Practice Manager (CQC Registered Manager)
The University of Suffolk Dental Community Interest Company (CIC) is seeking an experienced Practice Manager (CQC Registered Manager) to lead the day-to-day operational management of our NHS dental service in Ipswich.
This is a senior, practice-based leadership role with statutory responsibility for CQC compliance, operational performance, workforce management, and patient experience.
The post holder will act as the main on-site leader, ensuring the delivery of safe, effective, prevention-led NHS dental care to local communities, while fostering a positive, inclusive, and high-performing culture.
Main duties of the job
- Provide visible leadership for the daily operational management of a busy NHS dental practice, ensuring efficient patient flow, clinic utilisation, and service delivery.
- Act as the CQC Registered Manager, maintaining full compliance with regulatory, governance, and safeguarding requirements.
- Lead and coordinate preparation for CQC inspections, NHS commissioner reviews, and internal audits, ensuring action plans are implemented and evidenced.
- Line manage administrative and clinical support staff, overseeing recruitment, induction, appraisal, probation, performance management, and mandatory training.
- Promote a positive workplace culture focused on professionalism, wellbeing, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
- Oversee patient experience, including complaint handling, feedback, and access for vulnerable and priority population groups.
- Monitor NHS dental activity, claims, and performance data, working closely with finance colleagues to ensure accurate reporting and contract delivery.
- Work collaboratively with clinical leads, operational leads, and University colleagues to integrate service delivery with education and training activity.
- This post is subject to a 6-month probationary period and enhanced DBS clearance. The role may occasionally require evening or weekend working to meet service needs.
About Us
We are an innovative Dental Social Enterprise that really wants to make a difference to people through the delivery of accessible NHS dental care. We are a purpose-led and values-driven organisation. Our mission is clear; we are here to deliver ordinary dental care with extraordinary care.
This is an opportunity to play a key leadership role within an innovative NHS dental CIC, delivering prevention-focused care while supporting workforce development and education in partnership with the University of Suffolk.
Details
Date posted: 02 March 2026
Pay scheme: Other
Salary: £38,682 to £46,580 a year
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: P0024-26-0005
Job locations: Floor 2, James Hehir Building, University Avenue, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP3 0FS
Essential Knowledge & Skills
- Strong working knowledge of CQC standards and NHS dental contract operations.
- Understanding of HR, governance, and compliance processes.
- Ability to analyse performance and financial data and produce clear reports.
- Excellent leadership, organisational, communication, and IT skills.
Experience
Essential
- Proven experience managing a busy healthcare or dental service.
- Experience working as a CQC Registered Manager.
- Demonstrable staff management experience, including recruitment, appraisal, performance management, and employee relations.
- Experience in investigating and responding to patient complaints.
Desirable
- Understanding of the Higher Education Sector in a dental/health setting.
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Approachable, resilient, and detail-focused.
- Strong commitment to patient safety, NHS values, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Ability to work flexibly and lead with professionalism, fairness, and integrity.
Qualifications
Essential
- Level 5 qualification (or equivalent experience) in Business Management or a healthcare/dental setting.
- Registered with the Care Quality Commission as a Registered Manager.
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information, please see the NHS Careers website.
Employer details
Employer name: University of Suffolk Dental CIC
Employer's website: https://suffolkdentalcic.co.uk/
