Job overview
The post holder will be pivotal in ensuring the safe, efficient and compassionate delivery of surgical services within a paediatric theatre environment. The post holder will be responsible for the day-to-day management of operating theatres, leads a multidisciplinary team to deliver high standard of care tailored to the unique needs of children and young people.
This role involves strategic planning, staff coordination, resource management, and compliance with clinical governance standards. The post holder is expected to foster a culture of excellence, safety and continuous improvement, working closely with surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses, and allied health professionals to optimise patient outcomes and experiences.
Main duties of the job
Key responsibilities include:
1. Overseeing the operational management of paediatric surgical theatres.
2. Leading and developing theatre staff, ensuring appropriate training and professional development.
3. Managing theatre schedules and resources to maximise efficiency and minimise delays with
4. Ensuring adherence to infection control, safeguarding, and paediatric-specific safety protocols.
5. Collaborating with clinical and administrative teams to support integrated care pathways.
6. Monitoring performance metrics and implementing quality improvement initiatives.
Working for our organisation
At Evelina London, our paediatric theatres are central to specialist surgical care. We operate seven inpatient and two day case theatres, each with dedicated recovery units, supporting a wide range of specialties including ENT, Orthopaedics, Spine, Plastics, Urology, General Surgery, Dental, Ophthalmology, and Robotic Surgery. Our team also supports procedures in MRI, Interventional Radiology, Cath Lab, PET Scan, and occasionally adult theatres for paediatric cardiac and ophthalmology cases.
Despite being spread across the hospital, our theatre staff work as one cohesive team, rotating across all areas. This fosters strong multidisciplinary collaboration and enables staff to develop specialist skills and grow professionally.
We are supported by dedicated clinical educators who deliver structured training and development. The Trust promotes flexible working and upskilling programmes, helping staff gain competencies across perioperative specialties. These efforts contribute to high staff retention and a culture of continuous improvement.
Evelina London also collaborates with other NHS trusts, creating opportunities for innovation and service expansion. We are preparing to launch the Children’s Cancer Service—a transformative project enhancing our paediatric oncology expertise. This is a unique opportunity to join a pioneering team delivering exceptional care to vulnerable children while advancing your career in a dynamic, supportive environment.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Operational Leadership
7. Manage the day-to-day running of 7 inpatient theatres and 2 day case theatres, including recovery units.
8. Coordinate theatre schedules, staffing, and resources to optimise patient flow and minimise delays.
9. Ensure compliance with infection control, safeguarding, and paediatric-specific safety protocols.
Clinical Governance & Quality
10. Monitor and evaluate clinical standards, ensuring adherence to national and Trust policies.
11. Lead on incident reporting, risk management, and implementation of quality improvement initiatives.
12. Support audit, research, and service evaluation activities.
Workforce Management
13. Lead a multidisciplinary team, promoting collaborative working across demographically split areas including MRI, Cath Lab, Interventional Radiology, and PET Scan.
14. Facilitate staff rotation across all areas to support skill development and team cohesion.
15. Conduct appraisals, manage performance, and support career progression.
Education & Development
16. Work closely with dedicated clinical educators to identify training needs and deliver structured development pathways.
17. Promote upskilling programmes across perioperative services, enabling staff to gain competencies in multiple specialties.
18. Support preceptorship, mentorship, and student placements.
Strategic & Service Development
19. Contribute to strategic planning and service expansion, including the upcoming Children’s Cancer Service.
20. Represent the theatre service in Trust-wide initiatives and external collaborations.
21. Drive innovation and transformation in paediatric surgical care.
Person specification
Education/Qualification
Essential criteria
22. NMC registered nurse
23. Evidence of post graduate degree or equivalent
24. Evidence of ongoing professional development relevant to role required
25. Mentorship qualification
Desirable criteria
26. Evidence of leadership and management course
27. Master's degree or working towards it
Experience
Essential criteria
28. Clinical expertise across theatre discipline - anaesthetics/scrub/recovery
29. Experience in roster management and resource management
30. Leadership experience as a Band 6
Desirable criteria
31. Experience in workforce management (staff appraisals/sickness management)
Knowledge and Skills
Essential criteria
32. Up-to-date knowledge of current clinical and professional issues
33. Understanding of clinical governance, quality and safety and risk management
34. Skills in medicines management
35. Resource Management Skills - budget management and team performance
36. Ability to analyse and interpret data
Values and Behaviour
Essential criteria
37. Upholding high standard of ethical practice, confidentiality and accountability
38. Demonstrates active listening to colleagues and patients, clear and sensitive explanation of care
39. Promotes equality, diversity and inclusion at all times
Guy’s and St Thomas’ celebrates, respects and values the diversity of its staff and patients. We review our policies, procedures and practices to ensure that all employees, patients and carers are treated equitable according to their needs. We are actively committed to ensuring that no one who applies for a job, works or study’s at the Trust, or accesses our services is discriminated against on the grounds of race, ethnicity, nationality, disability, religion or belief, age, gender identity, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity/paternity, or marital/civil partnership.