Job summary
Chemical Pathology Operational Manager
Department: Pathology
Band: 8A - £55,690 - £62,682 Per annum, pro rata
Hours: Full time, 37.5 per week, 6 Month FTC or Secondment, all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working
The MKUH Pathology services are seeking an engaging and enthusiastic HCPC registered individual to provide operational leadership for the Chemical Pathology department this is a initially 6 month Fixed term or secondment post with a possibility of extension. The post holder will:-o Manage and professionally direct a team of scientific and support staff to deliver a diagnostic service that meets accreditation & regulatory requirements to deliver effective patient care and resource management.o Will ensure the diagnostic service is responsive to clinical needs and is developed accordingly.o Will undertake their responsibilities within the Chemical Pathology department to meet all required national and Trust standards.o Will liaise with the S4 network chemical team to ensure standard approaches are undertaken'We care We communicate We collaborate We contribute'
Please note: We may be unable to offer sponsorship for this role.
Interview date: 07 April 2026
Main duties of the job
The successful applicant should be able to deliver the following duties,o Liaise with departmental technical and clinical staff to ensure that all scientific and clinical work is performed to professional standards. o Liaise with other professionals e.g. the coroner's office and the police, which may include sensitive information, as required.o Motivate staff in the performance of their duties to enable them to meet personal and departmental targets.o Use experience, knowledge and judgement to interpret complex results, take appropriate actions in line with local and national policies. o To advise and provide expert interpretation of results produced by the laboratory.o Provide statistical analysis of service workload including test volumes, cost per test, test turnaround times and test requesting frequency/repeat intervals.o Management of staff and activity within the department such that the expected 24/7 service level is achieved irrespective of urgency and hours of service i.e. business continuity planning, unsocial hours working rosters and staff leave/absenceo Manage significant service changes and ensure Pathology Change Control process is adhered to.o See JD and Person Specification for Further detail of the Role.
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
NHS Staff Survey: 73.4%of our staff feel they receive therespect they deserve from colleaguesa meaningful improvement from last year. At MKUH, mutual respect isnt just a valueits a daily reality.
Communication and relationship skills
Liaise with the Blood Sciences manager and the Consultant Chemical Pathologist in the technical, scientific, clinical and administrative work of the Chemical Pathology Department.
Analytical & Judgemental Skills
Use experience, knowledge and judgement to interpret complex results, take appropriate actions in line with local and national policies.
Planning & Organisational Skills
Coordinate delivery of laboratory service with other Blood Science and Pathology operational leads.
Please refer to attached Job description for further information.
We believe success lies in the diversity of our employees and are committed to promoting equality, encouraging diversity, and embracing inclusion. We welcome applications from everyone interested in working for us.
MKUH is committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and as such we offer a range of flexible working practices.
We reserve the right to expire vacancies prior to the advertised closing date once enough applications have been received.
Job description
Job responsibilities
NHS Staff Survey: 73.4%of our staff feel they receive therespect they deserve from colleaguesa meaningful improvement from last year. At MKUH, mutual respect isnt just a valueits a daily reality.
Communication and relationship skills
Liaise with the Blood Sciences manager and the Consultant Chemical Pathologist in the technical, scientific, clinical and administrative work of the Chemical Pathology Department.
Analytical & Judgemental Skills
Use experience, knowledge and judgement to interpret complex results, take appropriate actions in line with local and national policies.
Planning & Organisational Skills
Coordinate delivery of laboratory service with other Blood Science and Pathology operational leads.
Please refer to attached Job description for further information.
We believe success lies in the diversity of our employees and are committed to promoting equality, encouraging diversity, and embracing inclusion. We welcome applications from everyone interested in working for us.
MKUH is committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and as such we offer a range of flexible working practices.
We reserve the right to expire vacancies prior to the advertised closing date once enough applications have been received.
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- HPC State Registration and MSc/FIBMS or equivalent.
- Evidence of relevant continued professional development.
- Extensive knowledge of ISO 15189 standards for Medical Laboratories
- Comprehensive specialist knowledge in the field of Clinical Chemistry
- Knowledge of laboratory training and competency requirements
- Extensive understanding of Quality Assurance
- Knowledge of professional Health & Safety legislation/requirements
- Knowledge of GDPR requirements
Desirable
- Management qualification/experience.
- Knowledge of NHSI Pathology initiatives i.e. Model Hospital data requirements
Experience
Essential
- Extensive post qualification experience in Clinical Chemistry at a Senior level (band 7 and above)
- Experience in training, organisation and management of staff of all grades.
- Experience in the evaluation and introduction of new technologies and techniques
- Extensive experience in the use and maintenance of Quality Management Systems including ISO 15189 accreditation inspections
Desirable
- Experience in financial/ resource management
Skills
Essential
- Ability to manage competing priorities
- Literate with all Microsoft Office applications
- Report writing skills
- Complex data interpretation skills
- Statistical analysis skills
- Complex option appraisal skills
- Organisational skills leading to service delivery
- Strategic planning skills
- Change control/management skills
- Highly developed practical and technical skills in chemical pathology laboratory techniques
Desirable
- Risk assessment skills
- Self-inspection auditing skills
Personal and people development
Essential
- Line management & HR experience/skills including staff AJR, absence monitoring and performance management
- Teaching/Training skills at a level suitable for clinical, technical & support staff
Communication
Essential
- Good communication skills including a clear command of written and spoken English with report writing skills
- Customer care/service user skills
- Presentation Skills
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- HPC State Registration and MSc/FIBMS or equivalent.
- Evidence of relevant continued professional development.
- Extensive knowledge of ISO 15189 standards for Medical Laboratories
- Comprehensive specialist knowledge in the field of Clinical Chemistry
- Knowledge of laboratory training and competency requirements
- Extensive understanding of Quality Assurance
- Knowledge of professional Health & Safety legislation/requirements
- Knowledge of GDPR requirements
Desirable
- Management qualification/experience.
- Knowledge of NHSI Pathology initiatives i.e. Model Hospital data requirements
Experience
Essential
- Extensive post qualification experience in Clinical Chemistry at a Senior level (band 7 and above)
- Experience in training, organisation and management of staff of all grades.
- Experience in the evaluation and introduction of new technologies and techniques
- Extensive experience in the use and maintenance of Quality Management Systems including ISO 15189 accreditation inspections
Desirable
- Experience in financial/ resource management
Skills
Essential
- Ability to manage competing priorities
- Literate with all Microsoft Office applications
- Report writing skills
- Complex data interpretation skills
- Statistical analysis skills
- Complex option appraisal skills
- Organisational skills leading to service delivery
- Strategic planning skills
- Change control/management skills
- Highly developed practical and technical skills in chemical pathology laboratory techniques
Desirable
- Risk assessment skills
- Self-inspection auditing skills
Personal and people development
Essential
- Line management & HR experience/skills including staff AJR, absence monitoring and performance management
- Teaching/Training skills at a level suitable for clinical, technical & support staff
Communication
Essential
- Good communication skills including a clear command of written and spoken English with report writing skills
- Customer care/service user skills
- Presentation Skills
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.
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
