operational excellence jobs

Job Summary – Dental Practice Manager

Watford Smiles

Watford Smiles is seeking an experienced, driven, and highly organised Dental Practice Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of our growing private dental practice. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the clinic, supporting and developing the team, delivering an outstanding patient journey, and maintaining the commercial and operational performance of the business.

The ideal candidate will be a confident leader with proven management experience in a dental or healthcare setting, a proactive problem-solver, and someone who thrives in a fast-paced, patient-focused environment. This role offers the opportunity to take ownership, implement systems, and play a key part in the continued growth and success of Watford Smiles.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise, and support the practice team, including co-ordinators, dental nurses, hygienists, therapists and clinical support staff
• Oversee daily operations, ensuring efficient appointment scheduling, patient flow, records management, and billing processes
• Manage the financial performance of the practice, including budgeting, invoicing, expense control, and reporting
• Implement and manage HR processes, including recruitment, onboarding, training, performance reviews, and team development
• Ensure full compliance with CQC requirements, health and safety regulations, and infection control standards
• Work closely with clinicians to optimise workflows, chair utilisation, and overall patient care
• Handle patient feedback, concerns, and complaints professionally, maintaining the practice’s reputation for excellence
• Maintain accurate documentation and systems for legal compliance, audits, and inspections
• Contribute to business growth initiatives, marketing activity, and community engagement strategies

Skills & Experience

• Proven management or supervisory experience within a dental or healthcare environment
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, develop, and hold a team accountable
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills with strong attention to detail
• Sound financial and commercial awareness, including budgeting and cost control
• Good understanding of HR processes and people management in a healthcare setting
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with staff, patients, and external partners
• Ability to adapt quickly, prioritise effectively, and remain calm under pressure
• Experience with practice management systems (e.g. SOE Exact) and digital workflows is highly desirable
• Experience in other regulated healthcare environments (including veterinary practices) is advantageous but not essential

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: £18.00-£25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 30 – 44 per week

Benefits:

• Company events
• Employee discount
• Flexitime
• Free parking
• On-site parking
• Work from home

Work Location: In person