Blood Sciences Manager and Deputy Director of Pathology

NHS; Bristol; On-site; GBP 76,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Bristol is seeking a Blood Sciences Manager to oversee laboratory operations and ensure high quality and efficiency in blood sciences. This role requires leadership of a team, effective problem solving, and collaboration with consultants. Ideal candidates should possess extensive operational management experience and hold relevant qualifications such as the FIBMS. The position offers a salary range of £76,965 to £88,682 per annum with a permanent full-time contract.

Qualifications

• Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (FIBMS).
• Current registration with HCPC.
• Relevant postgraduate qualification.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate work across various blood sciences sections.
• Oversee staffing levels and administration management.
• Monitor service and financial performance.

Skills

Leadership and management

Operational management

Strategic project management

Collaboration

Quality assurance

Education

Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (FIBMS)

Master's degree or equivalent specialist experience

Job description

Job Summary

Are you a confident Biomedical Scientist leader ready to make a real impact in a fast‑paced Blood Sciences pathology environment? We are seeking a Blood Sciences Manager to guide our department by planning, leading, organising, and overseeing laboratory operations in alignment with the clinical direction of Lead Consultants in Haematology, Chemistry, and Immunology. In this role, you will be responsible for maintaining and enhancing the performance, quality, efficiency, and safety of the laboratory through effective management strategies and continuous improvement.

We are looking for a proactive, assured leader who can make sound decisions under pressure and work collaboratively with colleagues at all levels. Although leadership experience within Blood Sciences is highly desirable, a strong background in Biomedical Science will also provide a strong platform for success.

The post holder will additionally serve as the Deputy Director of Pathology, supporting the Director of Pathology and representing the service at divisional, Trust, and network‑level meetings as required.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coordinate and monitor the work of various Haematology, Chemistry and Immunology sections, managing workflows and staffing levels and coordinating with other teams and services to ensure a joined‑up efficient service focused on maximising quality and speed of service to requesting clinicians.
• Manage and oversee the administration and blood science reception staff (approx. 50 WTE).
• Provide overall management, organisation, and operational problem solving for the laboratory service and its day‑to‑day operation across relevant Severn Pathology sites.
• Develop and manage effective business continuity management and resilience arrangements.
• Manage quality and quantity of employee productivity, scheduling and coordinating workforce availability, including rostering, training planning, skills development and succession planning. Manage integration of services from existing arrangements, including project managing service moves and introduction of new ways of operating.
• Working collaboratively with Severn Pathology lead roles, accountable for quality of laboratory services, ensuring accreditation and quality control and assurance standards are met in line with corporate direction.
• Monitor and report on service and financial performance, driving improvements to ensure targets are met and customer service is maintained and enhanced.
• Laboratory equipment management, including consumables and liaison with equipment suppliers over maintenance, performance and fault resolution.
• Working collaboratively with the Severn Pathology Health and Safety Lead, manage and ensure operational health and safety across all aspects of laboratory service provision.
• Support the relevant Lead Consultants to develop and integrate diagnostic and analytical techniques into appropriate patient pathways to improve patient outcomes.
• Scan for new business opportunities, scope possibilities and support bids for new services.
• Plan and implement integrated multi‑section (Immunology, Haematology & Biochemistry) service developments.

Education / Training / Qualifications

• Essential: Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (FIBMS) (or equivalent); Current registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC); Relevant postgraduate qualification at Masters level and/or extensive specialist experience; Evidence of commitment to continuing professional development.
• Desirable: Relevant management qualification or demonstrable management skills from a portfolio of evidence.

Work Experience

• Extensive leadership and operational management experience (5 years+) gained within a healthcare provider setting.
• Experience managing a large budget and delivering significant and challenging annual savings plans.
• Experience establishing and maintaining relationships with external organisations to ensure delivery of Trust and wider health economy priorities.
• Experience managing complex operational situations that involve staff from all levels within the organisation and across a range of professional and organisational boundaries.
• Evidence of significant achievement in managing and delivering strategic level projects or workstreams.
• Experience leading and managing substantial service change and redesign in a complex environment.
• Demonstrable track record in identifying and achieving performance improvement.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Excellent understanding of current NHS strategy and policy framework and its impact on Pathology services within a large acute Trust.
• In‑depth knowledge and understanding of Pathology issues currently facing primary and secondary care.
• Clear understanding of one or more of the Trust's specialist provider status and resultant impact on Pathology services.
• Exceptional knowledge of statutory requirements covering health and safety, COSHH and UKAS Accreditation.
• Significant demonstrable experience of leading and working effectively in a multi‑professional environment.

EEO Statement

North Bristol NHS Trust values all people as individuals. We aim to be an anti‑discriminatory organisation and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. We welcome applicants from all under‑represented groups.

Location

Pathology Sciences Building, Southmead Hospital, Southmead Road, Bristol, BS10 5NB

Salary and Contract

Band 8c, £76,965 to £88,682 a year per annum, Permanent contract, Full‑time.