Surgical Navigator Role Purpose
The Surgical Navigator provides day-to-day logistical support to operating theatres, helping ensure the correct surgical consumables, instrument trays, implants and equipment are available for each procedure.
Working closely with theatre teams, Sterile Services, warehouse operations, procurement and transport, the postholder supports the preparation, movement, tracking and reconciliation of theatre case carts and surgical materials while maintaining high standards of stock control, traceability and patient safety.
Key ResponsibilitiesTheatre & Procedure Support
- Review daily theatre schedules and prepare materials for planned procedures.
- Check that consumables, instrument trays, implants and specialist equipment are available and ready for use.
- Identify shortages or discrepancies and escalate them promptly.
- Support theatre list changes, cancellations and urgent requests.
- Maintain awareness of procedure readiness throughout the day.
Case Cart Preparation & Delivery
- Assemble theatre case carts using approved procedure requirements.
- Verify patient, procedure and theatre details before delivery.
- Check packaging, identification labels and expiry dates.
- Deliver case carts to theatres within agreed timescales.
- Record movements using scanning and inventory systems.
Inventory & Stock Management
- Monitor and replenish theatre stock levels.
- Rotate stock using first-expiry-first-out principles.
- Identify expired, damaged or recalled products and remove them from use.
- Assist with stock counts, audits and inventory reconciliation.
- Maintain clean, organised and compliant storage areas.
Traceability & Systems Support
- Use inventory and barcode scanning systems to record product movements.
- Support product traceability and accurate inventory records.
- Assist with resolving scanning or stock discrepancies.
- Maintain accurate operational documentation to support audits.
Post-Procedure Activities
- Collect completed case carts after procedures.
- Return unused consumables and implants in accordance with procedures.
- Coordinate the return of instrument trays to Sterile Services.
- Report missing items or discrepancies promptly.
- Support reconciliation of stock and inventory records.
Customer Service & Communication
- Work closely with theatre staff, warehouse teams, procurement, transport and Sterile Services.
- Respond promptly to operational requests from clinical teams.
- Provide updates on stock availability and delivery status.
- Escalate issues that may impact theatre schedules or patient care.
Compliance & Safety
- Follow infection prevention, health and safety and security procedures.
- Comply with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and organisational policies.
- Maintain patient confidentiality and accurate records.
- Support continuous improvement and quality initiatives.
Person SpecificationEssential
- Experience in healthcare, theatre support, logistics, stores or inventory management.
- Good organisational and communication skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and prioritise competing tasks.
- Experience using computerised stock or inventory systems.
- High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
Desirable
- Experience working in an NHS or operating theatre environment.
- Knowledge of surgical consumables, instrument trays or implants.
- Experience using barcode scanning or inventory management systems.
- Understanding of stock control and traceability processes.
Core Competencies
- Customer focus
- Teamwork
- Organisation and planning
- Problem solving
- Attention to detail
- Communication skills
- Digital systems competency
- Adaptability
Key Working Relationships
The role works closely with:
- Theatre Teams
- Sterile Services Department (SSD)
- Warehouse Operations
- Procurement Teams
- Transport Teams
- Customer Services
- Clinical Support Teams
- Suppliers
Key Performance Indicators
- Theatre case cart readiness
- On-time delivery of surgical materials
- Inventory accuracy
- Stock availability
- Timely resolution of operational issues
- Traceability compliance
- Customer service standards
- Compliance with operational procedures
Additional Requirements
- Flexibility to work shifts, including weekends where required.
- Completion of mandatory training and site induction.
- Compliance with infection prevention, PPE and health and safety requirements.
- Ability to safely move stock and theatre equipment.
- Participation in continuous improvement activities.
Pay: From £30,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
