Recruitment Service Centre - Service Manager

This is an exciting opportunity to support set up and and then lead what will be the NHS's largest collaborative recruitment centre - shaping the service from the outset. As part of the implementation team, the postholder will help build the service before it becomes operational and will then transition into leading the recruitment centre team's day-to-day delivery. Hosted by Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, the Greater Manchester Recruitment Service Centre will support recruitment across multiple Greater Manchester Trusts. The service will help the region attract, recruit and retain great people across all staff groups and at every level, supporting safe, effective care for our patient communities. This role will ideally suit an experienced Recruitment Leader who thrives in an environment which will be challenging and fast paced, supporting high volumes of recruitment and where safe and compliant practices and processes underpin all activity.

The main duties of the job will be:

1. To support with the successful implementation of the Greater Manchester Recruitment Service Centre model hosted by MFT

2. To lead the day to day delivery of the newly established Greater Manchester Recruitment Service Centre

3. To ensure the Recruitment Service Centre teams operate within the scope and parameters of the agreed Service Level Agreement

4. To ensure that the Recruitment Service Centre teams deliver the services safely and compliantly and in line with NHS Employers standards and individual Trust policies

5. To drive continuous improvement in the Time to Hire

6. To deliver the Recruitment Service Centre within the agreed budgets, meeting future cost saving commitments

7. To directly line manage direct reports ensuring appropriate training, supervision, support, objective setting and development

8. To embed good practices of team communication and support

9. To be a subject matter expert on the Recruitment Service Centre operating model

10. To ensure reports required in the Service level Agreement are accurate and on time

11. To escalate any issues or concerns to senior management or participating Trusts as appropriate

12. To identify and recommend any areas of improvement opportunity in processes or service and to lead the embedding of all continuous improvements that are agreed to be implemented, MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application

Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, we're proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOU, for our patients, our communities, and each other.

As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your application, especially personal statements and responses to role specific questions is written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.

Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

As part of our commitment to safeguarding patients and staff, many roles at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This is a standard process across the NHS and helps us ensure a safe environment for everyone.

What is a DBS Check?

A DBS check is a background check that reveals any criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands, or warnings. The level of check required depends on the role:

Standard DBS: Checks for spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings.

Enhanced DBS: Includes the above, plus any additional information held by local police that's considered relevant to the role.

Enhanced with BarredLists: Includes all of the above, plus checks against the children's and/or adults' barred lists.

Who Needs a DBS Check

Most roles involving direct patient contact, working with children or vulnerable adults, or access to sensitive information will require a DBS check. The job advert and recruitment team will let you know if this applies to your role.

The Costs for a DBS

At Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), roles that require a DBS check are subject to a cost recovery policy. This means that the cost of submitting and processing a DBS application if you are successful and join us, will be deducted from your salary within the first three months of employment. If, however, you withdraw from a conditional offer after the DBS process has begun, you will still be liable for the cost incurred.

For more information about the cost of the various types of DBS, please visit:https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dbs-fees-are-changing-in-december

DBS Update Service

Candidates are also expected to register with the DBS Update Service which must be completed within 30 days of the certificate being issued. This helps streamline future employment checks and supports safer recruitment practices. For more information, please visit the DBS Update Service.

This is a role supporting the transactional recruitment for multiple NHS Trusts across Greater Manchester. The Recruitment Service Centre will be hosted by Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) who will also be the employer of the postholder. MFT delivers care to over 1 million patients & users each year through our 10 hospitals and extensive community services. Our 30,000 plus strong workforce is central to our success and innovation.

In this role you will play a pivotal part in supporting the operational excellence and strategic ambitions of multiple Trusts. You'll work collaboratively with clinical and non-clinical teams, driving improvements that enhance patient experience, staff wellbeing, and service efficiency.

MFT offers a dynamic, inclusive environment where your leadership, ideas, and expertise are valued. You'll have access to professional development, digital tools and opportunities to contribute to transformational projects that shape the future of healthcare delivery.

We are committed to supporting your growth and wellbeing, recognising the vital role you play in the success of our organisation and others.

Join us and help shape the future of recruitment in Greater Manchester -make a real difference to teams, services, and communities, and fundamentally - patients.