Head of Clinical Services

Scienceabode; Bristol; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A top provider of ophthalmology services in Bristol is seeking a Head of Clinical Services to shape and deliver clinical vision. Responsibilities include developing clinical protocols, ensuring regulatory compliance, and leading a multi-disciplinary team. The ideal candidate will be a fully qualified optometrist with a minimum of 10 years post-qualification experience and strong leadership skills. The role offers competitive benefits, including a performance bonus and ongoing training opportunities.

Benefits

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Performance bonus

Company pension scheme

Enhanced family leave and sick pay

Employee Assistance Programme

GOC fees paid + generous CPD allowance

Qualifications

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience in clinical governance, audit, and training delivery.
• Understanding of CQC standards, NHS Standards, and ICB criteria.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of clinical protocols and training programmes.
• Oversee professional registration and compliance.
• Collaborate with external agencies to enhance eye care services.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder management

Clinical governance

Team management

Advanced technology adoption

Education

Fully qualified optometrist

Minimum 10 years post‑qualification experience

Tools

Office 365

Patient electronic medical management systems

Job description

Head of Clinical Services – Bristol

£75-90k p.a

Our client, a top provider of NHS and Private ophthalmology services, has an exciting opportunity for a Head of Clinical Services to join their team!

The Role

As Head of Clinical Services, you will be a figurehead of the organisation, reporting directly to the clinical directors. You will shape and deliver the clinical vision, drive professional development, and ensure regulatory compliance across all our practices.

• Lead the development and implementation of clinical protocols, standards and training programmes including Ophthalmic Technician, pre-reg and IP placements.
• Oversee professional registration, CPD compliance and ICB audit readiness.
• Attend the Clinical Governance Committee and represent the group at industry forums (including CPD events, conferences and in stores/practices).
• Drive adoption of advanced diagnostic technologies (OCT, biometry, fundus imaging, glaucoma management).
• Mentor ophthalmic technicians and support talent development pathways.
• Collaborate with external agencies to advise on enhanced eye care services (e.g., glaucoma referral refinement, cataract, YAG/SLT pathways).
• Monitor clinical KPIs and patient outcomes, lead quality improvement initiatives.
• Oversee all planned outpatient clinical activity across all locations.
• Manage and develop a large multi-disciplinary clinical team.
• Build relations with various different stakeholders (such as ICBs/NHS trusts/Health Boards/Primary Care) to optimise patient care.

Key Skills & Experience

• Fully qualified optometrist registered with the General Optical Council (GOC).
• Minimum 10 years post‑qualification experience, including 5+ years in senior clinical rolesñe.
• Proven track record in clinical governance, audit, and training delivery.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Confident use of Office 365 and tech systems (training provided).
• Great communication skills, both written and verbal.
• An understanding of CQC standards, NHS Standards and ICB criteria.

Desirable

• Experience in multi‑site optical stores/practices, NHS/ISP ophthalmology services or ICB commissioning.
• Higher qualifications (e.g., MOptom, Professional Certificate in Glaucoma, IP qualification) strongly preferred.
• Published research or contributions to optometric journals.
• Familiarity with patient electronic medical management systems (e.g., Open Eyes).
• Strategic thinker with a commercial awareness.

Benefits

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays (increasing with service).
• Performance bonus.
• Company pension scheme.
• Enhanced family leave and sick pay.
• Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 confidential support.
• Perks & Discounts – from private healthcare/dental care to retail savings.
• GOC fees paid + generous CPD allowance.
• Ongoing training[source missing?> &u00a0