Laboratory Manager - Adult Histopathology | Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust; Manchester; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS Trust in Manchester is seeking an experienced leader for their Histopathology department. The role involves overseeing laboratory operations, providing strategic management, and ensuring high-quality service delivery. Candidates must be HCPC registered with significant Histopathology experience and strong leadership skills. This position offers an opportunity to innovate in pathology within a supportive team environment.

Qualifications

• HCPC registered with significant experience in Histopathology.
• Good awareness of pathology service issues and health and safety legislation.
• Proven strategic capabilities in financial efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the Histopathology department.
• Provide leadership and support to biomedical scientists.
• Recruit, manage workload, and develop staff.

Skills

HCPC registration

Histopathology experience

Leadership skills

Knowledge of UKAS standards

Financial awareness

Education

Management qualification

Job description

Overview

Are you the leader we are looking for to oversee the work of Histopathology at our Oxford Road site and ensure we continue to offer high-quality services to the Trust? In conjunction with the Clinical Director, Cellular Pathology General Manager, Lead Healthcare Scientist, and Clinical Leads you will be responsible for the overall operation and development of the Histopathology laboratory service at our Oxford Road site, ensuring that the service is of high quality and functions in an efficient and safe manner. You will have responsibility for managing a team to successfully 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 wish to embrace technological developments and are implementing the X120 Rapid Processors to work alongside our A120 Automated Embedder to improve workflows in the laboratory. The department has recently successfully bid for funding to purchase an Axlab AS-410M Slide Preparation System due to be installed in early 2026. You will be central to this exciting work, supported by the Cellular Pathology Senior Leadership Team including the Cellular Pathology General Manager, Lead Healthcare Scientist for Histopathology, and Advanced BMS staff, enabling a rewarding team effort.

Responsibilities

The post holder will be responsible for the planning and day-to-day running of a large and diverse Histopathology department, in conjunction with the Lead Healthcare Scientist for Histopathology and the Deputy Lead Biomedical Scientist at ORC. The post holder will provide leadership, strategy and day-to-day support to the Deputy Lead Biomedical Scientist, Advanced BMS team and the BMS and support teams. Managerial support will be provided to the Lead BMS by the Lead Healthcare Scientist for Histopathology. They will provide scientific services to patients and clients as an aid to clinical diagnosis, with accuracy and attention to detail being essential. They will provide highly complex and specialist advice to staff in the histopathology department, other healthcare professionals and senior managers. The post holder will line-manage the BMS staff and lead on staff recruitment, workload planning, career development and quality performance of the services in accordance with UKAS, ISO, HSE and HTA standards.

Requirements

You will be HCPC registered with significant Histopathology experience and a good awareness of current issues in the pathology service, health and safety legislation and UKAS standards. You will be a leader with strategic capability who can drive modernisation in the context of financial efficiency. You must have tactical ability and the necessary skills to understand the NHS financial position and be willing to drive change in Pathology through innovation and creativity. This post requires drive and tenacity to deliver changes that keep the department at the forefront of Pathology. A management qualification or evidenced developed management skills honed through your career path is required.

About MFT and Our Environment

MFT is one of the largest NHS Trusts in England with a turnover of £2.6bn, bringing together 10 hospitals and community services from across Manchester, Trafford and beyond. We foster collaborative working and transformation, encouraging our 28,000-strong workforce to pursue ambitious goals. We have created a digitally enabled organisation to improve clinical quality, patient and staff experience, and operational effectiveness through Hive, our Electronic Patient Record system launched in September 2022. We are a major academic Research Centre & Education provider with a Green Plan to promote sustainability. We champion an inclusive culture, equal opportunities, and wellbeing.

Additional Information

In conjunction with the Lead Healthcare Scientist for Histopathology, the post-holder will be responsible for planning and day-to-day running of this large and diverse department. They will provide leadership and day-to-day support to the Deputy Lead Biomedical Scientist at ORC, the Advanced BMS team, and the BMS and support teams. The post-holder will provide scientific services to patients and clients as an aid to clinical diagnosis, with accuracy and attention to detail. They will provide highly complex and specialist advice to staff, healthcare professionals and senior managers. The post holder will recruit, manage workload, develop staff and monitor quality in accordance with UKAS, ISO, HSE and HTA.

Diversity Matters

MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity and valuing diversity. 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. If you have special requirements to help with your application, email [e-mail].

This advert closes on Wednesday 1 Oct 2025.