Histopathology Laboratory Quality and Process Improvement Lead

Planet Pharma; Oxford; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Planet Pharma is seeking a Histopathology Laboratory Quality and Process Improvement Lead in Oxfordshire to enhance quality systems and improve lab performance. You will lead quality initiatives and optimize processes incorporating Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.

The ideal candidate has experience in ISO 15189 accredited labs, understands UKAS requirements, and is skilled in stakeholder engagement and coaching. This role offers a full-time on-site opportunity lasting 12-18 months.

Qualifications

• Experience within ISO 15189 accredited histopathology laboratories.
• Strong understanding of laboratory quality management systems and UKAS requirements.
• Proven success leading quality improvement, compliance, audit, and process optimisation projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead quality improvement initiatives across laboratory and digital pathology workflows.
• Drive root cause investigations, CAPA implementation, and data-driven process optimisation.
• Champion Lean, Six Sigma, DMAIC, Kaizen, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Skills

Laboratory quality management

Process improvement methodologies

Stakeholder engagement

Lean and Six Sigma

Tools

LIMS platforms

Job description

Contract Opportunity | Histopathology Laboratory Quality and Process Improvement Lead

Oxfordshire ( Full time on site )

Duration - 12-18 months

Are you passionate about laboratory quality, process excellence, and driving continuous improvement within accredited healthcare environments?

We're supporting an innovative organisation operating at the forefront of digital pathology and laboratory services, seeking an experienced Lab Quality & Process Improvement Lead to play a key role in enhancing quality systems, laboratory performance, and operational excellence across accredited histopathology laboratory operations.

In this role, you will

• Lead quality improvement initiatives across laboratory and digital pathology workflows
• Drive root cause investigations, CAPA implementation, and data-driven process optimisation
• Champion Lean, Six Sigma, DMAIC, Kaizen, and continuous improvement methodologies
• Support and maintain ISO 15189 accreditation and quality management systems
• Evaluate and improve end-to-end laboratory processes from customer onboarding through service delivery
• Partner with laboratory, operations, quality, and technology teams to implement innovative solutions and automation initiatives
• Contribute to the adoption of AI-enabled technologies within pathology and laboratory environments

We're keen to speak with professionals who have

• Experience within ISO 15189 accredited histopathology laboratories
• Strong understanding of laboratory quality management systems and UKAS requirements
• Experience with digital pathology, laboratory workflows, and LIMS platforms
• Proven success leading quality improvement, compliance, audit, and process optimisation projects
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, coaching, and leadership skills
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, DMAIC, Kaizen, or similar methodologies (certification beneficial)

This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing and innovative environment where quality, technology, and patient outcomes are at the heart of everything they do.

If you'd like to learn more, please get in touch directly or send me a message for a confidential discussion.