Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Service Transformation Manager: Cellular Pathology (XN08)

The closing date is 25 February 2026

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dedicated Transformation Lead within the Cellular Pathology Department at Leeds Teaching Hospitals.

The post holder will work alongside Cellular pathology management and quality teams to support the continual improvement of patient pathways and the strive to achieve national standards, particularly in relation to cancer diagnostics.

Main duties

Applicants should have a sound knowledge and understanding of the NHS modernisation agenda demonstrated by previous experience in NHS leadership roles. Previous pathology experience is advantageous.

The post holder will provide a pivotal role in supporting teams to improve cancer pathways across the diagnostic Cellular Pathology service, facilitating and coordinating change projects across the service.

Initiate and nurture new ideas whilst motivating and encouraging staff to deliver change and support and contribute to the introduction of appropriate LEAN tools and techniques within the service

To support collaborative working and engage with Clinical teams where necessary to design improved pathways.

Prepare, maintain and have oversight of all improvement project documentation and liaise with departmental quality lead to ensure compliance with accreditation and regulatory requirements.

Expected Shortlisting Date

23/02/2026

Planned Interview Date

02/03/2026

Main duties of the job

Applicants should have a sound knowledge and understanding of the NHS modernisation agenda demonstrated by previous experience in NHS leadership roles. Previous pathology experience is advantageous.

The post holder will provide a pivotal role in supporting teams to improve cancer pathways across the diagnostic Cellular Pathology service, facilitating and coordinating change projects across the service.

Innitiate and nurture new ideas whilst motivating and encouraging staff to deliver change and support and contribute to the introduction of appropriate LEAN tools and techniques within the service

To support collaborative working and engage with Clinical teams where necessary to design improved pathways.

Prepare, maintain and have oversight of all improvement project documentation and liaise with departmental quality lead to ensure compliance with accreditation and regulatory requirements.

About us

The department provides Histopathology, Non Gynae Cytology, Andrology, Muscle, Nerve, Immunohistochemistry, Molecular, and Mortuary services for Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust and surrounding primary care centres.

We are a well equipped and innovative department being the first laboratory in the UK digitally scanning 100% of surgical slides, also introducing the UK's first automated tissue sectioners. We process circa 58,000 surgical cases, 2,000 autopsy cases and 6000 non-gynaecological cytology cases per annum. We are a continually improving department, striving for high quality staff and processes. As a training hospital we serve to expand the knowledge and skills of all staff. There are plenty of opportunities to become involved, and further development is encouraged. We have UKAS accreditation to ISO15189 standards. We endeavour to follow 'The Leeds Way' at all times putting the patient first at all times.

Leeds Teaching Hospitals is committed to our process of redeploying 'at risk' members of our existing workforce to new roles. As such, all our job adverts are subject to this policy and we reserve the right to close, delay or remove adverts while this process is completed. If you do experience a delay in the shortlisting stage of the recruitment cycle, please bear with us while this process is completed, and contact the named contact if you have any questions.

Details

Date posted

04 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8a

Salary

£55,690 to £62,682 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9298-PATH-503

Job locations

St. James's University Hospital

Beckett Street

Leeds

LS9 7TF


Job description

Job responsibilities

The post holder is a key member of the Departmental Management Team providing leadership and support to ensure that the key objectives relating to the achievement of the service's short to medium term objectives and any future changes to the business agenda are met. The post holder will work closely with the departmental clinical lead, service manager and operational leads in Cellular pathology, service users (internally and externally) and other key stakeholders (such as the Corporate Cancer Team) in the transformation and development of the diagnostic Cellular Pathology service. This will include the review, planning, implementing and monitoring of the departments improvement initiatives. With increased demand and complexity of testing the post holder will be pivotal in supporting the team in delivery of a high-quality diagnostic service. They will support the individual section leads to in the identification and delivery of waste reduction schemes identified as part of the improvement work.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Identify, initiate, and coordinate project proposals to improve operational performance and clinical service delivery Establish project teams with appropriate operational, clinical and managerial team membership

Prepare, maintain and have oversight of all improvement project documentation and liaise with departmental quality lead to ensure compliance with accreditation and regulatory requirements

Ensure project objectives, scope, deliverables and critical success factors and risks are clearly identifies and documented prior to starting a project

Coordinate the activity of project team members and contributors ensuring tasks are completed satisfactorily and on schedule.

Coordinate activity of project team members and contributors

Perform benefits analysis and baseline current performance before each project starts and ensure plan is in place for operational handover.

Support and contribute to the introduction of appropriate LEAN tools and techniques

Contribute to the strategic development of the service providing expert advice

Promote continual professional education and competence by participation in educational activities

Be able to work independently and manage own workload to make effective use of time and resources and working within the HCPC standards of professional conduct

Line manage staff where required, and take responsibility for their personal development and performance review

Responsible for procurement of goods and services and managing relationships to support achieving the departmental objectives of major service and capital planning

To lead on the development and consistent application of policies and procedures across the service by anticipating, identifying and responding to areas of practice.

To lead on service development and initiatives for the service and ensure practical implementation of these to maintain high standards.

Agree Service Level Agreement contracts ensuring that the Service is properly resourced to meet demand and meeting regularly with these customers to plan for their required workload.

Lead specific project work on behalf of the Pathology CSU Leadership Team

Ensure business continuity and risk managements arrangements are in place in the CSU.

To monitor and review financial viability for all improvement work undertaken by the Service.

Lead in the performance management of the Service providing monthly and quarterly performance reports.

Leads in the development and management of the Department Cost Improvement Programme / Waste Reduction Programme to ensure financial balance involving the analysis of both pay and non-pay budgets to identify recurrent savings.

Manages the integration of a variety of resources to deliver departmental targets the majority of which are on-going.

Participates in the CSU involvement of patients and representative groups in service planning and development.

Works in partnership with departmental colleagues, and external agencies to ensure high quality services are delivered within Trust frameworks and to support the delivery of the Trusts short to medium term objectives.

Recruits and line manages direct reports where required. Provides leadership of these staff and ensures appropriate arrangements are in place to set objectives, monitor performance, agree and review development needs and ensure staff understand and can achieve the required results.

Undertakes audit work to facilitate service improvement and collate and present research results.

THE LEEDS WAY VALUES

Our values are part of what make us different from other trusts, so we see this as a strength, as well as a responsibility. They have been developed by our staff and set out what they see as important to how we work. Our five values are:

Patient-centred

Collaborative

Fair

Accountable

Empowered

All our actions and endeavours will be guided and evaluated through these values.

WEST YORKSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF ACUTE TRUSTS (WYAAT)

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is part of the West Yorkshire Association of Acute Trusts (WYAAT), a collaborative of the NHS hospital trusts from across West Yorkshire and Harrogate working together to provide the best possible care for our patients.

By bringing together the wide range of skills and expertise across West Yorkshire and Harrogate we are working differently, innovating and driving forward change to deliver the highest quality care. By working for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust this is your opportunity to be a part of that change.

WYAAT is the acute sector arm of the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership, one of the largest integrated care systems in the country. The Partnerships ambition is for everyone to have the best possible health and wellbeing, and the work of WYAAT, and each individual trust, supports that ambition.

Job description

Job responsibilities

The post holder is a key member of the Departmental Management Team providing leadership and support to ensure that the key objectives relating to the achievement of the service's short to medium term objectives and any future changes to the business agenda are met. The post holder will work closely with the departmental clinical lead, service manager and operational leads in Cellular pathology, service users (internally and externally) and other key stakeholders (such as the Corporate Cancer Team) in the transformation and development of the diagnostic Cellular Pathology service. This will include the review, planning, implementing and monitoring of the departments improvement initiatives. With increased demand and complexity of testing the post holder will be pivotal in supporting the team in delivery of a high-quality diagnostic service. They will support the individual section leads to in the identification and delivery of waste reduction schemes identified as part of the improvement work.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Identify, initiate, and coordinate project proposals to improve operational performance and clinical service delivery Establish project teams with appropriate operational, clinical and managerial team membership

Prepare, maintain and have oversight of all improvement project documentation and liaise with departmental quality lead to ensure compliance with accreditation and regulatory requirements

Ensure project objectives, scope, deliverables and critical success factors and risks are clearly identifies and documented prior to starting a project

Coordinate the activity of project team members and contributors ensuring tasks are completed satisfactorily and on schedule.

Coordinate activity of project team members and contributors

Perform benefits analysis and baseline current performance before each project starts and ensure plan is in place for operational handover.

Support and contribute to the introduction of appropriate LEAN tools and techniques

Contribute to the strategic development of the service providing expert advice

Promote continual professional education and competence by participation in educational activities

Be able to work independently and manage own workload to make effective use of time and resources and working within the HCPC standards of professional conduct

Line manage staff where required, and take responsibility for their personal development and performance review

Responsible for procurement of goods and services and managing relationships to support achieving the departmental objectives of major service and capital planning

To lead on the development and consistent application of policies and procedures across the service by anticipating, identifying and responding to areas of practice.

To lead on service development and initiatives for the service and ensure practical implementation of these to maintain high standards.

Agree Service Level Agreement contracts ensuring that the Service is properly resourced to meet demand and meeting regularly with these customers to plan for their required workload.

Lead specific project work on behalf of the Pathology CSU Leadership Team

Ensure business continuity and risk managements arrangements are in place in the CSU.

To monitor and review financial viability for all improvement work undertaken by the Service.

Lead in the performance management of the Service providing monthly and quarterly performance reports.

Leads in the development and management of the Department Cost Improvement Programme / Waste Reduction Programme to ensure financial balance involving the analysis of both pay and non-pay budgets to identify recurrent savings.

Manages the integration of a variety of resources to deliver departmental targets the majority of which are on-going.

Participates in the CSU involvement of patients and representative groups in service planning and development.

Works in partnership with departmental colleagues, and external agencies to ensure high quality services are delivered within Trust frameworks and to support the delivery of the Trusts short to medium term objectives.

Recruits and line manages direct reports where required. Provides leadership of these staff and ensures appropriate arrangements are in place to set objectives, monitor performance, agree and review development needs and ensure staff understand and can achieve the required results.

Undertakes audit work to facilitate service improvement and collate and present research results.

THE LEEDS WAY VALUES

Our values are part of what make us different from other trusts, so we see this as a strength, as well as a responsibility. They have been developed by our staff and set out what they see as important to how we work. Our five values are:

Patient-centred

Collaborative

Fair

Accountable

Empowered

All our actions and endeavours will be guided and evaluated through these values.

WEST YORKSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF ACUTE TRUSTS (WYAAT)

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is part of the West Yorkshire Association of Acute Trusts (WYAAT), a collaborative of the NHS hospital trusts from across West Yorkshire and Harrogate working together to provide the best possible care for our patients.

By bringing together the wide range of skills and expertise across West Yorkshire and Harrogate we are working differently, innovating and driving forward change to deliver the highest quality care. By working for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust this is your opportunity to be a part of that change.

WYAAT is the acute sector arm of the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership, one of the largest integrated care systems in the country. The Partnerships ambition is for everyone to have the best possible health and wellbeing, and the work of WYAAT, and each individual trust, supports that ambition.

Person Specification

Skills & Behaviours

Essential

  • Ability to work under significant and sustained pressure and to highly demanding and often conflicting timescales.
  • Ability to produce a range of documents to varying audiences, both internal and external to the Trust much of which is of a highly confidential, highly sensitive or contentious nature.

Desirable

  • Possesses Excellent change management skills including major service reconfiguration
  • Previous pathology experience
  • Comprehensive understanding and experience of highly complex information analysis essential for communicating business, finance and workforce plans

Other Criteria

Essential

  • Analytical skills, literacy and numeracy. Ability to analyse highly complex data and formulate reports

Qualifications

Essential

  • Masters level in a related field
  • Willingness to undertake training and development as identified through the PDP process

Desirable

  • Management qualification or post graduate diploma

Experience

Essential

  • Understanding of relevant National Service Frameworks.
  • Highly developed specialist knowledge of managing multi-professional teams underpinned by formal management training
  • Sound knowledge of the working of the NHS and wider healthcare system within England and sound understanding of the NHS modernisation agenda.

Desirable

  • NHS management experience
Person Specification

Skills & Behaviours

Essential

  • Ability to work under significant and sustained pressure and to highly demanding and often conflicting timescales.
  • Ability to produce a range of documents to varying audiences, both internal and external to the Trust much of which is of a highly confidential, highly sensitive or contentious nature.

Desirable

  • Possesses Excellent change management skills including major service reconfiguration
  • Previous pathology experience
  • Comprehensive understanding and experience of highly complex information analysis essential for communicating business, finance and workforce plans

Other Criteria

Essential

  • Analytical skills, literacy and numeracy. Ability to analyse highly complex data and formulate reports

Qualifications

Essential

  • Masters level in a related field
  • Willingness to undertake training and development as identified through the PDP process

Desirable

  • Management qualification or post graduate diploma

Experience

Essential

  • Understanding of relevant National Service Frameworks.
  • Highly developed specialist knowledge of managing multi-professional teams underpinned by formal management training
  • Sound knowledge of the working of the NHS and wider healthcare system within England and sound understanding of the NHS modernisation agenda.

Desirable

  • NHS management experience

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

Additional information

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

Employer details

Employer name

Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Address

St. James's University Hospital

Beckett Street

Leeds

LS9 7TF


Employer's website

https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Address

St. James's University Hospital

Beckett Street

Leeds

LS9 7TF


Employer's website

https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Cellular Pathology Service Manager

Sarah Caton

sarah.caton1@nhs.net

Details

Date posted

04 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8a

Salary

£55,690 to £62,682 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9298-PATH-503

Job locations

St. James's University Hospital

Beckett Street

Leeds

LS9 7TF


Supporting documents

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