Deputy Nutrition & Dietetic Manager

Job responsibilities

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational Management

Provide daily line management and visible leadership for dietetic staff, ensuring effective communication, performance management, and motivation within the team.

Lead on recruitment, induction, appraisal, supervision, and development of team members to support a high-performing and supportive culture.

Manage staffing levels, workload allocation, and clinical prioritisation to ensure safe and efficient service delivery.

Monitor attendance, sickness absence, and performance, implementing policies and procedures in line with Trust guidelines.

Manage the initial stages of disciplinary and capability processes as required, working in partnership with HR and senior managers.

Support the management of complaints and undertake investigations when required, ensuring that learning and improvement actions are implemented.

Lead and contribute to service evaluation, audit, and development projects to maintain and enhance quality of care.

Support the Head of Dietetics in business planning, policy implementation, and service redesign to meet organisational and national cancer strategy objectives.

Ensure compliance with clinical governance, risk management, and health and safety standards within the department.

Clinical

Provide advanced, evidence-based dietetic assessment and treatment for complex oncology patients, including those undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, or palliative care.

Act as the clinical lead in a defined specialist area.

Contribute to the development, implementation, and audit of clinical guidelines, pathways, and protocols.

Participate in multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings, case discussions, and clinical supervision.

Provide expert advice and consultancy to the wider MDT on complex nutritional issues.

Support evidence generation and publication of clinical outcomes or service development initiatives.

Lead and participate in audits, research projects, and service evaluations to inform best practice and drive quality improvement.

Lead or contribute to the development, review, and implementation of nutrition pathways, evidence-based resources, policies, and clinical standards.

Support implementation of local and national guidelines (e.g., NICE, BDA) within clinical practice.

Take part in governance activities such as clinical incident reviews, risk assessments, and safeguarding cases related to nutrition

Support implementation of digital solutions (e.g. e-referrals, electronic patient records) to streamline nutrition care

Education, Training and Supervision

Coordinate and oversee dietetic student placements, ensuring high standards of supervision and educational quality in line with HCPC and BDA expectations.

Provide clinical supervision and mentorship to junior dietetic staff.

Develop, deliver, and evaluate nutrition & dietetic education and training sessions for medical, nursing, and allied health professionals on oncology nutrition.

Contribute to the development of patient and professional educational resources and initiatives

Research, Quality, and Service Development

Lead or contribute to clinical audit, research, and quality improvement projects within oncology dietetics.

Maintain an up-to-date knowledge base and apply current evidence and national guidance to clinical and service practice.

Disseminate research findings and best practice through presentations, publications, and professional networks.

Support service evaluation and data collection for commissioning and performance reporting.

Communication, Collaboration, and Trust Representation

Promote effective communication within the dietetic team and across multidisciplinary teams (MDTs).

Represent the Nutrition and Dietetics service at Trust-wide committees, working groups, and professional forums.

Collaborate with community dietetic teams and external providers to ensure continuity of care for patients.

Foster a supportive, respectful, and inclusive working environment that encourages teamwork, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Champion patient-centred care that respects diverse cultural, religious, and individual nutritional needs.

Promote a culture of equality, inclusivity, and fairness in service delivery, staff development, and professional relationships.

Support and embed the Trusts values and behaviours within the Dietetic Department, fostering a positive and inclusive team culture.

Maintain HCPC registration and meet requirements for continuing professional development (CPD).

Contribute to departmental meetings, policy reviews, and clinical guideline development to support governance and quality improvement.

Qualifications

Essential

• BSc Nutrition & Dietetics or BSc degree in relevant science subject plus Post Graduate Diploma in Nutrition & Dietetics.
• Clinical supervision training
• Masters level or equivalent courses e.g. Advanced course in nutritional support (e.g., BDA PEN course).
• Evidence of post-graduate specialist counselling skills course in oncology, bereavement counselling or breaking bad news

Experience

Essential

• Extensive and recent NHS clinical dietetic experience within acute oncology and palliative care settings
• Clinical experience in dietetics, managing nutritionally complex patients with multiple co-morbidities
• Advanced expertise in enteral and parenteral nutrition (PN), including the assessment, initiation, and ongoing management of artificial nutrition in acutely unwell patients
• Experience in writing and implementing local guidelines and protocols related to nutrition support and oncology dietetics
• Proven strong leadership / management experience, including leading a dietetic team with responsibility for supervision, mentorship, staff development, performance review, and absence management
• Experience in complaint handling and investigations
• Evidence of effective multidisciplinary team working and collaborative care planning
• Ongoing commitment to continuing professional development (CPD), with up-to-date knowledge of current best practice
• Active participation in audit, service evaluation, and research, including critical appraisal of evidence and translation into clinical practice
• Skilled in delivering presentations and educational sessions to large groups, including healthcare professionals
• Delivery of clinical supervision and support for junior staff and students; contributor to student training programs

Desirable

• Research / publication
• Coaching

Skills

Essential

• Advanced clinical reasoning
• Skilled in conducting accurate anthropometric assessments and interpreting complex nutritional and clinical data
• Strong ability to work independently and manage complex clinical caseloads effectively, both with individuals and in group settings
• Demonstrated ability to critically appraise and apply evidence-based practice in clinical decision-making
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex clinical information clearly to patients, carers, and professionals
• Ability to provide clinical leadership within multidisciplinary forums and advocate for dietetic input in complex decision-making
• Effective collaborator within multidisciplinary teams, contributing to integrated patient care
• Confident in managing change and supporting service improvements through effective team engagement and collaboration
• Confident presenter with experience delivering education and training to large multidisciplinary groups
• Proficient in standard IT systems and electronic health records; competent keyboard skills
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise in a high-pressure clinical environment
• Proven leadership and team management skills, including staff supervision, mentoring, and absence management
• Experienced in supervising students and junior staff, with a commitment to education and professional development
• Actively engaged in clinical audit and service improvement initiatives

Knowledge

Essential

• In-depth understanding of the complex metabolic and nutritional consequences of cancer and its treatments, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and surgical interventions
• Advanced knowledge of artificial nutrition support
• Sound understanding of current challenges and innovations in oncology nutrition support, including cachexia, sarcopenia, survivorship, and end-of-life care
• Strong grounding in clinical governance, quality assurance, and audit processes to support high standards of care and continuous service improvement
• Awareness of NHS policies, NICE guidance, and national cancer and nutrition strategies that shape dietetic practice and service planning
• Knowledge of leadership frameworks and team development principles to support effective supervision, delegation, and succession planning
• Skilled in interpreting complex clinical and nutritional data to inform evidence-based decision-making in high-risk patients
• Confident in developing, implementing, and evaluating care pathways, protocols, and education materials for specialist nutrition support services
• Ongoing engagement in postgraduate learning and CPD, including formal training in oncology nutrition, artificial nutrition support, and clinical leadership

Values

Essential

• Ability to demonstrate the organisational values and behaviours.

Other

Essential

• Self-motivated, reliable
• Able to recognise own limitations
• Positive mindset in respect of supporting organisational change; learning, and continuous improvement.
• Effective interpersonal and intrapersonal skills including high degree of self -awareness and self-regulation.
• Willingness to support preregistration Students
• Demonstrate empathy, sensitivity and tact with patients and their families

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).