Practice Manager Career Progression Guide

## GP Practice Management Career Guide

### The Career Ladder

**Stage 1: Administrative Foundation (0–3 years)**

Most Practice Managers started here. Key skills: appointment systems, patient communication, NHS processes, EMIS/SystmOne basics.

*Typical salary: £22,000 – £28,000*

**Stage 2: Senior Admin / Team Lead (3–6 years)**

Taking on supervisory responsibilities, project ownership, HR involvement.

*Typical salary: £28,000 – £35,000*

**Stage 3: Deputy Practice Manager (variable)**

The critical stepping stone. You run the practice when the PM is away. Start taking on own areas (HR, CQC, finance).

*Typical salary: £32,000 – £42,000*

**Stage 4: Practice Manager (5–10 years from start)**

Full accountability. Strategic role. Partners hold you responsible for everything non-clinical.

*Typical salary: £38,000 – £58,000*

**Stage 5: PCN / Operations Manager (optional)**

Managing across multiple practices, PCN DES delivery, system-level stakeholder engagement.

*Typical salary: £45,000 – £65,000*

### Recommended Qualifications

**Foundational:**

- AMSPAR Practice Management Certificate or Diploma

- NHS Leadership Academy programmes (free)

**Professional:**

- IGPM accreditation (MIGPM) — the only formal professional register

- CMI Level 5 in Management and Leadership

**Advanced:**

- MBA (Healthcare Management specialisation)

- MSc Primary Care Management

### Salary Negotiation Tips

- Benchmark using this community's salary data

- Document your achievements in financial terms: 'I delivered £X in QOF income, negotiated £Y saving on supplier contracts'

- Review timing: after a CQC Good/Outstanding is ideal leverage

- Know your BATNA: be willing to walk if genuinely underpaid