Practice Operations ManagerNHS

Job summary

Ford Medical Practice is seeking an organised, proactive and people-focused Practice Operations Manager to join our leadership team.

Working 22.5 hours per week over 3 days, this is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the delivery of high-quality patient services within a well-established, patient-focused GP practice serving the communities of Litherland, Netherton, Thornton, Seaforth, Bootle and Crosby.

Working closely with the Practice Business Manager and GP Partners, the successful candidate will provide day-to-day operational leadership across the practice, supporting staff, improving processes and helping ensure patients receive safe, effective and responsive care.

This role is ideally suited to an experienced Deputy Practice Manager, Operations Manager, Reception Manager or healthcare administrator looking to develop their leadership career within primary care. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to service improvements, support staff development and help shape the future operation of the practice.

Main duties of the job

As a newly created role within the practice management structure, the Practice Operations Manager will play an important part in supporting the continued development of Ford Medical Practice.

Reporting to the Practice Business Manager, the postholder will oversee the day-to-day operation of the practice, ensuring services run efficiently and patients receive a high standard of care. Responsibilities will include managing reception and administrative teams, supporting recruitment and induction processes, coordinating staff rotas, maintaining patient access systems and promoting excellent customer service.

The Practice Operations Manager will also support health and safety, premises and facilities management, business continuity planning, governance activities and quality improvement initiatives. Working closely with the wider practice team, the postholder will help identify opportunities to improve workflows, enhance patient experience and support the delivery of the practice's strategic objectives.

This is an excellent opportunity for an operational leader who enjoys problem solving, staff development and driving continuous improvement within a busy primary care environment.

Job description

Key Responsibilities

Operational Management

• Oversee the smooth day-to-day operation of the practice.
• Ensure effective management of appointment systems and patient access arrangements.
• Develop and maintain efficient administrative processes.
• Monitor operational performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Support implementation of practice policies and procedures.
• Coordinate management and operational meetings as required.

Staff Management

• Provide day-to-day leadership to reception and administrative staff.
• Support recruitment, induction and onboarding activities.
• Manage staff rotas and annual leave arrangements.
• Monitor attendance and support absence management processes.
• Promote staff engagement, wellbeing and professional development.
• Support appraisal and performance review processes.

Patient Services

• Promote high standards of patient service and satisfaction.
• Respond to operational issues affecting patient access and experience.
• Support the management of patient feedback and complaints.
• Identify opportunities to improve service delivery and patient experience.
• Health and Safety
• Act as operational lead for health and safety matters.
• Ensure risk assessments are completed and reviewed.
• Monitor fire safety, COSHH, legionella and other compliance requirements.
• Coordinate emergency procedures and business continuity arrangements.
• Ensure completion of statutory inspections and checks.

Premises and Facilities Management

• Oversee maintenance and day-to-day management of the practice premises.
• Manage contractors, suppliers and service providers.
• Coordinate equipment servicing and maintenance schedules.
• Maintain premises compliance records.
• Manage security arrangements and access systems.
• Ensure a safe and welcoming environment for patients, visitors and staff.

Governance Support

• Assist with preparation for CQC inspections and compliance activities.
• Support policy review programmes.
• Maintain governance and compliance records.
• Coordinate audits and quality improvement initiatives.
• Assist with monitoring contractual and operational performance targets.

Communication

• Maintain effective communication across all staff groups.
• Support practice communication channels including the website and patient information.
• Liaise professionally with external organisations, contractors and stakeholders as required.

General Responsibilities

• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with GDPR and practice policies.
• Comply with all practice policies and procedures.
• Undertake mandatory training as required.
• Participate in meetings, training and development activities.
• Undertake other duties appropriate to the grade and responsibilities of the role as reasonably required by the Practice Business Manager or GP Partners.

About us

Ford Medical Practice has provided NHS General Medical Services to patients across Litherland, Netherton, Thornton, Seaforth, Bootle and Crosby since 1962. We provide care to approximately 5,800 patients and have a team of 17 staff led by two GP Partners. Our team includes 3 Salaried GPs, a Practice Nurse, a Trainee Nursing Associate, a Healthcare Assistant, 2 Medical Secretaries and 7 Reception and Administration staff.

The practice moved to its current site in 1984, offering excellent facilities and convenient transport links, just 20 minutes from Liverpool and 10 minutes from the M57 and M58.

We are proud to be a training practice, supporting undergraduate and postgraduate learners, including medical students, trainee GPs and members of the wider primary care workforce.

As a member of the South Sefton Primary Care Network, we are committed to delivering high-quality, accessible healthcare and continually developing services to meet our patients' needs. Rated Good by the Care Quality Commission, we pride ourselves on providing safe, effective and compassionate care.

We offer:

• A supportive leadership team
• Engaged GP Partners
• An experienced Practice Business Manager
• Outsourced payroll, HR, bookkeeping and Health & Safety support
• Strong links with PCN, ICB and local Practice Manager networks
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression