Job Description

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Deputy Dietetic Manager to support the delivery of high-quality dietetic care across inpatient and outpatient oncology services. This role combines operational leadership, clinical expertise, and educational responsibilities, ensuring safe, effective, and patient-centred nutrition care.



The successful candidate will provide line management and leadership for dietetic staff, act as a clinical lead in a specialist oncology area, and support professional development for current and future staff through education, mentorship, and student placements. You will contribute to research, audit, and service improvement initiatives while championing the Trust's values and fostering a collaborative departmental culture.

As the deputy nutrition and dietetic manager, you will:

Lead and manage dietetic staff, ensuring safe, effective, and high-quality service delivery.

Act as a clinical lead in a specialist oncology area, providing expert nutritional guidance.

Organise and oversee student dietetic placements, supporting high-quality learning experiences.

Deliver specialist nutritional support and education to oncology patients to promote health and quality of life.

Serve as a recognised specialist resource on nutrition and cancer for patients, carers, and healthcare professionals.

Develop and deliver education and training to medical, nursing, and allied health staff within and outside the Trust.

Contribute to research, audit, and service improvement initiatives in line with departmental priorities.



Champion the Trust's values, equality, and patient-centred care in all aspects of service delivery



The Department of nutrition and dietetics is a supportive and progressive department of 26 dietitians and 3 nutrition specialist nurses who work closely together in line with the Trust's core values, fostering a respectful and patient-centred culture. Our vision is to lead in oncology nutrition and dietetics, placing patients at the heart of our work through innovation, education, and research. We strive to be the best place to work by valuing each other and supporting the development of both current and future staff. We provide high-quality dietetic care across inpatient and outpatient services and are actively involved in research, audit, and service improvement. Professional development is strongly encouraged through regular CPD, in-house training, journal clubs, and specialist courses, many delivered in collaboration with The Christie Institute for Cancer Education. The department also plays a key role in student training and contributes to local and national education and networking initiatives. The Trust is committed to supporting career pathways for Allied Health Professionals, helping you grow in your role and beyond.



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 Trust's 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.