Laboratory Manager - Adult Histopathology

NHS; Manchester; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent health service organization is seeking a leader to oversee the Histopathology laboratory in Manchester, ensuring high-quality services and efficient operation. Responsibilities include managing laboratory operations, providing leadership and support to teams, and being actively involved in technological advancements. The ideal candidate will possess a degree in Biomedical Science, relevant HCPC registration, and extensive management experience. This role offers a competitive salary of £55,690 to £62,682 per annum for full-time workload.

Qualifications

• Experience of managing a departmental section/team at a senior level.
• Proven leadership, supervisory and management experience.
• Broad knowledge of current methodology and developments in Pathology.

Responsibilities

• Plan and day-to-day run this large and diverse department.
• Provide leadership, strategy and day-to-day support to the team.
• Deliver scientific services to aid clinical diagnosis.

Skills

Effective communication with colleagues and patients

Ability to remain calm under pressure

Good negotiating and leadership skills

Ability to build and maintain working relationships

Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

Education

Degree in Biomedical Science or related subject

HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist

Relevant qualification to FIBMS or Masters level degree

Job description

Overview

Are you the leader to oversee Histopathology at our Oxford Road site and ensure high-quality services to the Trust? You will be responsible, with the Clinical Director, Cellular Pathology General Manager, Lead Healthcare Scientist and Clinical Leads, for the overall operation and development of the Histopathology laboratory service at our Oxford Road site, ensuring it functions efficiently, safely, and to high standards. You will manage a team to deliver all aspects of laboratory operations, from motivating staff to maintaining the department's finances. This is a multi-layered role that requires an ambitious leader.

As Histopathology evolves, we are embracing technological developments and currently implementing the X120 Rapid Processors to improve workflows in the laboratory. The department has recently secured funding to purchase an Axlab AS-410M Slide Preparation System, due to be installed in early 2026. You will be central to this work and supported by the Cellular Pathology Senior Leadership Team, Advanced BMS staff, and other colleagues, achieving success through teamwork.

Job responsibilities

• Plan and day-to-day run this large and diverse department in conjunction with the Lead Healthcare Scientist for Histopathology.
• Provide leadership, strategy and day-to-day support to the Deputy Lead Biomedical Scientist at ORC, the Advanced BMS team, and the BMS and support teams. Provide managerial support to the Lead BMS via the Lead Healthcare Scientist for Histopathology.
• Deliver scientific services to patients and clients to aid clinical diagnosis; maintain accuracy and attention to detail.
• Offer highly complex and specialist advice to staff in the histopathology department, other healthcare professionals and senior managers. Line manage BMS staff and lead on staff recruitment, workload planning, career development and quality performance in line with UKAS, ISO, HSE and HTA requirements.

Qualifications and experience

Education and Qualification Essential

• Degree in Biomedical Science or related subject acceptable to the HCPC
• HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist in a relevant pathology discipline
• Relevant qualification to FIBMS, Masters level degree in relevant field or HCS Apprenticeship level 7 or IBMS Higher Specialist Diploma or demonstrable equivalent knowledge and experience
• Recognised Management / Leadership qualification or evidence of developed management skills

Desirable

• Training for Trainers Qualification
• Training in quality management

Knowledge and Experience Essential

• Experience of managing a departmental section/team at a senior level
• Proven leadership, supervisory and management experience
• Experience of supervising and training junior medical staff
• Broad knowledge of current methodology and developments in Pathology
• Understanding of ISO accreditation and Health & Safety legislation
• Experience in working within a Quality Management System
• Experience of managing a laboratory through a formal accreditation process (e.g., UKAS ISO)
• Contribution to Clinical governance processes
• Evidence of strategic planning and accuracy/attention to detail

Skills Essential

• Effective communication with colleagues and patients
• Ability to build and maintain working relationships
• Encourage and support others’ development
• Plan and organise work to achieve objectives
• Good negotiating and leadership skills
• Ability to remain calm under pressure
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

Desirable

• Evidence of collaborative working

About us

MFT is one of the largest NHS Trusts in England with a turnover of £2.6bn. We are creating an exceptional integrated health and social care system for the 1 million patients who rely on our services each year. We bring together 10 hospitals and community services from across Manchester, Trafford and beyond, champion collaborative working and transformation, and empower our 28,000 workforce to pursue ambitious goals. We set standards that other Trusts strive to emulate, offering a scale of opportunity that is extraordinary.

We have created a digitally enabled organisation to improve clinical quality, patient and staff experience, operational effectiveness and drive research and innovation through Hive, our Electronic Patient Record system launched in September 2022. We are a major academic Research Centre & Education provider, with a robust infrastructure to support high-quality research programs. We are also pursuing our Green Plan to contribute to sustainable healthcare. At MFT, we foster inclusion and belonging, provide equal opportunities for career development, and protect health and wellbeing as we shape the future together.

Details

Date posted: 17 September 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 8a

Salary: £55,690 to £62,682 per annum, pro rata

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time

Location: Oxford Road Campus, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL

Additional information

Disability and safeguarding This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and will require a disclosure check with the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require skilled worker sponsorship will be considered. For details see the UK Visas and Immigration guidance; check UK-specific requirements for overseas applicants where applicable.

UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. See NHS Careers for more information.

Employer: Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford Road Campus, Manchester, M13 9WL

Employer website: mft.nhs.uk/careers