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Staff working in strategic level management posts will have gained knowledge and experience in one or more areas, for example, in financial planning/budgeting, human resource (HR) planning or measuring quality/performance of certain services. Whatever the sector of management, gaining management qualifications while on-the-job will improve your career prospects and performance greatly and is encouraged in most healthcare organisations. Training will vary for each level of management.

Most jobs in the NHS are covered by the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scales. This pay system covers all staff except doctors, dentists and the most senior managers. Although you could work your way up from administrative and supervisory roles in between bands 3-6, working in a strategic management role in the NHS your salary would typically be between AfC bands 8 and 9. There would be opportunities at director level, some of which would be on the Very Senior Managers pay scales, typically in excess of £100,000 per year. Staff in the NHS will usually work a standard 37.5 hours per week. Terms and conditions of service can vary for employers outside the NHS.

To work in strategic management, you’ll typically need an ability to think strategically, good communication skills, leadership skills, organisational skills, a willingness to work with others and respect their views, a good level of numeracy, negotiating skills, the ability to challenge the way things are and find better alternatives, honesty and fairness in dealing with other people and a commitment to the ideals of quality and fairness in delivering healthcare.

With further training and/or experience, you may be able to develop your career further into more senior managerial roles at director level.

There is no set entry route to become a nutritionist. The Association for Nutrition (AfN) maintains the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists (UKVRN). There are three categories of UKVRN registrant: (i) registered nutritionist (RNutr) with nutrition specialism in public health, nutrition science, sport & exercise, food or animal nutrition; (ii) associate nutritionist (ANutr); (iii) Fellow of AfN (FAfN). All registrants have a degree in nutrition sciences or substantial peer-recognised professional nutrition experience and adhere to AfN Standards of Ethics, Conduct and Performance. To get onto a nutrition degree course you usually need appropriate level 3 qualifications. For a Masters you need a relevant degree or professional qualification. You will have the training you need to do the job which is likely to include an introduction to the area and local groups and agencies. Nutritionists need to make sure they keep their knowledge and skills up to date.

Nutritionists working in the NHS are paid on the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay system. You would typically start on AfC band 5, but you should check individual job vacancies for details. With further training and experience, you could apply for more senior positions at bands 6 and above. Most nutritionists working in or with the NHS work standard hours, which are likely to be around 37.5 a week. They may work some evenings or weekends. Elsewhere the hours may vary depending on the needs of the employer or the project. Terms and conditions will usually be different for nutritionists working outside of the NHS.

Nutritionists need to be interested in science and food, positive and able to motivate others , understanding of other people and their lifestyles and able to explain complex things simply. They also need an understanding of science, organisational and communication skills.

As you gain experience, you can take on more senior roles in projects and departments. You could progress to larger projects or become a project leader or co-ordinator.