Lab Manager/ Person Responsible

TFP Fertility Group; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in fertility services is seeking a Laboratory Manager to lead a skilled team in Chelmsford. This role offers a unique opportunity to ensure the highest standards of patient care while managing laboratory services and contributing to innovative projects. With a focus on quality management and regulatory compliance, the successful candidate will inspire and develop staff while navigating the complexities of clinical procedures. Join a passionate team dedicated to making a difference in the lives of patients through cutting-edge fertility treatments and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Pension: Dual contribution scheme

27 days holidays + bank holidays

TOIL/overtime compensation for weekend work

Opportunities for professional development

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years of clinical experience, including senior/management roles.
• HCPC Registered and completion of HFEA entry requirements for PR.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of scientists ensuring high standards of patient care.
• Manage quality assurance, audits, and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee resource management and operational workflow.

Skills

Leadership

Quality Management

Regulatory Compliance

Communication Skills

Time Management

Education

Degree in Life Sciences

MSc or PhD

Job description

Job Description

We at TFP are looking for brilliant minds and passionate hearts to help us shape the future of fertility. We are one of the largest fertility service providers in Europe, operating IVF clinics and egg/sperm freezing banks in the UK, Poland, and the Netherlands. Our mission is to use technology to provide patients with a memorable, best-in-class fertility journey that leads to the best outcome – starting a family!

At TFP, we offer all our patients care, understanding, and expertise that help bring dreams to life. We are passionate about what we do, reflecting our commitment to creating and changing lives.

Science, research, and innovation are key to our work, leading us to pioneer fertility treatments for over 35 years. Many of our clinicians are internationally renowned specialists, and we regularly share knowledge across our clinics to improve our success rates.

TFP has a national donor sperm bank, its own quality assurance scheme, and training scheme for junior embryologists. We also offer a clear career framework, support continuing professional development, and provide opportunities for staff to travel to other TFP clinics for further learning and career progression.

The Location

Simply Fertility was established in 2013 and has grown into a leading fertility clinic due to the passion, expertise, and reputation of our team. We treat both NHS and private patients, performing approximately 400 fresh cycles and 300 frozen cycles annually. Located on the outskirts of Chelmsford, adjacent to junction 17 of the A12, with ample free parking for staff and patients. Our state-of-the-art laboratory, built in 2017, is equipped with the latest technology to support excellent outcome KPIs. Simply Fertility holds a 5/5 inspection rating from the HFEA.

The Role

This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a Laboratory Manager to lead our team of highly skilled scientists, ensuring the highest standards of patient care in line with national regulation and TFP policy. The role includes contributing to clinical workload, managing laboratory services, resource planning, training junior embryologists, service development, research, quality management, and project work. The Laboratory Manager will be part of the local management team and TFP Head of Laboratories team, with opportunities to work on group-wide projects and strategy.

The person responsible has ultimate responsibility for ensuring all licensed activities comply with the regulatory framework governing treatment and research involving gametes or embryos. They will oversee clinic activities, lead and develop staff, and balance operational, strategic, and regulatory matters with a focus on patient care and safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform a full range of clinical procedures, including ICSI, vitrification, and PGT.
• Communicate with patients regarding treatment options and results.
• Manage quality assurance, including audits, document control, non-compliance, and quality control.
• Handle imports/exports, donor recruitment, and management of stored gametes/embryos.
• Oversee resource management: staffing, consumables, equipment.
• Manage operational workflow, rotas, and KPI monitoring.
• Train, induct, and manage performance of staff.
• Ensure regulatory compliance.
• Contribute to group projects and strategy.

Person Responsible

• Ensure staff training and regulatory compliance.
• Lead inspections, respond to findings, and ensure documentation is submitted timely to HFEA.
• Demonstrate leadership, interpersonal, and influencing skills.
• Recognize incidents, take responsibility, and handle issues effectively.
• Navigate operational, strategic, and regulatory aspects prioritizing patient safety.
• Identify areas for improvement and implement successful changes.

Job Requirements

• Degree in Life Sciences, preferably MSc or PhD.
• HCPC Registered.
• Minimum 6 years of clinical experience, including senior/management roles.
• Completion of HFEA entry requirements for PR or ability to complete before start date.
• Advanced leadership, quality management, and regulatory knowledge.
• Fully trained in clinical laboratory procedures, preferably including biopsy.
• Excellent time management, resilience, and communication skills.
• Motivated, capable of inspiring others.

Additional Information

Salary: Competitive, based on experience. Location: Chelmsford. Hours: 37.5 per week, with weekend work approximately 1:4 (paid with TOIL/overtime), and on-call duties similarly compensated. Pension: Dual contribution scheme. Holidays: 27 days + bank holidays.