What does a GP Practice Manager actually do?

The short version

GP practice managers run the business of a surgery — HR, finance, CQC compliance, premises, IT, complaints — so clinicians can see patients. No degree and no register: you get in through NHS admin, deputy PM roles, or a transferable management background.

The pitch: one of the most powerful non-clinical jobs in primary care, with genuine breadth and a no-degree route up. The honest catch: no national pay scale (wide variance by practice), ambiguous authority under partner owners, and the administrative parts of the role are exactly what AI is automating.

Entry routes that actually work

• Inside the practice — reception/admin → deputy → PM is the most common path.
• NHS admin lateral move — hospital or ICB management transfers well.
• AMSPAR/IHPM qualifications — the recognised credentials alongside experience.