Practice Business ManagerNHS

Job summary

Waterloo Medical Centre is a large, progressive and welcoming GP practice serving approximately 12,500 patients in Blackpool. We are committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centred healthcare whilst embracing innovation, digital transformation and continuous improvement.

Due to the planned retirement of our current Practice Business Manager on 31 March 2027, we are seeking an experienced and strategic Practice Business Manager to join our senior leadership team and help shape the future of the organisation.

This is a unique opportunity to benefit from a structured handover period with the current post-holder, ensuring continuity of leadership and a smooth transition into a highly influential role within the practice.

We are looking for a dynamic leader with strong financial, commercial and organisational skills who is passionate about developing sustainable healthcare services, driving innovation and leading transformational change within primary care.

Main duties of the job

The Practice Business Manager is the strategic and financial lead for the practice and is responsible for ensuring the long-term sustainability, growth and success of Waterloo Medical Centre.

Working closely with the GP Partners and Practice Manager the successful candidate will provide leadership across financial management, business development, workforce planning, estates development, contract performance, governance, compliance and digital transformation. The post-holder will provide strategic oversight of operational performance through the management team and support the Partners in delivering high-quality, safe, effective and financially sustainable primary care services.

Job description

Job Summary

The Practice Business Manager is the strategic and financial lead for Waterloo Medical Centre, responsible for ensuring the long-term sustainability, growth and success of the practice. Working closely with the GP Partners, the post-holder will provide leadership across business development, finance, governance, workforce planning, estates, contract performance, digital transformation and regulatory compliance.

The Practice Business Manager will support the Partners in delivering high-quality, safe, effective and financially sustainable primary care services whilst ensuring the practice remains responsive to the changing NHS environment.

As a senior leader within the organisation, the post-holder will oversee performance across all departments and provide strategic direction to the Practice Manager, Operations Manager and Reception/Admin Manager, ensuring clear accountability, effective operational delivery and continuous improvement.

The role will champion innovation, digital transformation and the appropriate use of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), to improve efficiency, patient access, workforce productivity and the overall quality of services provided.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Business Development

• Lead the development and delivery of the practice's strategic objectives.
• Support the Partners in developing long-term business plans and growth strategies.
• Identify opportunities for service expansion, diversification and innovation.
• Monitor changes in NHS policy, legislation and commissioning arrangements and advise Partners accordingly.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with the ICB, NHS England, PCN, GP Federation, LMC and other stakeholders.
• Lead organisational change programmes and service redesign initiatives.
• Prepare business cases and investment proposals to support future development.

Financial Management

• Prepare, manage and monitor the annual budget.
• Provide regular financial reports and performance analysis to Partners.
• Monitor profit and loss performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Ensure robust financial controls and governance processes are maintained.
• Monitor cash flow and financial forecasting.
• Maximise practice income through effective contract monitoring, claims management and service delivery.
• Oversee procurement processes and major purchasing decisions.
• Identify efficiencies and opportunities for cost reduction without compromising patient care.

Contract Management and Performance

• Lead management of:
• PMS Contracts
• Enhanced Services
• PCN Agreements
• Other commissioned services
• Ensure contractual obligations and key performance indicators are achieved.
• Monitor performance against national, local and contractual requirements.
• Deliver assurance reports to Partners regarding contract compliance and achievement.
• Work with operational teams to maximise income and performance outcomes.

Workforce Planning and Organisational Development

• Lead workforce planning to ensure the practice has the required skills and staffing levels to meet current and future service demands.
• Develop succession plans for key leadership and clinical roles.
• Support recruitment and retention strategies.
• Monitor workforce performance and productivity.
• Promote staff wellbeing, engagement and organisational development.
• Support leadership development throughout the practice.

Governance, Risk and Compliance

• Lead on CQC compliance and inspection readiness.
• Maintain oversight of all governance systems and processes.
• Ensure compliance with:
• CQC Regulations
• NHS contractual requirements
• GDPR and Data Protection legislation
• Information Governance requirements
• Health and Safety legislation
• Maintain a robust risk management framework.
• Oversee business continuity and emergency preparedness arrangements.
• Monitor significant events, complaints, audits and organisational learning.

Estates and Facilities Development

• Develop and oversee estate strategies to support future service demands.
• Lead premises development projects and capital programmes.
• Liaise with architects, contractors, NHS bodies and external stakeholders.
• Ensure premises remain compliant with statutory requirements.
• Support environmental sustainability initiatives and energy efficiency improvements.

Digital Transformation and Innovation

• Lead the strategic adoption of digital technologies that enhance operational efficiency and patient care.
• Promote a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Identify opportunities to streamline administrative and clinical processes through automation and digital solutions.
• Work with management teams to maximise use of practice systems and digital tools.
• Support the implementation of new NHS digital initiatives and technologies.

Leadership and Management

• Provide strategic leadership across the organisation.
• Oversee performance across operational departments.
• Ensure clear accountability and effective delegation of responsibilities.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, professionalism and continuous improvement.
• Lead organisational change initiatives.
• Act as a senior ambassador for the practice with external partners and stakeholders.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

The Practice Business Manager will be accountable for:

Financial Performance

• Delivery of agreed budgets.
• Profitability and financial sustainability.
• Cash flow management.

Contract Performance

• Achievement of contractual targets.
• Enhanced Service delivery.
• PCN and commissioned service performance.

Workforce Performance

• Workforce productivity.
• Recruitment and retention outcomes.
• Succession planning achievement.
• Staff engagement and wellbeing.

Strategic Objectives

• Delivery of business plans and strategic projects.
• Service development and growth initiatives.
• Estates development programmes.

Governance and Compliance

• CQC readiness and inspection outcomes.
• Risk management effectiveness.
• Compliance with statutory and contractual requirements.

Digital Transformation

• Successful implementation of digital solutions.
• Adoption of AI and emerging technologies.
• Efficiency improvements resulting from innovation programmes.

About us

Waterloo Medical Centre is a large, progressive GP practice serving approximately 12,500 patients in Blackpool. We are committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centred healthcare whilst embracing innovation, digital transformation and continuous improvement.

Our dedicated multidisciplinary team includes GPs, nurses, nursing associates, pharmacists, administrative and reception staff, all working together to provide excellent care and support to our patients. We are proud of our positive and inclusive culture, where teamwork, professionalism, mutual respect and a strong work ethic are at the heart of everything we do.

We believe in supporting and developing our staff, encouraging innovation, continuous learning and personal growth. Employees benefit from working within a friendly, supportive environment where their contributions are valued and recognised. As a practice, we are committed to investing in new technologies, modern ways of working and service improvements that enhance both patient care and staff experience.

This is an exciting time to join Waterloo Medical Centre as we continue to develop our services, embrace digital transformation and plan for future growth, including major strategic and estates development projects. We offer the opportunity to be part of an ambitious organisation that is passionate about improving healthcare outcomes for our local community.

Interviews will take place on Thursday 5th and Friday 6th November 2026