Job description

Job responsibilities

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.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree level qualification or equivalent management experience.
• Significant senior management experience within healthcare, primary care or a comparable environment.
• Strong financial and budget management skills.
• Experience of strategic planning and organisational development.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills.
• Knowledge of NHS primary care contracts and funding streams.
• Understanding of governance, risk management and compliance frameworks.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Commitment to innovation and digital transformation.

Desirable

• Experience in General Practice management.
• ILM, CMI or equivalent management qualification.
• Project Management qualification.
• Experience leading CQC inspections.
• Experience of estates development projects.
• Knowledge of AI technologies and digital transformation programmes within healthcare.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Waterloo Medical Centre

Address

Waterloo Medical Centre

178 Waterloo Road

Blackpool

Lancashire

FY4 3AD

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.waterloomedical.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)