Principal Sonographer

Job summary Hywel Dda University Health Board is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking Principal Sonographer to provide strategic, professional, governance and operational leadership for ultrasound services across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of ultrasound practice across a diverse Health Board, leading service transformation, strengthening clinical governance, and supporting sustainable, high-quality care for patients and communities. Working within Radiology, you will act as the Health Board's senior professional authority for ultrasound, influencing strategic direction, workforce development, quality assurance and innovation while promoting compassionate, inclusive and values-based leadership. The post offers the chance to work across beautiful rural and coastal communities, combining senior leadership responsibility with the opportunity to make a visible difference to patient safety, access, service quality and staff development. Key benefits of the role include: Influence the strategic direction of ultrasound services across the Health Board. Lead innovation, service redesign and quality improvement at scale. Support and develop a skilled ultrasound workforce, including advanced and extended roles. Contribute to governance, safety and assurance at senior organisational level. Work in a supportive Health Board serving vibrant communities across west Wales. Main duties of the job The Principal Sonographer will provide senior leadership for ultrasound practice, ensuring services are safe, effective, sustainable and aligned with national standards, regulatory requirements and Health Board priorities. The post holder will lead ultrasound governance, quality assurance, audit, risk management and service improvement, including oversight of policies, standards, equipment strategy, performance data and preparation for accreditation requirements such as Quality Standards in Imaging. A key part of the role will be leading and influencing workforce strategy, professional standards, education, credentialing, scope of practice and career development pathways, while working collaboratively with clinical, operational, managerial and external partners to improve access, patient flow and outcomes. The role also includes expert clinical contribution, including referral vetting, high-quality ultrasound examinations, interpretative reporting, medicines governance within the area of responsibility, incident and complaint investigation, and provision of specialist advice across services. About us Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties. We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services. We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers. Our services are provided in: Four main hospitals: Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth; Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen; Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest Five community hospitals: Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshire Two integrated care centres: Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settings 47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 99 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services Details Date posted 01 October 2026 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 8b Salary £67,583 to £78,530 a year per annum Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 100-AHP090-0926 Job locations Health Board Wide - To be agreed with candidate Health Board Wide - To be agreed with candidate SA31 2AF United Kingdom Job description Job responsibilities You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents. The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers. The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us. Interviews will be held on 25/11/2026. Job description Job responsibilities You will be able to f