Senior Surgery Manager
Likely
Sponsorship likelihood
This employer has issued visas recently
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
£50,300
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 1171 (82% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £50,300, and Optical Express is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
Worth checking: this could also be SOC 1231 (Health care practice managers), which is not on the eligible-occupation list. Ask Optical Express what the duties actually are.
About the role
Senior Surgery Manager
Location: Bristol
Salary: Commensurate with experience.
Optical Express is focused on delivering exceptional patient care, outstanding clinical outcomes and continued investment in our people and technology.
For over 35 years, millions of patients have trusted Optical Express with their eye care. As the UK's leading private provider of laser eye, premium intraocular lens and cataract surgery, our Surgeons undertake more laser procedures collectively than any other provider. We look after thousands of patients in our clinics every week and it’s a privilege to transform the lives of so many.
The Optical Express team work together, collectively and consistently striving for excellence. We support each other, respect each other and are committed to a culture of care, trust and integrity.
The culture extends to our local communities, through our range of charitable and environmental projects. We focus on doing what is right for our patients, our colleagues, our local communities and our planet.
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior Surgery Manager to lead and oversee our high-performing ophthalmic surgical services. This is an exciting opportunity for a proven healthcare leader with a strong background in Laser Vision Correction (LVC) and Cataract Surgery, combined with comprehensive knowledge of CQC regulations and governance requirements.
As Senior Surgery Manager you will be responsible for setting and maintaining world class surgical standards throughout our hospitals, you will ideally be will be a CQC Registered Manager or have demonstrable experience managing a regulated surgical service, ensuring exceptional patient outcomes, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence.
Due to the nature of the role you will be expected to travel regularly to our hospitals across the Midlands, London, Anglia and the South West.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic and operational leadership across surgical services.
- Act as the CQC Registered Manager, maintaining full compliance with all regulatory requirements.
- Lead multidisciplinary clinical and non-clinical teams to deliver outstanding patient care.
- Oversee the delivery of Cataract and Laser Vision Correction services, ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality.
- Manage clinical governance, risk management, audits, and quality improvement initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with CQC standards, policies, and healthcare legislation.
- Drive service performance against KPIs, patient satisfaction, and financial targets.
- Lead workforce planning, recruitment, training, and staff development.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and patient-centred care.
- Work closely with Consultant Ophthalmologists and senior stakeholders to optimise service delivery and patient outcomes.
Essential Requirements
- Previous experience as a Surgery Manager, Hospital Manager, or Theatre Manager within ophthalmology
- Strong background in LVC and Cataract surgery
- Proven experience of managing Multi Disciplinary teams in a surgery setting
- Excellent understanding of Clinical governance and HCC systems
- Must be a confident and effective communicator
- Have meticulous attention to detail
- Ability to drive operational performance whilst maintaining excellent patient care standards
A career at Optical Express is fulfilling, fun and rewarding. As an employee, you can benefit from the following
- State of the art, modern working environment
- 33 days annual Leave
- Free Laser Eye Surgery and Intraocular Lens Surgery
- Free eye tests
- Free prescription eye wear to a value of £250 and discounted sunglasses
Please apply now by uploading your CV.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a global organisation where you will have the opportunity to grow and develop within a professional working environment.
Optical Express is an equal opportunities employer.
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with Optical Express, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Health services and public health managers and directors (SOC 1171) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~51k in sample- Middle half £49,244–78,468
- Median £62,296
- Going rate £50,300
- Threshold £41,700
- New entrant £35,200–45,300
Similar sponsored roles
See all UK visa jobsNo close matches live right now.
Browse more sponsored jobs at Optical ExpressAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. Optical Express holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 1171 going rate of £50,300. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.