Job summary
Blood Transfusion Team Manager
Department Blood Transfusion, Pathology
Band 7 £47,810 - £54,710 per annum, pro rata if part-time
Hours: 37.5 per week, all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working
If you are an experienced, confident, self-motivated HCPC registered Specialist or Senior Biomedical Scientist, you will not want to miss this opportunity to join our busy UKAS accredited team in Blood Transfusion and Haematology.
You will work closely with the Operational Manager, Transfusion Practitioners and other members of the transfusion and haematology team as we provide and efficient 24/7 service to the people of Milton Keynes and surrounding areas.
We use Ortho Vision analysers, Haemonetics Blood Track and Comark's RF500 temperature monitoring system. Haematology have recently introduced two ACL TOP 550 analysers for coagulation sample processing and two Cube 30 Touch analysers for ESR to add to Sysmex XN9000 and a Bio-Rad Variant II for Haemoglobinopathy screening. The department also has a GeneXpert for FV Leiden/Prothrombin gene mutation detection.
For further information, contact Adesewa Joacquim-Hearne, Blood Transfusion Manager (adesewa.joacquim-hearne@mkuh.nhs.uk) 01908995832 or Senturan Soundrasritharan, Haematology Operational Manager (senturan.soundrasritharan@mkuh.nhs.uk) 01908995780
Interview 27 April 2026
Main duties of the job
You will have an active role in the supervision and training of staff and supporting the quality management system. Awareness of the requirements for compliance with ISO15189 and BSQR are key requirements for this role.
You will attend laboratory meetings including those of the Hospital Transfusion Team and Hospital Transfusion Committee. There will also be opportunities to attend Regional Transfusion Committee meetings and training opportunities.
You will be expected to participate in the Haematology and Blood Transfusion 24/7 departmental shift rota as required. Any Training officer experience would be desirable.
To work closely with the Operational Manager and Quality Manager on all aspects of Quality impacting on the Blood Science Department's compliance with IS0 15189 standard, The Blood Safety & Quality Regulations and GMP.
To provide professional leadership and direction for staff including expert scientific and technical knowledge, analysis and interpretation of resultsTo allocate tasks to staff on matters related to the provision of a quality Blood Transfusion Service
To monitor and report on Quality & Performance of the Blood Transfusion laboratory.
To manage aspects of Change Control & Document Control within the Haematology & Blood Transfusion departments in liaison with the Operational Lead.
About us
Milton Keynes University Hospital, in proud partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital committed to advancing patient care through cutting-edge research and education. With a "Good" rating from the CQC and significant investment underway, this is an exciting time to join our team and grow your career.
As a medium sized general hospital, we provide a full range of general medical and surgical services, including a busy Emergency Department, Maternity, and Paediatrics. As the population of our city and surrounding areas continues to grow rapidly, we are expanding and enhancing our facilities to meet rising demand and improve access to care for all our communities.
We are also proud to offer a growing portfolio of specialist services. In January 2025 we opened our state-of-the-art Radiotherapy Centre, bringing advanced cancer treatment closer to home. Our services also include neonatology, specialist surgical care, and a wide range of diagnostics, supported by the new Community Diagnostic Centre at Whitehouse Health Centre.
Further investment is underway, including the construction of Oak Wards - a new ward block featuring two 24-bed wards - and the recently approved Women and Children's Centre, set to open by 2030.
Visit our website to explore the latest news and opportunities at MKUH - News - Milton Keynes University Hospital -
For further information about Milton Keynes please visit - Visit Milton Keynes
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post holder will be a member of and support the Pathology Quality Improvement Team in the maintenance and development of the Quality Management system within the Haematology & Blood Transfusion Laboratories of the Blood Science Department.
The post holder will report directly to the Blood Transfusion Operational Manager where acceptable levels of Quality are not maintained or where key result areas cannot be met due to operational constraint.
The post holder will implement all actions required to maintain an operational service meeting the requirements of the Pathology Quality Management System.
Communication
Provide expert scientific and technical results and advice to laboratory staff, clinical service users, and consultants, communicate and explain any further or complex investigations required.
Motivate, train and manage the Biomedical scientist and associate practitioner team in blood transfusion.
Analysis and reporting
Review test results and authorise as appropriate or determine the need for further analysis or Consultant Haematologist review.
Perform routine and complex examinations in Blood Transfusion and provide correct interpretations to clinical staff.
Departmental planning and service co-ordination
Ensure management of staff, resources and activity within the Blood Transfusion department to ensure timely service provision and business continuity.
Participate in departmental management and planning.
Policy and Service development
Ensure SOPs, COSHH assessments, maintenance logs and equipment records are maintained.
Responsible for documentation required for ISO15189 accreditation and compliance with BSQR/GMP.
Finance and budgeting
Ensure organisational Standing Financial Instructions are adhered to.
Ensure governance is followed for procurement and purchasing, maintaining accurate records including receipt of goods/services.
Staff Management / Leadership / Training
Supervise the training and monitor performance of staff across all sections.
Take a leading role in training and competency assessment to ensure staff are equipped for their roles
Information governance
Liaise with departmental IT Specialist BMS on LIMS issues and ensure system functionality aligns with SOPs.
Responsible for maintaining documents, non compliances, audit records and equipment maintenance records within the Quality Management System.
Research and Development
Attend training courses for new equipment introduced into Haematology & Blood Transfusion.
Attend seminars to stay updated with new developments in the field.
Operational independence
Work autonomously within specialist guidelines and national regulatory frameworks.
Lead on quality, Health & Safety, documentation management, and compliance without direct supervision.
Please refer to the Job Description for further details
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post holder will be a member of and support the Pathology Quality Improvement Team in the maintenance and development of the Quality Management system within the Haematology & Blood Transfusion Laboratories of the Blood Science Department.
The post holder will report directly to the Blood Transfusion Operational Manager where acceptable levels of Quality are not maintained or where key result areas cannot be met due to operational constraint.
The post holder will implement all actions required to maintain an operational service meeting the requirements of the Pathology Quality Management System.
Communication
Provide expert scientific and technical results and advice to laboratory staff, clinical service users, and consultants, communicate and explain any further or complex investigations required.
Motivate, train and manage the Biomedical scientist and associate practitioner team in blood transfusion.
Analysis and reporting
Review test results and authorise as appropriate or determine the need for further analysis or Consultant Haematologist review.
Perform routine and complex examinations in Blood Transfusion and provide correct interpretations to clinical staff.
Departmental planning and service co-ordination
Ensure management of staff, resources and activity within the Blood Transfusion department to ensure timely service provision and business continuity.
Participate in departmental management and planning.
Policy and Service development
Ensure SOPs, COSHH assessments, maintenance logs and equipment records are maintained.
Responsible for documentation required for ISO15189 accreditation and compliance with BSQR/GMP.
Finance and budgeting
Ensure organisational Standing Financial Instructions are adhered to.
Ensure governance is followed for procurement and purchasing, maintaining accurate records including receipt of goods/services.
Staff Management / Leadership / Training
Supervise the training and monitor performance of staff across all sections.
Take a leading role in training and competency assessment to ensure staff are equipped for their roles
Information governance
Liaise with departmental IT Specialist BMS on LIMS issues and ensure system functionality aligns with SOPs.
Responsible for maintaining documents, non compliances, audit records and equipment maintenance records within the Quality Management System.
Research and Development
Attend training courses for new equipment introduced into Haematology & Blood Transfusion.
Attend seminars to stay updated with new developments in the field.
Operational independence
Work autonomously within specialist guidelines and national regulatory frameworks.
Lead on quality, Health & Safety, documentation management, and compliance without direct supervision.
Please refer to the Job Description for further details
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist
- BSc Biomedical Science or equivalent in a relevant field
- MSc in Biomedical Science or Transfusion Science
- BBTS Specialist Certificate in Transfusion Science Practice.
- Extensive knowledge of ISO 15189:2022
- Evidence of CPD
Desirable
- Fellowship of the IBMS (FIBMS) by examination (Special Exam, Two-part Fellowship or Higher Specialist Diploma) in Blood Transfusion or Transfusion Science.
- IBMS Specialist Diploma in Haematology with Hospital Transfusion Practice
- Quality Management qualification
- Management qualification
Experience
Essential
- Post HCPC registration experience as a Specialist Biomedical Scientist (Band 6) within Haem/BT
- Participation in 24/7 laboratory service
- Experience as a lead in quality audits
- Incident/adverse investigation
Desirable
- Experience as a Team Leader at Band 7
- External assessment by UKAS
- Experience of organizational change
- Experience as trainer/mentor
Skills
Essential
- Use of QMS tools i.e. QPULSE
- QMS auditor skills
- Organisational skills - able to manage conflicting priorities and organise workload of others
- Analytical - able analyse complex laboratory data and provide appropriate advice to service users
- Report production - accurate & timely
- Use of Microsoft Office & spreadsheets
Personal and people development
Essential
- Proven leadership/management
- Direct staff effectively
- Motivational skills
- Self-motivated
- Commitment to service improvement
Communication
Essential
- Ability to communicate effectively with different staff grades & professions internally & externally
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist
- BSc Biomedical Science or equivalent in a relevant field
- MSc in Biomedical Science or Transfusion Science
- BBTS Specialist Certificate in Transfusion Science Practice.
- Extensive knowledge of ISO 15189:2022
- Evidence of CPD
Desirable
- Fellowship of the IBMS (FIBMS) by examination (Special Exam, Two-part Fellowship or Higher Specialist Diploma) in Blood Transfusion or Transfusion Science.
- IBMS Specialist Diploma in Haematology with Hospital Transfusion Practice
- Quality Management qualification
- Management qualification
Experience
Essential
- Post HCPC registration experience as a Specialist Biomedical Scientist (Band 6) within Haem/BT
- Participation in 24/7 laboratory service
- Experience as a lead in quality audits
- Incident/adverse investigation
Desirable
- Experience as a Team Leader at Band 7
- External assessment by UKAS
- Experience of organizational change
- Experience as trainer/mentor
Skills
Essential
- Use of QMS tools i.e. QPULSE
- QMS auditor skills
- Organisational skills - able to manage conflicting priorities and organise workload of others
- Analytical - able analyse complex laboratory data and provide appropriate advice to service users
- Report production - accurate & timely
- Use of Microsoft Office & spreadsheets
Personal and people development
Essential
- Proven leadership/management
- Direct staff effectively
- Motivational skills
- Self-motivated
- Commitment to service improvement
Communication
Essential
- Ability to communicate effectively with different staff grades & professions internally & externally
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).