We are looking for an experienced and self-sufficient Interim Practice Manager to lead the day‑to‑day running of our busy NHS general practice in Lawrence Hill, Bristol. The position has become available at short notice, as our current Practice Manager is moving on, and we are keen to maintain continuity for our team and patients. This is a hands‑on role for someone who can step in quickly, stabilise and strengthen our operations, and work closely with the GP Partners and wider team.
The role offers genuine flexibility anywhere from two to five days per week and we are happy to discuss the pattern of working that suits you, including a mix of on‑site and remote working where appropriate.
Main duties of the job
Working alongside the Partners, you will take responsibility for the smooth and compliant running of the practice. Your focus will be on operational leadership, supporting and developing the team, managing finances and NHS income streams, and maintaining strong systems for governance, compliance and patient access.
Key areas of responsibility include-
Operational leadership and day‑to‑day management of the practice
Line management, HR and development of the administrative and reception teams
Financial management, including NHS income, QOF enhanced services and budgeting
Compliance and governance, including CQC readiness, health & safety and information governance
Patient services, access and complaints handling
IT and clinical‑system administration, working with the practice clinical system
Liaison with the PCN, ICB, NHS England and other external partners
About you
Proven experience as a Practice Manager, Assistant Practice Manager or senior operational manager ideally within NHS general practice or primary care
Confident with NHS primary care contracts, income streams and CQC requirements or able to demonstrate the ability to get up to speed quickly
A calm, capable leader who can build trust with a team and hit the ground running
Strong skills in HR, finance and operational management
Comfortable with practice IT and clinical systems e.g. EMIS Web
Available to start at short notice
About us
Lawrence Hill Health Centre is a friendly, well‑established NHS GP surgery serving around 12,000 patients in one of Bristols most diverse inner‑city communities. We are a member of Bristol Inner City Primary Care Network (PCN) and work within the NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) Integrated Care Board.
We provide a full range of primary care services, including routine early‑morning and evening appointments and minor surgery delivered in‑house. Our team is committed to high‑quality, accessible care for our local population.
Job responsibilities
Operational management
* Oversee and coordinate the day‑to‑day running of the practice, ensuring safe, efficient and patient‑focused services.
* Manage appointment systems, capacity and patient access (including extended hours), responding to demand and seasonal pressures.
* Develop, review and implement practice policies, procedures and protocols.
* Ensure business continuity and contingency arrangements are in place and up to date.
Lead or support practice projects and service changes, including improvement initiatives.
* Manage practice accounts, book‑keeping, banking and petty cash, working with the practice accountant as required.
* Maximise and reconcile NHS income across multiple streams Global Sum, QOF, enhanced services, PCN/DES, claims and reimbursements through accurate, timely submissions.
* Liaise with the ICB, PCN and NHS England to ensure the practice receives appropriate payments and funding.
* Prepare budgets, monitor expenditure and report on the financial position to the Partners.
* Oversee payroll, pensions (NHS Pension Scheme) and supplier invoicing and payments.
Human resources and team leadership
* Provide visible, supportive leadership and line management to the non‑clinical team.
* Manage recruitment, induction, training, appraisal and ongoing development of staff.
* Maintain up‑to‑date HR documentation, including contracts, job descriptions and policies, in line with employment law.
* Manage rotas, leave, absence and capacity to ensure appropriate staffing levels.
Handle grievance, disciplinary, performance and wellbeing matters fairly and in line with policy.
Patient services and communication
* Ensure a high standard of patient experience, access and customer service across all contact points.
* Manage the practice complaints process, ensuring timely, compassionate and compliant responses, and use feedback to drive improvement.
* Support the Patient Participation Group PPG and effective patient engagement.
Oversee internal and external communications, including the practice website and patient information.
Compliance, governance and quality
* Ensure the practice meets Care Quality Commission (CQC) requirements and maintain a continuous state of inspection readiness.
* Maintain systems for clinical and corporate governance, significant event analysis and quality improvement.
* Act as, or coordinate, the lead for health & safety, infection prevention and control, safeguarding administration and risk management.
Ensure compliance with statutory and mandatory training requirements across the team.
Information technology and information governance
* Oversee the practice clinical system (e.g. EMIS Web) and associated IT, liaising with suppliers and the ICB commissioning support unit.
* Act as the practice lead for data protection and information governance, ensuring compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act.
* Maintain data security, access controls, registers and the practices information governance toolkit DSP Toolkit submission.
Support effective use of digital tools, online services and patient‑facing technology.
Strategic and external liaison
* Act as a key point of contact between the practice and the PCN, ICB, NHS England, Local Medical Committee and other external organisations.
* Represent the practice at relevant meetings and contribute to PCN collaborative working.
* Advise the Partners on contractual changes, opportunities and the operational implications of policy developments.
Premises and resources
* Oversee the management, maintenance, security and health & safety of the premises and equipment.
* Manage relationships with contractors, suppliers and service providers, ensuring value for money.
Interim‑specific responsibilities
* Quickly assess the current state of the practice’s operations and identify immediate priorities and risks.
* Provide stability, continuity and capacity during the interim period.
* Document systems, processes and current status to enable a smooth, well‑organised handover to a permanent post‑holder.
Person Specification
Knowledge
* Sound understanding of HR practice and employment law.
* Strong financial and IT literacy.
* Knowledge of NHS primary care contracts and income streams (GMS/PMS, QOF, enhanced services).
* Knowledge of CQC standards and information governance / UK GDPR.
* Familiarity with primary care clinical systems (e.g. EMIS Web).
Qualifications
* Good standard of general education.
* Evidence of continuing professional development.
* Qualification in healthcare/practice management.
Experience
* Substantial experience in an operational management role.
* Proven experience of leading and managing teams.
* Experience of financial and budgetary management.
* Experience as a Practice Manager / Assistant Practice Manager in NHS general practice.
* Experience of CQC inspection and compliance.
* Experience managing change or supporting service improvement.
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.
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