Head of Technical Programme - GENOMICS

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust; Manchester; On-site; GBP 58,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Head of Technical Programme to lead the NW GLH, overseeing strategic and operational management of technical services across a large genomic medicine operation. You will manage recruitment, performance, workforce planning and procurement in a dynamic, six-day delivery model.

The role requires highly specialised genomic techniques knowledge, significant team leadership experience, and strong communication and organisational skills to help

Qualifications

• Science degree at MSc level; registration with the Voluntary Registration Council (VRC).
• Experience managing a technical workforce in diagnostic genetics and genomics settings.
• Strong leadership, communication and project-management skills for a large NHS service.

Responsibilities

• Strategic and operational management of the Technical Programme.
• Lead staff management: recruitment, performance, workforce planning, employee relations.
• Oversee resources, infrastructure and procurement for the department.

Skills

Organisational leadership

Staff management

Quality & accreditation

Training & development

Education

Science degree MSc level

Registration with VRC

Job description

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Main area Genomics Grade NHS AfC: Band 8a Contract Permanent Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Participation in 6 day rota - Occasional Saturdays and Bank Holidays) Job ref 349-SPH-8167257-RL4

Site St Mary's Hospital Town Manchester Salary £57,528 - £64,750 per annum, pro rata Salary period Yearly Closing 28/08/2026 23:59

Job overview

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Head of Technical Programme to join the North West Genomic Laboratory Hub (NW GLH) at Manchester Foundation Trust (MFT) and be part of one of the largest Acute Trusts in the UK, employing over 20,000 staff.

The NW GLH is a highly regarded, UKAS accredited, NHS clinical service provider of Genomics to a population of 7.2 million people in the North west of England, as well as a wide range of national and international specialist referrals.

The NW GLH is currently undergoing a significant transformational change program and is in the process of implementing a Whole Genome Sequencing service as well as multiple ancillary projects to support the national genomics service reorganisation.

We are looking for individuals with an enthusiastic and flexible attitude who can lead, manage and develop our technical teams. You will have highly specialised knowledge of genomic techniques, experience of managing teams and demonstrate excellent communication and organisational skills.

Main duties of the job

Working alongside the Technical Programme Director the role will involve strategic and operational management of the Technical Programme, ensuring the effective delivery of technical services. The role provides leadership for staff management, including recruitment, performance, workforce planning, and employee relations, while overseeing departmental resources, infrastructure and procurement. They will be responsible for driving continuous service improvement through innovation, efficiency, and cost improvement initiatives, while supporting the development and implementation of the service's strategic objectives, business planning, and future growth. The role also involves evaluating new service opportunities and working closely with senior scientific and managerial colleagues to maintain a high-quality, sustainable genomic medicine service.

The NW GLH operates a 6 day delivery model and therefore new applicants should be aware that any future postholder will be required to work a pattern to support this; which could include occasional Saturday and Bank Holiday working.

Working for our organisation

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) is a leading centre of clinical excellence, renowned for pioneering patient care, advanced medical research, and a collaborative multi-speciality environment. We are the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester is the largest health academic campus in Europe – a great place to progress your career.

With over 30,000 employees, a turnover exceeding £3 billion, and 10 hospital and community services, join our team to help us deliver outstanding healthcare to our diverse communities.
We offer an engaging and supportive environment, with access to state-of-the‑art facilities and cutting‑edge technology. Research and Innovation are at the heart of our work, offering opportunities to lead research that shapes the future of medicine, working alongside experts, advancing clinical practice, and improving patient outcomes.

At MFT, we foster a culture where every colleague is valued and empowered to thrive. Your expertise is recognised, your ambitions are supported, and your impact is felt at every level. Whether you want to develop your clinical skills, pursue research interests, or seek leadership opportunities, MFT provides the ideal environment to achieve your medical or professional aspirations.
If you are dedicated to driving clinical innovation and delivering compassionate patient care, join us to shape tomorrow’s healthcare; where clinical excellence, innovation, and your career will thrive.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience you’ll need for this role, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the ‘Supporting Documents’ heading.

Explore ‘Inside MFT – Your Candidate Place’

We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.
To help us manage applications fairly and give each one the time it deserves, our adverts may close early if we receive a high level of interest. Early applications are therefore encouraged.

Diversity Matters
MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application

Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, we’re proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOU—for our patients, our communities, and each other.
As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your application—especially personal statements and responses to role-specific questions—is written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.

Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.

Person specification

Qualifications

• Science degree at MSc Level
• Registration with the Voluntary Registration Council
• Management training
• Active participation in CPD
• Completed interview and appraisal training

Previous Experience

• Experience in clinical diagnostic genetics.
• Experience in managing a technical workforce
• Ability to contribute to development and evaluation of services
• Sound knowledge of Health & Safety issues
• Experience of report writing

Skills

• Excellent organisational and supervisory skills in particular ability to lead team of technical staff.
• Ability to deal with difficult situations.
• Involvement in Quality and/or laboratory accreditation
• Experience of training others

Employer certification / accreditation badges