Cellular & Infection Sciences Manager

Transformation Unit; Peterborough; Remote; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

NHS Pension Scheme

Flexible working opportunities

Career development and training

On-site physiotherapy

Subsidised staff parking

Job summary

Transformation Unit is seeking an experienced operations leader to drive cellular pathology and microbiology services at Peterborough. You will lead a skilled team, shape strategy with senior leadership, and ensure high-quality, patient-focused service delivery within budgetary constraints.

You will oversee recruitment, development, and engagement of staff, maintain governance standards, and champion continuous improvement across NHS pathology services at multiple sites as required.

Qualifications

• Detailed practical and theoretical knowledge of at least one clinical pathology discipline (Cellular Pathology or Microbiology).
• Senior leadership experience in a clinical laboratory with governance under professional bodies.
• Experience managing services with ISO/UKAS, HSE, HTA and CQC standards.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and resources.
• Proven track record in staff development and training within pathology.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-quality, patient-focused pathology services within budget constraints.
• Recruit, retain, and develop the team; shape strategy with senior leadership.
• Drive QA/QMS initiatives and accreditation readiness across sites.
• Engage stakeholders and ensure equity across all staff groups.
• Support workforce development and training in Cellular Pathology and Microbiology.

Skills

Staff leadership

Executive influence

Policy implementation

Budget & governance

Quality & clinical audit

LIMS knowledge

Multi-site management

Change management

Education

IBMS Higher Specialist diploma

IBMS Diploma in Biomedical Science

MSc or equivalent

HCPC registration (Biomedical/Clinical Scientist)

CPD ongoing evidence

Postgraduate management qualification

NEBOSH Certificate

IBMS Fellowship or equivalent

Quality Management qualification or experience

Tools

LIMS iSoft/Telepath/WinPath

Quality Management Systems (QPulse/iPassport)

PC office applications

Job description

We are excited to offer an outstanding opportunity for an experienced operations professional and quality-focused manager to join our Pathology senior leadership team. This key role will drive the technical and scientific evolution of our Cellular Pathology and Microbiology laboratory services on the Peterborough site, significantly benefiting our patients and service users.

Our department prides itself on a strong ethos of quality management. Peterborough City Hospital is the first NHS laboratory to achieve single UKAS/ISO15189 accreditation for the entire Pathology department. Our Cellular Pathology and Microbiology laboratories are IBMS-accredited training centres committed to education and training excellence. As a progressive laboratory, we actively encourage staff development, education, and continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate will bring a proven track record of effective senior operational leadership and extensive experience in managing a high-performing Quality Management System (QMS) within Cellular Pathology and/or Microbiology settings. Experience in delivering successful service redesign initiatives and a strong understanding of workforce development for pathology staff will be highly valued.

Main duties of the job

This role is responsible for delivering a high-quality, patient-focused service while adhering to budgetary constraints and aligning with the strategies and policies set by the Pathology department and the wider Trust.

The successful candidate will be tasked with managing the recruitment, retention, and development of the team, working closely with the Pathology Services Manager, Clinical Leads, and other Senior Leadership Team members to shape strategy and service planning. A strong 'can-do' attitude, coupled with excellent change management and communication skills, is essential. The role requires leading by example, supporting staff engagement, and ensuring fairness and equity across all team groups.

Candidates must possess extensive senior operational experience in at least one of either a Cellular Pathology or Microbiology discipline and be prepared to work across all Trust sites as needed.

Working for our organisation

We are dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusivity within our workforce and warmly welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, with a particular emphasis on encouraging those from disabled, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, as well as candidates from our local area.

As part of our commitment to supporting our employees we offer a range of benefits including:

• Generous annual leave entitlement starting at 27 days and increasing to 29 days after five years of service and 33 days after 10 years of service, in addition to the national Bank Holidays (pro-rata for part time staff);
• Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme:
• Flexible working opportunities;
• Enhanced hourly rates for unsociable hours e.g. night shifts, weekends, bank holidays;
• Opportunities for career development and training to help you progress in your role;
• Wellbeing support and activities to promote a healthy work environment;
• Access to our in-house physiotherapy service;
• On-site canteens offering subsidised meals;
• Subsidised staff parking (currently free);
• Free Stagecoach Bus Travel to and from work within Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

We strive to create a supportive and inclusive workplace where employees feel valued and empowered to excel in their roles. Join us and become part of a team dedicated to making a positive difference in our community.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

See the attached job description and person specification for further information on the main duties, responsibilities and skills required for this role.

Person specification

Experience

• Detailed practical and theoretical knowledge of at least one of the clinical specialties within Cellular Pathology or Microbiology disciplines
• Demonstrable extensive and up-to-date managerial and supervisory experience at a senior leadership level within a clinical laboratory and in line with guidance from the Royal College and other Professional bodies.
• Experience of managing a service within a framework supporting strong clinical governance
• Awareness of current professional issues
• Demonstrable evidence of the ability to effectively manage budgets and other resources.
• To be proficient in quality and clinical audit, administration, management and development of Pathology services
• Proven ability to manage, motivate and train staff
• Significant experience of leading services which comply with ISO/UKAS, HSE, HTA and CQC systems and standards
• Highly developed specialist knowledge of a Pathology Quality Management underpinned by theoretical and demonstrable practical experience.
• Knowledge of training within Pathology and demonstrable experience of managing an IBMS and/or AHCS accredited training laboratory

Key Skills/Abilities

• Able to manage staff and lead a team across multiple sites in line with organisational workforce policies and procedures
• Able to influence senior leaders, internal and external to the department, and across system divides
• Able to master complex facts, reach appropriate conclusions and formulate required/relevant responses.
• Able to decide upon and implement policies and procedures within the constraints set by the service, Trust and other regulating and professional bodies.
• Ability to listen to and influence key stakeholders across the Trust to ensure all support services meet the needs of NWAFT patients and staff.
• Good practical knowledge of health & safety issues including COSHH, fire regulations and risk assessments
• Able to plan and organise complex activities
• Highly developed physical skills required with ability to maintain prolonged concentration and accuracy.
• Credible leader at internal and external meetings
• Knowledge of LIMS systems e.g. iSoft/Telepath/ WinPath, Quality Management Systems such as QPulse/ iPassport and PC office applications

Education and Qualifications

• Appropriate Postgraduate qualifications e.g., IBMS Higher Specialist diploma, IBMS Diploma in Biomedical Science, MSc or equivalent
• HCPC registration as a Biomedical and/or Clinical Scientist
• Evidence of mandatory on-going CPD
• Recognised postgraduate training qualification
• Recognised postgraduate management qualification
• NEBOSH Certificate
• Fellowship of the IBMS and/or other relevant professional body
• Quality Management qualification or demonstrable experience

Disclosure & Barring Check Fee

Where your role requires a DBS check, the Trust will pay the fee upfront and reclaim the cost (including a £5 admin fee) from your first month’s salary. Volunteers are exempt.

Our Values – At the heart of all we do
We recruit not just for skills but for behaviours aligned with our core values: dedication, care, courage, and innovation. Show us how you live these values in your application and interview.

International Applicants & Sponsorship
Applications from candidates requiring UK sponsorship are welcome where the role is eligible for sponsorship under current UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) rules.

Please note that not all roles will meet the eligibility requirements for Skilled Worker sponsorship. Eligibility is determined by factors including occupation code, skill level and salary thresholds in line with UKVI guidance.

Most non-UK/Republic of Ireland nationals require a visa to work in the UK. Candidates are encouraged to review current visa requirements and eligibility before applying:
Check UK visa eligibility

If applying from overseas, you may also be required to provide a criminal record certificate for any country in which you have lived for 12 months or more during the past 10 years.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.