Senior Matron

Job summary

Are you an experienced, dynamic nursing leader with a passion for delivering exceptional surgical care? We are seeking an inspirational Surgical Matron to join our senior nursing team and lead the development of safe, high-quality, patient-centred services across our Surgical Division.

You’ll be part of a progressive, supportive organisation committed to professional development, innovation, and delivering outstanding care. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact on surgical services and shape the future of patient care

Main duties of the job

As Surgical Matron, you will provide visible, proactive leadership to ensure excellence in clinical standards, operational performance, and patient experience. Working closely with multidisciplinary teams, you will champion best practice, support quality improvement initiatives, and drive a culture of compassion, accountability, and continuous learning.

You will:

• Lead and support nursing teams across surgical wards/theatres to maintain outstanding patient care

• Uphold professional standards, clinical governance, and regulatory compliance

• Use your expertise to influence service development and evidence-based practice

• Promote a positive working environment that supports staff wellbeing, development, and retention

• Collaborate with senior leaders to deliver efficient, safe surgical pathways and optimise patient flow

• Respond to operational pressures, ensuring safe staffing and high-quality care at all times

We are looking for a confident, highly motivated nurse leader who can inspire and influence others. You will bring:

• Significant post-registration experience within surgical specialties

• Proven leadership experience at a senior level (Ward Manager, Matron, or equivalent)

• Strong clinical credibility and a commitment to patient safety

• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills

• A passion for empowering teams and driving continual improvement

Person Specification

Education and qualifications

Essential

• Appropriate Clinical Registration.
• 1st Degree in health-related area. Or relevant experience
• Ability to study at Masters level.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.

Desirable

• Completion of a research module/ course.
• Completion of a leadership programme/course.
• Masters course

Experience and knowledge

Essential

• Demonstrated history of post registration experience.
• Experience at Band 7 level as a ward manager or equivalent (i.e. project coordinator, practice facilitator) in an acute hospital setting.
• Introduction of change at ward/speciality level.
• Knowledge of clinical governance and risk management.
• Understanding of wider Trust issues and national targets.
• Understanding of principles of research.
• Understanding of Patient and Public Involvement.

Desirable

• Practice development, project management.
• Experience of clinical audit.

Skills and abilities

Essential

• Excellent professional role model. Good leadership skills.
• Effective team working, facilitation and influencing skills.
• Understanding of multi-disciplinary team working.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Able to establish good relationships with patients and the public, inspiring confidence.
• Ability to prioritise workload and problem solving.

Desirable

• Presentation skills.
• Report writing.
• Development of business plans. Media skills.
• IT literate.

Personal qualities

Essential

• Ability to motivate others.
• Committed to quality improvement.
• Ability to articulate the value of nursing and its contribution to the health care agenda.
• Ability to work on own initiative.
• Able to work well independently and as a team member.
• Approachable.
• Able to recognise own limitations.

Closing Date: 16 July 2026