Job summaryThe Dorset Wheelchair Service is seeking an experienced engineer to join our established team for the position of Wheelchair Repairs and Stores Operational Lead. You will manage our in-house Warehouse and Stores, based at our St Leonards site, with the need to also visit our Dorchester site.The Wheelchair Repairs and Stores Operational Lead is a varied and vital role for a qualified engineer with experience of people management, and a flare for problem solving and organisation. Whilst experience of working with wheelchairs or other medical devices is desirable, it is not essential as we can help you to gain specialist knowledge. A relevant recognised engineering degree is essential for this post to be considered.We offer an integrated wheelchair service, providing an end-to-end service for the long-term loan of NHS wheelchairs to around 6,000 clients with all levels of disability impacting their mobility and independence. The service encompasses clinical, engineering, repairs, stores and administrative activity based over two sites in St Leonards and Dorchester and covering the whole of Dorset.Main duties of the jobIn this full-time weekday post, you will be responsible for coordinating multiple warehouse and community-based activities to provide a repair, maintenance, storage and stock management system of wheelchairs and accessories as medical devices, that is high quality and responsive. You will be part of the leadership team in the Wheelchair Service. You will also provide support and technical advice to service staff as well as to clients, their families and carers.You will manage a team of Warehouse staff and technicians working alongside a multidisciplinary team of Therapists, Rehab Engineers, support staff and administrative staff. You will supervise and line manage the Warehouse and Repairs staff, assisting them with change management and identifying learning needs for their ongoing development.You will ensure that the Warehouse meets performance criteria, KPIs and ensure Warehouse compliance with Medical Devices regulations and industry best practice. You will be responsible for Health & Safety in the Warehouse at both sites, writing and reviewing risk management documents, and ensuring environmental and process compliance with relevant policies. Should there be any adverse events, you will be part of the investigation for incidents and complaints.About usAt Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion and expertise in all we do.Job descriptionJob responsibilitiesFor the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare is working in partnership with The Princes Trust to support people getting into work, as part of this partnership, we are offering an employability service to support individuals between 16-30 years old with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support please do contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.netPerson SpecificationKnowledge and SkillsEssentialoCompleted a relevant engineering degree to Masters level, or to Bachelors level with considerable experience in engineering to post graduate level.oAbility to communicate with clarity and confidence in a variety of situations which may be demanding and difficult.oAbility to plan, facilitate and evaluate activities to meet department needs and objectives.oAbility to work on own initiative and without supervision.oProblem solving skills and flexibility to ensure an efficient service.DesirableoAbility to work as part of a team and relate well, encompassing the views of others.oGood knowledge and appreciation of national standards and guidelines that affect practice and service delivery.Job Specific experienceEssentialoBe able to work and produce work to a high degree of precision through the use of specialised hand and power tools.DesirableoBe familiar with a range of wheelchairs, power driven and manual.Business travel and additional requirementsEssentialoSubject to the provisions of the Equality Act, able to travel using own vehicle on Trust business.Previous experience of leading a team, including provision of supervision and appraisalsBusiness travel and additional requirementsEssentialoSubject to the provisions of the Equality Act, able to travel using own vehicle on Trust business.oDemonstrable skills in written and spoken English to a standard which enables the post holder to carry out the full range of duties and responsibilities of the role effectively.DesirableoAs required, drive an appropriate vehicular mobile workshop with a wheelchair lift. Distances covered are approximately 300 miles per week.Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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.Employer detailsEmployer nameDorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation TrustAddressAcorn Building, St Leonards Hospital241 Ringwood RoadRingwoodBH24 2DWEmployer's websitehttps://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)