Overview
We are looking for a highly motivated, experienced Practice Manager with excellent leadership skills to join our two‑site GP practice located in Hyde and Denton. The role involves day‑to‑day management of both sites, including staff welfare, building maintenance, financial management and collaboration with the Hyde Primary Care Network.
About us: We are a busy training practice committed to delivering a high standard of patient care to our 13,500 patients. We are fully computerised and a leading practice for online records access. The practice has 3 partners, 4 nurses, 4 HCAs and 14 receptionists/admin.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Management and Planning
* Work with the GP partners to develop and implement the practice’s strategic aims and objectives.
* Keep up to date with changes in general practice, NHS contracts, local commissioning arrangements, PCN developments and wider healthcare policy.
* Identify risks, opportunities and areas for practice development.
* Prepare, review and update the practice development plan.
* Monitor practice performance against agreed objectives and support change where required.
* Develop and maintain effective communication within the practice and with external organisations, including the ICB, PCN, NHS England and other relevant agencies.
* Support the partners with decision‑making by providing accurate operational, financial and performance information.
CQC, Governance and Compliance
* Lead the practice’s ongoing CQC readiness, ensuring compliance is maintained throughout the year.
* Work with the partners and wider team to ensure the practice can demonstrate safe, effective, caring, responsive and well‑led services.
* Maintain oversight of CQC evidence, policies, procedures, risk assessments, audits, action plans and compliance records.
* Ensure effective governance systems are in place, including significant event analysis, complaints, safeguarding, infection prevention and control, health and safety, staff training and patient feedback.
* Support the partners in identifying areas of risk and implementing practical improvement plans.
* Ensure learning from complaints, incidents, audits, feedback and significant events is shared and used to improve services.
* Keep up to date with relevant CQC guidance, regulations and inspection expectations.
* Support staff to understand their role in CQC compliance.
* Prepare the practice for CQC inspections and support the partners during any inspection, monitoring review or regulatory enquiry.
Financial Management
* Manage practice budgets and support the partners in maintaining financial stability.
* Monitor income and expenditure and provide regular financial reports to the partners.
* Maximise practice income through effective contract management, enhanced services, claims processes and income monitoring.
* Understand and report on the financial implications of contract changes, new services and relevant legislation.
* Liaise with the practice accountant and ensure year‑end financial information is submitted promptly.
* Monitor cash flow and prepare forecasts and reports where required.
* Oversee practice accounts, banking arrangements, purchase and sales ledgers, petty cash and financial controls.
* Manage payroll processes, PAYE records and pension contributions, as required.
Human Resources and Staff Management
* Lead and support the recruitment, induction, training and retention of practice staff.
* Ensure staff are appropriately employed, with accurate contracts, job descriptions and HR records in place.
* Monitor staffing levels, skill mix and deployment to ensure the practice is appropriately resourced.
* Develop and maintain effective systems for appraisals, supervision, performance management and staff development.
* Support and mentor staff, both individually and as part of the wider team.
* Promote a positive, professional and supportive working culture.
* Manage sickness absence, performance concerns, disputes and grievances in line with practice policies and employment legislation.
* Keep up to date with employment law and ensure HR policies and procedures remain current.
* Ensure mandatory training records are maintained.
Operational and Organisational Management
* Oversee the day‑to‑day running of the practice, ensuring effective systems are in place across all operational areas.
* Convene and support practice meetings, including preparing agendas and ensuring actions are recorded and followed up.
* Develop, implement and review practice policies, protocols and procedures in collaboration with the wider team.
* Ensure practice premises are safe, well‑maintained, clean and fit for purpose.
* Oversee health and safety, fire safety, security, infection prevention and control arrangements.
* Manage the procurement of equipment, supplies and services within agreed budgets.
* Ensure appropriate insurance cover, maintenance contracts, business continuity and disaster recovery arrangements are in place.
* Support effective internal communication and clear allocation of responsibilities across the team.
Patient Services and Access
* Take a strategic approach to the development and management of patient services.
* Ensure services are delivered in line with NHS contractual requirements, local and national guidance and practice policies.
* Monitor and improve patient access, appointment availability and demand management processes.
* Oversee appointment systems, surgery timetables, duty rotas and holiday cover.
* Support the safe and effective management of repeat prescribing and other key administrative systems.
* Maintain registration processes and monitor patient list size, turnover and capitation.
* Ensure an effective complaints process is in place and that learning from complaints and feedback is used to improve services.
* Liaise with patients, the Patient Participation Group, PALS and other stakeholders as appropriate.
Information Management and Technology
* Oversee the effective use, development and security of practice IT systems.
* Keep up to date with developments in primary care IT, digital transformation and NHS digital programmes.
* Support staff in the effective use of clinical and administrative systems, arranging training where required.
* Set and monitor standards for data quality, coding, data entry and information governance.
* Ensure appropriate systems are in place for data security, back‑up, maintenance and disaster recovery.
* Liaise with the ICB, system suppliers and other relevant organisations regarding IT procurement, funding and national digital programmes.
About You
We are looking for someone who is confident, organised and practical, with the ability to lead a busy team and support the partners in running a safe, effective and well‑managed practice. You will need to be approachable, fair and professional, with the ability to build good working relationships across the whole team. This role would suit someone who understands the realities of general practice and can combine strategic thinking with hands‑on support when needed.
Qualifications
* Degree‑level education or equivalent senior management experience.
* Evidence of continuing professional development in management, leadership, healthcare administration, finance, HR, governance or service improvement.
* Strong IT and digital skills, with confidence using Microsoft Office and practice management systems.
* Evidence of professional learning relevant to a senior operational, business management or healthcare management role.
* Management, leadership or business administration qualification, such as CMI, ILM, MBA, diploma or equivalent.
* AMSPAR qualification or equivalent primary care management training.
* Qualification or formal training in HR, finance, health and safety, governance, project management or quality improvement.
* Training or experience in CQC compliance, inspection preparation or healthcare governance.
* Experience or training in EMIS, Docman, Accurx, Ardens and other primary care systems.
Essential Criteria
* Previous management experience, ideally within general practice, primary care or a similar healthcare setting.
* Strong leadership and people management skills.
* Excellent organisational, communication and problem‑solving skills.
* Experience of managing staff, rosters, HR processes and operational systems.
* Good financial awareness and experience of budget management.
* A working understanding of NHS general practice, primary care contracts and CQC requirements.
* Confidence in managing compliance, governance and risk.
* Strong IT skills and the ability to support digital systems and service improvement.
* The ability to manage competing priorities and work calmly under pressure.
* A professional, approachable and solution‑focused working style.
* The ability to work independently while maintaining close communication with the partners and wider team.
Desirable Criteria
* Previous experience as a Practice Manager, Deputy Practice Manager, Operations Manager or similar role within general practice.
* Experience of CQC inspection preparation or regulatory compliance.
* Knowledge of EMIS, SystmOne or other clinical systems.
* Experience of working with PCNs, ICBs and local NHS stakeholders.
* Experience of managing NHS income streams, enhanced services and claims processes.
* Knowledge of HR procedures, employment legislation and staff wellbeing approaches.
* Experience of leading change, service redesign or quality improvement projects.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and, as such, a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service will be required to check for any previous criminal convictions.
J-18808-Ljbffr