Primary Care Network Business Manager

Job overview

The North Cotswolds Primary Care Network is seeking a proactive, skilled, and dedicated Business Manager to join our team. This exciting opportunity comes at a time of transition as our current Business Manager prepares for retirement after a successful tenure. The new Business Manager will play a vital role in ensuring the continued smooth operation of our five-member GP practices and supporting the ongoing delivery of high-quality care to our rural community.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with strong leadership, financial, and operational management skills to make a significant impact in a rural healthcare setting, while building upon the legacy of collaboration, excellence, and patient-centred care established by the outgoing Business Manager.

Job description

The Primary Care Network (PCN) Business Manager will lead the strategic, operational, and financial management of the North Cotswolds PCN.

This is an important leadership role at a pivotal time, as the current Business Manager prepares for retirement. The new Business Manager will work closely with the Clinical Director, PCN team, and member practices to maintain operational continuity while introducing innovative ideas to ensure the networks future growth and sustainability.

The Business Manager will be responsible for the management and strategic coordination of the PCNs operations. This includes managing finances, supporting workforce development, ensuring compliance, and facilitating collaborative working across practices and with external partners. The role requires a proactive, adaptable individual with strong leadership, communication, and project management skills.

Job responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Development

Support the Clinical Director and member practices in the development and implementation of the PCNs strategic and business plans.

Identify opportunities to enhance service delivery and patient outcomes across the rural population.

Ensure delivery of national and local targets, including Network Contract DES requirements.

Operational Management

Oversee and coordinate PCN projects, services, and staff (e.g., Enhanced Access, ARRS roles, service pilots).

Ensure effective systems and processes are in place across the PCN to support operational efficiency.

Maintain excellent communication and collaboration between member practices, ensuring alignment and cohesion.

Financial Oversight

Prepare and manage the PCNs budgets, including ARRS and DES funding allocations.

Liaise with accountants and financial advisers to ensure robust reporting and compliance.

Monitor funding streams and ensure appropriate and timely use of PCN resources.

Workforce and HR Support

Lead recruitment, onboarding, and management of the PCN workforce, including ARRS-funded roles.

Support workforce planning and training initiatives aligned to the rural healthcare needs of the population.

Promote a supportive, inclusive and values-driven working environment.

Governance and Compliance

Ensure compliance with NHS England, ICB and local authority requirements, including reporting, audits, and risk management.

Maintain and review PCN policies, protocols, and risk registers.

Provide regular reports and updates to the PCN board.

Stakeholder Engagement

Act as a liaison between the PCN, ICB, community and secondary care providers, and voluntary sector organisations.

Represent the PCN in external meetings and forums, advocating for rural health needs.

Organise and lead PCN meetings, producing agendas, minutes, and follow-up actions.

About the organisation

North Cotswolds Primary Care Network is a well-established collaboration of five GP practices serving a population of approximately 33,500 patients across a large and picturesque rural footprint in Gloucestershire. We are a forward-thinking, patient-focused network committed to improving population health, delivering high-quality services, and working in partnership across health and care sectors.

Person specification

Experience

Essential

• Proven experience in management, in a primary care, NHS, or public sector settings at senior level.
• Strong financial and budget management skills.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and project management abilities.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders across organisations.
• Understanding of the healthcare landscape, particularly Primary Care Networks and NHS priorities.
• Proficiency with IT systems including MS Office, spreadsheets, and project management tools.
• Knowledge of rural healthcare challenges and service delivery models.
• Experience working in or with GP practices or PCNs.
• Understanding of NHS contracts and funding streams.
• Project or program management qualification or demonstrable experience
• Self-motivated and proactive, with a flexible and solution-focused approach.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, able to build relationships across practices and sectors.
• Committed to continuous improvement and high-quality patient care.
• 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.