Sterile Services Manager (Horton)

Posting date:	05 March 2026
Salary:	£47,810.00 to £54,710.00 per year
Additional salary information:	£47810.00 - £54710.00 a year
Hours:	Full time
Closing date:	18 March 2026
Location:	Banbury, OX19 9AL
Company:	NHS Jobs
Job type:	Contract
Job reference:	C9321-26-0300

Summary

TheSterile Services Manager is responsible for managing a specific sterile services department within Oxford University Hospitals (OUH), ensuring the highest quality of service through optimal use of resources, and delivering against agreed targets and within budget. The post holder acts as the line manager for all supervisory and technical sterile services staff, working within Good Manufacturing Practice Guidelines. They provide specialist knowledge and information regarding sterile services across the Trust, ensuring all resources, including staff and equipment, are effectively organised. The manager deputises for and assists the Head of Sterile Services, ensuring continuity of service provision in their absence. A key aspect of the role is ensuring that the Sterile Services Department (SSD) complies with all relevant legislation and quality management systems, such as ISO 13485 and the Medical Device Regulations. The manager is also responsible for monitoring service standards and ensuring technical requirements are met in line with strategic objectives. Main Responsibilities Managerial Provide day-to-day operational management of service delivery. Line manage sterile services staff, including absence management, disciplinary actions, performance appraisals, and recruitment. Plan and prioritise work to ensure timely decontamination of reusable medical devices, meeting organisational targets. Manage, train, and assess the competence of Medical Device Decontamination Science Practitioners. Offer guidance to all departmental staff and develop key performance indicators (KPIs). Act as budget holder, ensuring departmental operations remain within financial constraints. Deputise for the Head of Sterile Services as required. Contribute to the development, monitoring, and evaluation of service performance against objectives and KPIs. Liaise with internal and external customers to ensure needs are met according to service level agreements. Maintain and promote high standards of departmental safety and manage risk assessments. Implement Trust, Directorate, and specialist policies, demonstrating effective project and change management skills. Scientific and Technical Oversee day-to-day management and maintenance of all departmental systems. Work unsupervised across all areas of the speciality. Plan and prioritise departmental workflow, ensuring optimal use of staff and equipment. Take technical responsibility for the department, including security of buildings, equipment, and chemicals. Ensure routine maintenance and operation of specialist decontamination equipment. Undertake specialist equipment testing, research, and development. Develop and review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and monitor consumables. Attend specialist meetings and conventions, contributing to service development. Manage staff CPD, conduct literature reviews, and troubleshoot technical issues. Record, interpret, and authorise equipment and environmental test results. Research and Development Oversee and evaluate new equipment, materials, and methodologies. Lead research and development projects under the Head of Sterile Services. Organise and participate in validation of new equipment and processes. Develop new protocols and procedures, including those impacting other disciplines. Collate and present technical data for review and analysis. Quality Assurance and Information Systems Manage the departments Quality Policy, Technical File, and Quality Manual, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and standards. Lead service development and improvement to ensure safe, effective, and cost-efficient delivery. Manage internal and external audit programmes, liaising with regulatory and accreditation bodies (e.g., MHRA, CQC). Ensure ongoing compliance with accreditation standards and manage departmental processes for quality assurance. Maintain and manage departmental information systems, including electronic tracking, rosters, procurement, and incident reporting. Audit data held on departmental systems and assist in preparing records for the quality management system. Health and Safety Conduct risk assessments and address departmental risks to internal and external environments. Monitor and audit work areas for safety, ensuring compliance with legislation and Trust policies. Ensure staff receive appropriate training and supervision for equipment operation. Complete and ensure statutory and mandatory training for all staff. Education and Training Develop and improve expertise through meetings, CPD, and maintaining a professional portfolio. Facilitate and participate in staff training and development planning. Maintain staff training and competence records. Act as a point of contact for education and training providers and professional bodies (e.g., IDSc). Develop and manage departmental training programmes, promoting a positive training culture. Communications and Working Relationships Maintain effective communication within the team to ensure efficient service running. Respond to customer and service user enquiries, providing complex technical guidance. Participate in and lead team meetings, ensuring regular communication with the Head of Sterile Services and junior staff. Coordinate and minute departmental meetings as required, and attend external meetings as appropriate. Service Improvement Work with service users to ensure the service meets stakeholder expectations and gather feedback. Collaborate with the Head of Sterile Services and other managers to develop and implement evidence-based protocols and policies. Participate in Trust committees and working groups to ensure compliance with decontamination standards. Key Relationships Head of Sterile Services: Direct line manager; provides guidance, support, and escalation for complex issues. Operational Services Manager Pharmacy: Accountable to this role for overall service delivery. Supervisory and Technical Staff: Direct reports; includes Deputy Managers, Supervisors, Technicians, and Assistants. Internal Customers/Service Users: Clinical teams and departments relying on decontamination services. External Customers/Service Users: External organisations or partners as per service level agreements. Regulatory and Accreditation Bodies: Includes MHRA, CQC, and Notified Bodies for compliance and accreditation. Education and Training Providers: For staff development and CPD, including the Institute of Decontamination Sciences (IDSc). Trust Committees and Working Groups: For policy development, service improvement, and compliance. Other Key Professionals: Infection Control, Estates Services, and other Trust departments involved in decontamination policy and practice.