Blood Supply Director

Page Executive; England; On-site; Confidential; Full time

Job description

• A uniquely rewarding opportunity to make a profound impact on public health
• Instrumental in shaping NHSBT's response to national healthcare challenges

About Our Client

As a member of the Executive Team and Board, the Director of Blood Supply has overall responsibility for the delivery and management of an integrated, end-to-end blood supply chain, from collections through to hospital delivery, optimising end-to-end operations to meet blood supply strategy and hospital demand, whilst maintaining clear focus and adherence to GMP and other regulatory, health, safety and environmental standards. The Director of Blood Supply leads approximately 3,000 people working across England, in both multiple fixed sites, on mobile teams and different manufacturing and testing sites, collecting and manufacturing over 6,000 units of blood a day, 7 days a week. They also direct the operation of a logistics fleet of in-house and outsourced vehicles, to ensure timely, 24/7 delivery of routine and emergency blood products in line with hospital customer demands.

Job Description

• Own the strategy for the end-to-end blood supply chain, from collections through to hospital delivery.
• Design and own a Blood Supply operating model that aligns with the goals of NHSBT and demonstrates efficient and effective service delivery, managing cost of supplying blood components and continuously optimising and innovating around Blood Supply capabilities.
• Develop innovative products and services which may reduce costs elsewhere across NHSBT and/or add value to the wider NHS.
• Ensure that the whole blood supply chain operates to the very highest regulatory standards.
• Ensure all logistics-related operations comply with applicable environmental, health, safety and other regulatory standards.
• Ensure that customers of blood components receive high levels of service and continue to consider NHSBT as their supplier of choice.
• Work collaboratively to:
• Shape the blood demand forecast and own its conversion into manufacturing and collection plans.
• Develop new services or align existing services and blood components to meet clinical needs.
• Define prices of blood components to hospitals and other organisations.
• Be accountable for consistent presentation of brand identity through any interactions with donors or hospital customers or through the use of any logistics vehicles.
• Make an effective and challenging contribution to all aspects of the Executive and main Board activity.
• Direct the operation of a logistics fleet of in-house and outsourced vehicles, to ensure timely, 24/7 delivery of routine and emergency blood products in line with hospital customer demands.
• Ensure NHSBT has in place appropriate collection, manufacturing, testing and logistics capacity and capability to meet demand for blood components now and in the future.
• Build flexibility on the operational end-to-end blood supply processes to be able to flex in response to demand changes.
• Champion best value procurement costs of all equipment and materials used across the end-to-end blood supply chain.
• Maintain the strong record of operational delivery and high levels of service of the issuing, transport and warehousing operations.
• Lead the continuous improvement of collections processes and optimise collection team time spent on value-add activity, in conjunction with input from Donor Services.
• Lead the provision of highly efficient and effective manufacturing, logistics and distribution services in support of blood collection, manufacturing distribution across England.
• Ensure a consistently high degree of hospital customer service through clear understanding and accommodation of hospital expectations/constraints around blood demand and provision.
• Collaborate with the Chief People Officer on elevating Blood Supply employee experience at collection, key handoffs across the supply chain and at points of hospital delivery/interaction.

The Successful Applicant

Education and Qualifications:

• A relevant degree in healthcare, life sciences, logistics, or a related field; a postgraduate qualification (e.g., MBA, MSc, or PhD) is desirable.

Experience:

• Proven experience in a senior leadership role within a large-scale, highly regulated operational environment (e.g., healthcare, logistics, short-shelf life retail, pharmaceuticals, or manufacturing).
• Expertise in managing end-to-end supply chains, ideally involving perishable or high-stakes products.
• Demonstrable track record of leading multi-disciplinary teams across geographically dispersed sites.
• Experience in managing change, driving efficiency, and improving performance within a complex organisation.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop large teams.
• Excellent strategic thinking, planning, and problem-solving abilities.
• Superior communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Competence in managing budgets and financial planning at scale.
• Proficiency in data analytics and digital tools to drive operational improvements.

What's on Offer

The role of Blood Supply Director within NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is a senior leadership position, offering a comprehensive and attractive package designed to reflect the strategic importance and responsibility of the role.

The chance to lead one of the UK's most complex and rewarding supply chains. The chance to make a profound impact on healthcare outcomes by ensuring a safe, sustainable blood supply for the UK population. The opportunity to lead in a mission-driven organisation, contributing directly to saving and improving lives.

Salary Banding:
£131,301 - £161,600

Closing date: Wednesday 19th February 2025