Job summary
Are you a suitably qualified and motivated individual looking to further your career within the University Hospitals Plymouth Blood Sciences service?
We currently have an exciting opportunity to join and lead our Automated Chemistry Service. Reporting to the Blood Sciences Laboratory Manager, you will lead on the day to day operations within Automated Chemistry to deliver a high quality and timely service. This is an opportunity to utilise your existing experience and develop your knowledge and skills working within a progressive Peninsula Pathology Network.
This is an exciting time for Pathology in Plymouth where we are in the process of upgrading our current laboratory information management system to an electronic patient record and preparing a full Pathology transition to a newly designed and purpose-built laboratory facility.
University Hospitals Plymouth is the largest hospital in the South West Peninsula, a Cancer Care Centre, a tertiary referral site for many sub specialisms and a Major Trauma Centre. Our laboratories are UKAS accredited, have full HCPC/IBMS training accreditation status and support a range of educational pathways to professional success.
You will hold a post graduate qualification and will be State Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). You will be self-motivated with excellent communication skills and have the relevant experience to lead a busy Blood Sciences, Automated Chemistry department.
Main duties of the job
Leadership of a high-volume automated chemistry service within a major acute and tertiary hospital.
Direct line management of Biomedical Scientists, Trainee BMSs and support staff within the section.
Responsibility for section-level implementation of the Quality Management System (QMS).
Accountability for meeting turnaround times and quality standards within the section.
Monitoring of section expenditure and stock control within delegated limits.
Participation in 24/7 service provision where applicable.
Shared leadership and accountability with the co-Section Lead for operational, financial and governance responsibilities within the section.
***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***
About us
We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment manager for this post who will put you in touch with the recruitment team. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.
Job description
Job responsibilities
1. Operational Leadership
- Jointly lead the day-to-day operation of the Automated Chemistry section with the co-Section Lead, ensuring clear communication and coordinated decision-making.
- Plan, prioritise and allocate workload to ensure achievement of turnaround times and service standards.
- Ensure appropriate deployment of staff to meet service demand.
- Monitor performance indicators and take corrective action where required.
- Escalate operational pressures, risks or performance concerns to the 8a Operational Lead.
- Contribute to business continuity and contingency planning within the section.
2. Scientific & Technical Expertise
- Perform and oversee complex automated and specialist analytical techniques.
- Authorise and interpret patient results within scope of practice.
- Identify abnormal or unexpected results and ensure appropriate clinical escalation.
- Provide advanced troubleshooting of automated analysers and associated systems.
- Support evaluation, validation and implementation of new equipment and test methods.
- Maintain advanced specialist knowledge in Automated Chemistry.
3. Quality Management System (QMS) Implementation
- Implement and maintain the Quality Management System within the section.
- Ensure compliance with ISO15189 and departmental governance standards.
- Maintain and review SOPs, risk assessments and documentation relevant to the section.
- Ensure participation in internal and external quality assurance programmes.
- Investigate incidents and non-conformances at section level and implement corrective actions.
- Support inspection readiness and external audit activity.
4. Workforce Leadership & Development
- Jointly line manage Biomedical Scientists, Trainee BMSs and support staff within the section, with defined supervisory responsibilities as agreed with the 8a Operational Lead.
- Oversee and be responsible for recruitment within the section, jointly with the co-Section Lead, including participation in shortlisting, interviewing and appointment decisions in line with Trust policy.
- Ensure induction, training and competency assessments are completed and recorded.
- Conduct annual appraisals and support professional development.
- Monitor attendance and manage sickness in line with Trust policy.
- Promote a positive, inclusive and high-performing team culture.
- Support delivery of teaching and training within the department.
5. Financial & Resource Management
- Monitor stock control and reagent usage within the section.
- Monitor section expenditure within delegated limits and report variances to the 8a Operational Lead.
- Ensure value for money in procurement and stock management within the section.
- Contribute to efficiency and productivity initiatives within the portfolio.
- Maintain equipment maintenance schedules and service documentation.
6. Performance Monitoring & Reporting
- Monitor section performance metrics including turnaround times and quality indicators.
- Prepare section-level data and reports as required.
- Contribute to monthly assurance discussions with the 8a Operational Lead and ensure coordinated reporting with the co-Section Lead.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives within the portfolio.
7. Communication & Professional Practice
- Maintain effective communication with clinicians and laboratory colleagues.
- Respond to complex technical and clinical enquiries.
- Communicate operational issues promptly to senior leadership.
- Act as a professional role model within Blood Sciences.
8. General Responsibilities
- Participate in 24/7 rotas as required.
- Comply with Trust policies, governance and safety frameworks.
- Undertake duties commensurate with the grade and professional registration.
FREEDOM TO ACT
The post holder works autonomously within defined professional, operational and governance frameworks and shares accountability with the co-Section Lead for the performance and quality of the section.
They are authorised to make day-to-day operational decisions within the section in collaboration with the co-Section Lead and are accountable for the safe delivery of the service.
Strategic, financial or regulatory matters beyond delegated authority are escalated to the 8a Operational Lead.
See JD for full details.
Job description
Job responsibilities
1. Operational Leadership
- Jointly lead the day-to-day operation of the Automated Chemistry section with the co-Section Lead, ensuring clear communication and coordinated decision-making.
- Plan, prioritise and allocate workload to ensure achievement of turnaround times and service standards.
- Ensure appropriate deployment of staff to meet service demand.
- Monitor performance indicators and take corrective action where required.
- Escalate operational pressures, risks or performance concerns to the 8a Operational Lead.
- Contribute to business continuity and contingency planning within the section.
2. Scientific & Technical Expertise
- Perform and oversee complex automated and specialist analytical techniques.
- Authorise and interpret patient results within scope of practice.
- Identify abnormal or unexpected results and ensure appropriate clinical escalation.
- Provide advanced troubleshooting of automated analysers and associated systems.
- Support evaluation, validation and implementation of new equipment and test methods.
- Maintain advanced specialist knowledge in Automated Chemistry.
3. Quality Management System (QMS) Implementation
- Implement and maintain the Quality Management System within the section.
- Ensure compliance with ISO15189 and departmental governance standards.
- Maintain and review SOPs, risk assessments and documentation relevant to the section.
- Ensure participation in internal and external quality assurance programmes.
- Investigate incidents and non-conformances at section level and implement corrective actions.
- Support inspection readiness and external audit activity.
4. Workforce Leadership & Development
- Jointly line manage Biomedical Scientists, Trainee BMSs and support staff within the section, with defined supervisory responsibilities as agreed with the 8a Operational Lead.
- Oversee and be responsible for recruitment within the section, jointly with the co-Section Lead, including participation in shortlisting, interviewing and appointment decisions in line with Trust policy.
- Ensure induction, training and competency assessments are completed and recorded.
- Conduct annual appraisals and support professional development.
- Monitor attendance and manage sickness in line with Trust policy.
- Promote a positive, inclusive and high-performing team culture.
- Support delivery of teaching and training within the department.
5. Financial & Resource Management
- Monitor stock control and reagent usage within the section.
- Monitor section expenditure within delegated limits and report variances to the 8a Operational Lead.
- Ensure value for money in procurement and stock management within the section.
- Contribute to efficiency and productivity initiatives within the portfolio.
- Maintain equipment maintenance schedules and service documentation.
6. Performance Monitoring & Reporting
- Monitor section performance metrics including turnaround times and quality indicators.
- Prepare section-level data and reports as required.
- Contribute to monthly assurance discussions with the 8a Operational Lead and ensure coordinated reporting with the co-Section Lead.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives within the portfolio.
7. Communication & Professional Practice
- Maintain effective communication with clinicians and laboratory colleagues.
- Respond to complex technical and clinical enquiries.
- Communicate operational issues promptly to senior leadership.
- Act as a professional role model within Blood Sciences.
8. General Responsibilities
- Participate in 24/7 rotas as required.
- Comply with Trust policies, governance and safety frameworks.
- Undertake duties commensurate with the grade and professional registration.
FREEDOM TO ACT
The post holder works autonomously within defined professional, operational and governance frameworks and shares accountability with the co-Section Lead for the performance and quality of the section.
They are authorised to make day-to-day operational decisions within the section in collaboration with the co-Section Lead and are accountable for the safe delivery of the service.
Strategic, financial or regulatory matters beyond delegated authority are escalated to the 8a Operational Lead.
See JD for full details.
Person Specification
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Essential
- Significant demonstrable post-registration experience in Automated Chemistry or equivalent discipline.
- Demonstrable experience supervising or leading a laboratory team.
- Proven advanced knowledge of automated analytical platforms.
- Demonstrable experience of ISO15189 and laboratory quality systems.
- Demonstrable experience of staff training and competency assessment.
- Demonstrable experience managing workload in a high-volume diagnostic environment.
- Demonstrable experience investigating quality incidents or non-conformances.
Desirable
- Demonstrable experience leading a diagnostic laboratory section or equivalent senior supervisory experience.
- Demonstrable experience implementing new equipment or service changes within a laboratory environment.
- Demonstrable experience contributing to service improvement initiatives.
QUALIFICATIONS
Essential
- Degree in Biomedical Science (or equivalent qualification acceptable for HCPC registration)
- HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist
- Postgraduate qualification (e.g. MSc) or equivalent advanced professional experience demonstrating knowledge and practice at Masters level.
- Proven evidence of continuous professional development
Desirable
- IBMS Higher Specialist Diploma or FIBMS
- Recognised management/leadership qualification
- IBMS Specialist Diploma in a relevant discipline (or equivalent demonstrable experience for those registered prior to its introduction)
APTITUDE & ABILITIES
Essential
- Strong organisational and workload management skills.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving ability.
- High level of attention to detail.
- Ability to lead and motivate a team.
- Effective communication skills.
- Ability to work to tight deadlines in a busy environment.
Person Specification
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Essential
- Significant demonstrable post-registration experience in Automated Chemistry or equivalent discipline.
- Demonstrable experience supervising or leading a laboratory team.
- Proven advanced knowledge of automated analytical platforms.
- Demonstrable experience of ISO15189 and laboratory quality systems.
- Demonstrable experience of staff training and competency assessment.
- Demonstrable experience managing workload in a high-volume diagnostic environment.
- Demonstrable experience investigating quality incidents or non-conformances.
Desirable
- Demonstrable experience leading a diagnostic laboratory section or equivalent senior supervisory experience.
- Demonstrable experience implementing new equipment or service changes within a laboratory environment.
- Demonstrable experience contributing to service improvement initiatives.
QUALIFICATIONS
Essential
- Degree in Biomedical Science (or equivalent qualification acceptable for HCPC registration)
- HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist
- Postgraduate qualification (e.g. MSc) or equivalent advanced professional experience demonstrating knowledge and practice at Masters level.
- Proven evidence of continuous professional development
Desirable
- IBMS Higher Specialist Diploma or FIBMS
- Recognised management/leadership qualification
- IBMS Specialist Diploma in a relevant discipline (or equivalent demonstrable experience for those registered prior to its introduction)
APTITUDE & ABILITIES
Essential
- Strong organisational and workload management skills.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving ability.
- High level of attention to detail.
- Ability to lead and motivate a team.
- Effective communication skills.
- Ability to work to tight deadlines in a busy environment.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
