* Have a proven track record of delivering high standards of governance, safety, and service improvement.
* Demonstrate inclusive, compassionate leadership and an ability to inspire high-performing teams.
* Are ready to contribute to system-level priorities and shape the future of nursing and AHP leadership within a leading NHS organisation.
About us
Join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and become part of a 30,000-plus strong team, delivering exceptional care to over 1 million people every year. As the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe, we are forward‑thinking, committed to clinical excellence and driven to deliver innovation, and continuous improvement. Whether you’re beginning your career or taking the next step, MFT offers a stimulating and supportive environment where your contribution truly matters. Our Hive Electronic Patient Record system enables safer, smarter, and more efficient ways of working - empowering you to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients. You’ll be part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary community, working alongside professionals from a wide range of clinical backgrounds. Together, we push boundaries, share knowledge, and deliver care that transforms lives. At MFT, you’ll find a workplace where everyone is respected, supported, and encouraged to thrive. We offer clear clinical pathways for professional development, helping you grow your skills and achieve your ambitions. Your journey at MFT is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact. We’ll support you as you shape the future of healthcare, one patient at a time.
Job responsibilities
To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience you’ll need for this role, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Supporting Documents heading. Explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place to help you feel confident, prepared and fully informed before you apply, we invite you to explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place. This welcoming one stop hub gives you a real sense of who we are what we stand for, how we reward and support you, and the many ways we care for you as you care for others. You’ll also find practical hints and tips for submitting a great application, along with the essential information you need to know before you apply. To access Inside MFT Your Candidate Place, simply click on the relevant PDF document under the Supporting Documents section and once opened, you can where either scan QR code or click on the link provided. Closing vacancy listings early We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. To help us manage applications fairly and give each one the time it deserves, our adverts may close early if we receive a high level of interest. Early applications are therefore encouraged. Diversity Matters MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, we’re proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOU for our patients, our communities, and each other. As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your application especially personal statements and responses to role-specific questions is written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone. Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* First level graduate registration Nurse or AHP degree.
* Educated to Degree / Master’s level or equivalent training and experience.
* Current NMC / HCPC registration.
* Evidence of recent and relevant continuous professional development.
* Doctorate-level degree in health-related subject.
* Formal management or leadership qualification.
Knowledge
* Evidence of recent and relevant continuous professional development.
* A clear appreciation of the context of acute healthcare provision within the modern NHS and understanding of the NHS Operating Framework.
* A strong understanding of national NHS policy and strategy as it relates to nursing staff, AHPs and broader clinical workforce, as well as current professional challenges.
* Extensive knowledge of clinical governance systems and risk management.
* A strong understanding of how MFT fits into the wider health and social care system.
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.
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
£109,179 to £125,637 a yearper annum (pro rata)
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