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Job summary

Main area
Women and Newborn
Grade
Band 8a
Contract
Permanent: N/A
Hours
  • Full time
  • Part time
37.5 hours per week (N/A)
Job ref
188-SNM171225
Employer
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
W&N Neonatal Unit
Town
Southampton
Salary
£55,690 to £62,682 per annum, pro rata
Closing
06/01/2026 23:59
Interview date
21/01/2026

Employer heading

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust logo

Neonatal Operational Matron

Band 8a

Job overview

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Please see below for detailed job description of the role

Main duties of the job

Southampton Neonatal Services are seeking an experienced and dynamic neonatal nursing leader to join our senior leadership team as Operational Matron. Due to the ongoing expansion of our regional Level 3 service, this is an exciting opportunity for a motivated leader to shape and develop neonatal services at both a local and regional level.

The Operational Matron will provide visible, professional leadership across the service, leading teams to deliver high-quality, safe and effective family-centred care, promoting patient flow, and supporting the workforce to foster a positive, inclusive and compassionate culture.

Southampton Neonatal Services encompass a wide range of specialist services, including Neonatal Intensive Care, Special Care, Transitional Care, Home Outreach, Neonatal Transport (SONeT) and the Milk Bank. The post holder will use their expert clinical knowledge, leadership skills and influence to drive operational development and service improvement across these areas, ensuring care is responsive, efficient and aligned with national standards.

 

Working for our organisation

University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.

Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast. 

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalizing your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

At UHS we’re committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.

At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognizing that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We’re committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Working in close partnership with the Lead Matron, Consultant Neonatologists, Senior Nursing Team and Care Group Management Team, the Operational Matron will play a key role in workforce planning, quality improvement, risk management and performance delivery. You will act as a professional role model, supporting staff development, wellbeing and retention, while maintaining a strong focus on patient safety, experience and outcomes.

This role is ideal for an experienced neonatal nurse leader with a passion for service development, collaborative working and delivering excellence in neonatal care within a complex and evolving healthcare environment

Attached you will find the person specification document which provides more detail about the essential and desirable skills and experience needed for this role. We highly recommend you review this document and use it when completing your application as these criteria are used by hiring managers as guidance during shortlisting. 

For an overview of the main duties of the role please see the ‘Job Description and Main Responsibilities’ section below. To understand the day-to-day responsibilities in more detail please read the full job description document attached. 

Person specification

Qualifications, knowledge and experience

Essential criteria
  • 1st Level Registered nurse on relevant part of the NMC Register / HCPC Registration
  • First degree or equivalent
  • Masters or equivalent experience
  • Specialist qualification
  • Formal and informal teaching experience
  • Evidence of advanced leadership qualities
  • Staff and resource management experience

Trust Values and Behaviours

Essential criteria
  • Patients First
  • Always Improving
  • Working Together

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Apprenticeships logoNo smoking policyArmed Forces Covenant (Silver Award)Care quality commission - GoodDisability confident employerInclusion UK

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Victor Taylor
Job title
Senior Clinical Operations Manager
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
023 8120 1370
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