Job overview

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Job Title: Consultant Cardiac Surgeon
Start Date: October 2026
Contract Type: Fixed term
Duration: 12 months
Purpose for Fixed Term: Limited Term Project

Please see below for detailed job description of the role.

Main duties of the job

UHS is looking for an experienced cardiac surgeon to join our adult acquired cardiac surgical team in a clinical managerial position for a temporary period. This role is endorsed by the Royal College of Surgeons.

This is to lead the team through a period of meaningful change and set a direction of growth for one the busiest services in the UK.

The successful applicant will need to demonstrate a proven track record in similar settings, clinical experience and substantial leadership experience.  Clinically any sub-specialty interest could be accommodated.

This post is offered for 12 months initially. NHS employees may take it up as a secondment, which must be formally agreed with their home NHS Trust. External applicants will be appointed on a fixed term contract for the same period.  

If a substantive Consultant Cardiac Surgeon role becomes available, it will be openly advertised, there is no automatic right to extension or appointment. It is anticipated that the role will be full-time (10-12PAs) with at least 2PAs dedicated to leadership, but there are options to be flexible in terms of overall hours.  

This position may suit an applicant who wishes to take a sabbatical from their current position to further develop their leadership skills. The JD attached is intended to be only as a guide to the role. We are seeking initial expressions of interest to [email protected] with a brief CV attached.  

Please see the Consultant Brochure which provides further information.

Working for our organisation

As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. UHS is rated ‘Good’ by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care.  

We support flexible working and will consider requests taking into account the needs of the service. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme. 

Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 20% lower than London and 14 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

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