Reference Laboratory Manager - RCI

NHS Blood and Transplant; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 53,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a pioneering team at NHS Blood and Transplant, where you will lead in delivering state-of-the-art diagnostics in transfusion science. This role offers the chance to enhance your management skills while working on complex cases and advanced serological techniques. You will be part of a dedicated team that values continuous improvement and patient care, making a real difference in lives across the UK. With opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to quality, this position is ideal for someone passionate about healthcare and innovation. Embrace a rewarding career that supports your development and contributes to saving lives.

Benefits

27 days annual leave

NHS pension scheme

Flexible working opportunities

Continuous learning culture

Thrive program for personal and professional growth

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of transfusion science and technical skills.
• Experience in staff training, development, and motivation.

Responsibilities

• Deliver a service that meets NHS customer needs in RCI laboratories.
• Manage RCI operations and staff in accordance with protocols.

Skills

Transfusion Science

Red Cell Immunohaematology

Management Skills

Process Improvement

Information Technology

Education

MSc in transfusion/transplantation or relevant science

Health and Care Professional Council (HCPC) registration

Basic Management qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

Job Summary

Working as part of the senior team in one of NHSBT’s seven Red Cell Immunohaematology labs, you will lead on response to the changing requirements of customer hospitals through the provision of state-of-the-art, cost-effective, and clinically appropriate diagnostics. You will look to continuously improve processes and performance on both locally and nationally.

Our Liverpool and Filton labs work with a wide and varied patient mix, including the investigation of rare antibody specificities. In addition to learning advanced serological techniques including genotyping and flow cytometry, you will work on rare and unique cases. You will also consult with the International Blood Group Reference Laboratory (IBGRL) on our most complex cases. This is pioneering work, where you will publicise and present your findings at national meetings and or events.

This is an opportunity to advance your management skills and deepen your expertise by providing complex diagnostic and blood donation selection activities with the support of expert teams and advanced technology.

Main duties

The primary role is to deliver, under the direction of the RCI Laboratory Head and RCI service operations Lead a service that meets the needs of NHS customers within a region served by an RCI Laboratory. Your responsibilities will include:

1. Following the leadership of the RCI Operations Lead and the process improvement Manager instil a culture of lean working and putting the customer first at every level in the laboratory.
2. Managing RCI operations for a specific location to include delivery of services and management of RCI Laboratory staff in accordance with RCI & NHSBT protocols.
3. Ensuring that Quality incidents are reported, monitored and determined to root cause in line with NHSBT procedures.
4. Assisting the Laboratory head in ensuring that the Laboratory operates on a financially sustainable basis.
5. Maintaining advanced scientific and clinical competencies in transfusion related diagnostics.
6. Acting as the first line reference for staff on scientific and technical issues.
7. Developing a motivated, competent, and empowered workforce.
8. Deputising for the Head of Laboratory as required and leading on staff training and HR requirements.

You will be required to provide cover during operational emergencies.

About You

Experience and Knowledge

1. In depth understanding of relevant policies, standards and guidelines affecting laboratory practice e.g. Good Manufacturing Practice, Good Laboratory Practice, Clinical Pathology Accreditation UKBTS and BCSH and other relevant or statutory guidelines.
2. In depth knowledge of Transfusion Science and all aspects of Red Cell Immunohaematology and associated technical skills.
3. Experience of selection, training, development, and motivation of staff and working with a range of HR policies & procedures.
4. An experienced manager with experience of working within NHS or UK public health environment.
5. Experience of validation of equipment and processes, research, and development.
6. Experience of target setting and performance review.
7. Experience of working with Information Technology using Microsoft Office packages (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).

Qualifications and Training

1. Health and Care Professional Council (HCPC) registered Biomedical Scientist (which must be maintained).
2. MSc in transfusion/transplantation or relevant science and/or FIBMS. OR equivalent specialist knowledge gained post B.Sc.
3. Basic Management qualification or attendance at short courses.
4. Demonstrates commitment to own continued professional development (CPD).

Please view the attached recruitment profile which is a summary of the detailed Job Description and Person Specification for the full personal attributes we require for the role. You will need to demonstrate these throughout the recruitment process.

About Us

It takes all types of people to deliver the kind of service that saves and improves lives. At NHS Blood and Transplant, you’ll join a team of more than 6,000 people who are making a genuine difference to communities, families, friends, relatives and more across the UK. We play a unique and special role in the NHS by helping people do something extraordinary- donate blood, blood products, organs, tissues, or stem cells to save someone in need.

Our three core values are what set us apart. They guide and inspire everything we do.

By being caring, expertly meeting the needs of our patients and our people, and accepting nothing less than the best quality, we can do extraordinary work – and help our people to do something extraordinary in their career, too. Three small words, one big difference - Caring, Expert and Quality. Together we'll save and improve more lives than ever.

You will join us on our journey to create an inclusive workplace and aim to reflect the diverse communities we work with, and we positively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

What we offer:

1. A starting salary of £53,755 - £60,504 per annum in accordance with AfC.
2. 2x full time 24 months fixed term or secondment opportunity to join as a Band 8a, and progress with NHSBT.
3. Opportunity to work with a national organisation and be based in Liverpool.
4. We promote flexible working opportunities.
5. 27 days annual leave (pro rata for part-time) plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 29 days after 5 years’ service and to 33 days after 10 years.
6. NHS pension scheme. The NHS Pension Scheme is a defined benefit scheme (not dependent on investment returns) Further details and outline of benefits can be found at: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/pensions
7. We’ve fostered a culture of continuous learning where colleagues are well-led, engaged, and encouraged to grow. We support you in reaching your full potential, both in your current role and future career. Our Thrive program embodies our commitment to learning and development, offering a wide range of activities to support your personal and professional growth. It’s open to everyone at NHSBT, ensuring you have the resources to succeed and shine in your role.

This vacancy will close at 23:59 on Sunday 23^rd February 2025.

Interviews are anticipated to be held week of 10^th March 2025 – subject to confirmation.

For informal enquiries please contact, Daniel Palmer, Head of Laboratory at [e-mail] - Liverpool