Job summary
The Cellular Pathology technical lead will be responsible for the organisation and quality of the work within the Cellular Pathology Laboratories across Hywel Dda. They will also be responsible for managing the budget within the limits agreed with the Cellular Pathology and Mortuary Services Manager. They will communicate with all key stakeholders to provide a responsive service in line with clinical need, support the UHB core values andcontribute to service review and progression. To take an active role in self and staff training and development within the Cellular Pathologylaboratory, performing personal development and performance reviews.
Main duties of the job
The Cellular Pathology Operations Manager is responsible for the organisation and quality of work within the Cellular Pathology Laboratories across Hywel Dda. This includes managing departmental budgets within agreed limits, ensuring compliance with risk management, quality management, clinical governance, and national standards (such as UKAS, HCPC, IBMS, and Welsh Government requirements). The role involves providing expert clinical and technical leadership, overseeing staff training in complex techniques, monitoring departmental activity, and supporting business, operational, and workforce planning. The manager also collaborates with colleagues to allocate workloads, oversees maintenance and repairs, ensures incident reporting and investigation, maintains standard operating procedures, and participates in service level agreements and policy development at both local and national levels.
About us
Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties.
We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services.
We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.
Our services are provided in:
- Four main hospitals: Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth; Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen; Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest
- Five community hospitals: Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshire
- Two integrated care centres: Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settings
- 47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 97 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers
- Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post holder is responsible for leading and motivating staff, providing highly specialist advice on technical and clinical matters, and maintaining effective communication with internal and external stakeholders. They are expected to manage financial resources, lead procurement processes, and ensure accurate record-keeping and audit trails. The manager must support staff development, ensure compliance with training and regulatory requirements, and facilitate the introduction of new equipment and methodologies. They are also responsible for departmental IT security, data management, and supporting audits, research, and clinical trials. Additionally, the role requires maintaining up-to-date knowledge of health and safety legislation and ensuring departmental compliance with risk management policies.
You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.
The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.
The ability to communicate in Welsh isdesirablefor this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.
Interviews will be held on :13/01/2026
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post holder is responsible for leading and motivating staff, providing highly specialist advice on technical and clinical matters, and maintaining effective communication with internal and external stakeholders. They are expected to manage financial resources, lead procurement processes, and ensure accurate record-keeping and audit trails. The manager must support staff development, ensure compliance with training and regulatory requirements, and facilitate the introduction of new equipment and methodologies. They are also responsible for departmental IT security, data management, and supporting audits, research, and clinical trials. Additionally, the role requires maintaining up-to-date knowledge of health and safety legislation and ensuring departmental compliance with risk management policies.
You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.
The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.
The ability to communicate in Welsh isdesirablefor this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.
Interviews will be held on :13/01/2026
Person Specification
Qualifications and Knowledge
Essential
- MSc or Equivalent Qualification or Fellowship of IBMS
- HCPC Registration
- Management Qualification or equivalent management experience
- On-going CPD
- Specialist medical laboratory knowledge (clinical and technical) across a range of complex work procedures and practices within the discipline
- In-depth knowledge of complex instrumentation, subject or speciality obtained through relevant training over and above that required for routine work
- Knowledge of and ability to use: Quality assurance/quality control procedures, Health and Safety procedures, Clinical Governance and Risk Management
- Knowledge of assessment / evaluation of training
Desirable
- Knowledge of NHS Financial/Budgetary Processes
- IBMS Higher Specialist Certificate
Experience
Essential
- Prior experience as a senior Biomedical scientist in a Cellular Pathology discipline
- Training Experience
- Extensive relevant clinical/Technical experience
- Supervisory experience
Desirable
- Management Experience
- Has undertaken project work or a research project
Other
Essential
- Ability to travel between sites in a timely manner
Desirable
Person Specification
Qualifications and Knowledge
Essential
- MSc or Equivalent Qualification or Fellowship of IBMS
- HCPC Registration
- Management Qualification or equivalent management experience
- On-going CPD
- Specialist medical laboratory knowledge (clinical and technical) across a range of complex work procedures and practices within the discipline
- In-depth knowledge of complex instrumentation, subject or speciality obtained through relevant training over and above that required for routine work
- Knowledge of and ability to use: Quality assurance/quality control procedures, Health and Safety procedures, Clinical Governance and Risk Management
- Knowledge of assessment / evaluation of training
Desirable
- Knowledge of NHS Financial/Budgetary Processes
- IBMS Higher Specialist Certificate
Experience
Essential
- Prior experience as a senior Biomedical scientist in a Cellular Pathology discipline
- Training Experience
- Extensive relevant clinical/Technical experience
- Supervisory experience
Desirable
- Management Experience
- Has undertaken project work or a research project
Other
Essential
- Ability to travel between sites in a timely manner
Desirable
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).
