Ward Manager – Band 7 (Downshire Hospital)

About the role

The Southern Health and Social Care Trust is seeking a Ward Manager (Band 7) for Ward 27, the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Downshire Hospital. This permanent position offers a competitive salary band (£47,810‑£54,710) and the opportunity to lead a specialist clinical team in a high‑dependency environment.

Key responsibilities

• Provide day‑to‑day leadership and management of the PICU ward, ensuring safe, high‑quality patient care.
• Oversee staffing, rota planning and professional development of nursing and support staff.
• Maintain compliance with Trust policies, clinical governance standards and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary care plans and liaise with senior clinicians, families and external agencies.
• Monitor performance metrics, drive quality improvement initiatives and manage resources efficiently.

Required profile

• Registered Nurse with extensive experience in paediatric intensive care.
• Demonstrated leadership or managerial experience within a clinical setting.
• Strong communication and decision‑making abilities.
• Commitment to flexible working arrangements from day one.

Required skills

• Clinical governance and risk management.
• Staff scheduling and rota management.
• Quality improvement methodologies.

What we offer

• Permanent contract with a clear career progression pathway.
• Flexible working options tailored to the role.
• Access to Trust training and development programmes.
• Supportive multidisciplinary team in a state‑of‑the‑art PICU environment.