Health service manager

Health service manager job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

The National Health Service (NHS) and private clinics and hospitals employ health service managers. Key responsibilities of the job include:

• directing, co-ordinating and administering medical and non-medical resources, facilities and services
• liaising with clerical, medical and professional staff at all levels
• developing services and implementing changes
• crisis management
• problem solving
• planning
• writing reports
• managing budgets
• dealing with complaints
• ensuring services meet national standards
• marketing and publicising services.

NHS management training scheme vacancies attract strong competition, with only 50-60 candidates recruited annually. The selection process includes a two-day assessment centre, which comprises written and psychometric tests, panel interviews and group exercises. Candidates are assessed against a range of competencies such as communication and analytical skills, rather than against each other.

Opportunities are advertised by careers services, in local, regional and national newspapers and in Health Service Journal.

Qualifications and training required

Most graduates enter the profession via the NHS management training scheme (MTS), which provides an initial two-year training programme and excellent opportunities for promotion into senior managerial and specialist roles.

Any degree discipline is acceptable for entry: relevant skills and personality are usually more important than subject studied. A business, economics, or management qualification can be helpful however, as can any NHS work experience. The latter may be gained via speculative applications, for which the Hospitals and Health Services Yearbook, NHS Handbook, NHS Yearbook and Directory of Hospitals and NHS Trusts contain useful contact information.

Key skills for health service managers

Employers seek motivated candidates who are adaptable and capable of working well under pressure, with excellent teamworking, analytical and managerial skills. Good verbal and written communication skills are essential, as is a mature, confident and sensitive manner.