An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Orthotist to join Steeper as Principal Orthotist - South Coast, with operational responsibility for our established orthotic services in Portsmouth and Bournemouth. This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced clinician looking to progress into leadership and develop operational management skills while remaining clinically active.

Based at Portsmouth you will provide day-to-day leadership across the South Coast services, line managing a team of five Orthotists and an Orthotic Technician, with oversight of the local orthotic workshop. Previous formal management experience is not essential; full support and development will be provided through the Combined Services Manager and wider Steeper leadership team.

As Principal Orthotist, you will combine your own clinical caseload with dedicated management time, providing visible clinical and operational leadership across Portsmouth and Bournemouth. You will work closely with the Combined Services Manager, NHS partners and the wider Steeper team to ensure services are safe, efficient, responsive and patient-centred.

You will support the professional development of the clinical team, coordinate staffing and timetables, maintain service continuity and use performance information to identify opportunities for improvement. The role also includes oversight of the workshop interface, team communication, student placements, multidisciplinary training and local service development.
 

• Provide professional leadership, clinical supervision and development for the South Coast clinical team.
• Undertake operational management of the Portsmouth and Bournemouth orthotic services.
• Line manage five Orthotists and an Orthotic Technician, including appraisal, development, sickness, annual leave and maternity arrangements.
• Coordinate clinical timetables and communicate effectively with NHS partners regarding changes, cancellations, cover and payback sessions.
• Oversee the local orthotic workshop interface to support effective, timely and high-quality patient care.
• Monitor service performance and KPIs, including use of the Meditech system and analysis of service data.
• Coordinate and contribute to team meetings, service reviews and improvement activity in partnership with the Clinical Services Manager.
• Identify clinical development opportunities and facilitate appropriate internal, external and multidisciplinary training.
• Support student placements and contribute to the development of future Orthotists.
• Build strong working relationships with customers, referrers, healthcare professionals and multidisciplinary teams.
• Identify opportunities to improve clinical pathways, productivity, service quality and patient experience while balancing clinical and business needs.
• Maintain an appropriate clinical caseload and continue to practise autonomously to a high professional standard.
• Contribute to local networking and in-house education to raise awareness of Orthotics and Steeper services.

  We are looking for an experienced Orthotist who is passionate about delivering excellent patient care and ready to take the next step into clinical and operational leadership. You will be highly organised, confident working autonomously and able to communicate effectively with colleagues, patients, NHS partners and wider multidisciplinary teams.

You will demonstrate sound clinical judgement, integrity and a genuine interest in developing people and services. Commercial awareness is important, together with the ability to balance clinical quality, operational performance and business need. Formal management experience is not essential; we are looking for someone with the potential and motivation to grow into the role.
 
A Great Place to Live and Work
The South Coast offers an excellent balance of career opportunity and lifestyle. Portsmouth combines a vibrant waterfront, historic dockyard and easy access to the South Downs, while Bournemouth offers award-winning beaches, a lively town centre and access to the New Forest and Jurassic Coast. With coast, countryside, water sports, cycling, walking and strong transport links all close by, the role offers an attractive base for candidates considering a move to the region.