Maternity Ward Manager

Ward Manager is responsible for the operational leadership and day-to-day

management of the postnatal ward, ensuring the safe, effective, and

compassionate delivery of maternity care. The post holder will coordinate

clinical activity, manage staffing, skill mix, and resource allocation, and

maintain oversight of patient flow, bed capacity, and service demands. They

will provide visible clinical leadership, supporting staff to deliver

high-quality, evidence-based care while responding to changing priorities and periods

of increased clinical activity.

role includes responsibility for staff management, recruitment, appraisal,

professional development, attendance management, and workforce planning. The

Ward Manager will support and motivate the multidisciplinary team, foster a

positive and inclusive culture and address performance, behavioural and

professional issues appropriately.

The post holder will lead on patient safety, risk management, incident investigation, complaint resolution, and quality improvement initiatives, ensuring compliance with Trust policies, national standards, and best practice guidance. They will work collaboratively with the Matron, Head of Midwifery, medical staff and wider multidisciplinary teams to develop services, improve patient experience and maintain high standards of care.

Maintaining clinical competence, teaching, and supporting midwives, students and other healthcare professionals is a key aspect of the role, alongside contributing to service development, governance, safeguarding and the effective use of resources across maternity services.

Ward Manager is responsible for the overall operational, clinical, and

professional leadership of the maternity ward, ensuring the delivery of safe,

effective, woman-centred, and high-quality care to women, babies, and families.

The post holder will provide visible and compassionate leadership, maintain

professional standards, and create a positive culture that promotes safety,

learning, staff wellbeing, and continuous improvement.

role encompasses responsibility for the day-to-day management of the ward,

including workforce planning, staff deployment, patient flow, resource

management, and the coordination of clinical activity. The Ward Manager will

ensure appropriate staffing levels and skill mix are maintained to meet the

needs of the service, responding proactively to fluctuations in activity and

clinical acuity. Working collaboratively with the Matron and wider

multidisciplinary team, the post holder will contribute to the effective and

efficient delivery of maternity services and support the achievement of

organisational objectives.

A

key aspect of the role is leading, supporting, and developing the ward team.

The Ward Manager will be responsible for recruitment, induction, appraisal,

supervision, performance management, and professional development of staff,

fostering a culture in which individuals are empowered to achieve their full

potential. The post holder will promote excellence in clinical practice through

education, mentorship, and role modelling, ensuring staff remain competent and

compliant with mandatory and role-specific training requirements.

Ward Manager will provide strong clinical leadership, ensuring that

evidence-based care, professional standards, and national maternity guidance

are consistently implemented. This includes maintaining oversight of patient

safety, safeguarding, infection prevention and control, medicines management

and clinical risk management. The post holder will lead investigations into

incidents, complaints, and concerns, ensuring lessons learned are embedded into

practice and shared across the team to improve care quality and patient

outcomes.

role requires close collaboration with medical colleagues, specialist teams,

practice development staff, and senior leaders to support service development,

quality improvement, and innovation. The Ward Manager will monitor clinical

quality indicators, analyse performance data, and lead initiatives designed to

improve patient experience, clinical outcomes, and operational effectiveness.

They will contribute to audits, inspections, and governance processes, ensuring

the ward meets Trust, regulatory and national standards.

a visible clinical presence within the ward environment is an important

component of the role. The post holder will provide expert advice and support

to staff, patients and families, facilitating effective communication and

supporting complex decision-making where required. They will act as an advocate

for women, babies, and families, ensuring care is delivered with dignity,

respect, and compassion.

Ward Manager is also responsible for the effective management of financial and

physical resources within the ward, ensuring best value is achieved while

maintaining high standards of care. Through strong leadership, professional

credibility and a commitment to continuous improvement, the post holder will

play a pivotal role in ensuring the maternity ward delivers safe, responsive,

and outstanding care for the local population.

If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.

You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.

We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.

Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.

Over reliance on

AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of

success.

For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.

Please note that we may close any vacancy early once a sufficient number of applications have been received.

Statutory Registration

Essential: - Registered Midwife

Qualifications

Essential: - Registered Midwife with current NMC registration.; - Evidence of continuing professional development.

Desirable: - Recognised management/leadership qualification masters degree or working towards

Special Requirements

Essential: - Ability to travel between sites independently

Desirable: - Full UK Driving licence and access to a car.

Experience

Desirable: - Service development and/or change management

Special Skills & Knowledge