NHS Blood and Transplant

Lead Specialist - Testing

The closing date is 01 March 2026

Job summary

Your primary role is to act as subject matter expert and lead, on service and product development specifically within the Testing area of the supply chain, and across other directorates where applicable.

Main duties of the job

Evaluating and generating innovative ideas, supporting and contributing to the development of strategy and improved service delivery. Leading on a range of programmes/change and implementation projects addressing standardisation, new ways of working, introduction of new technology, service and product development and improved performance. Providing expert advice on standards and specifications for systems, processes, consumables and equipment and leading on evaluation and procurement processes. Developing expertise and providing the primary point of contact for internal and external agencies within a designated area, supporting the operation in the maintenance of quality. Maintaining a thorough working knowledge of practices, procurement, licensing and regulatory requirements in all areas associated with blood component collection, manufacture, distribution and use. Deputising for Testing Development / Assistant Heads of Function as required Lead Specialists own a number of process and product development lifecycles from the discovery phase through analysis, adoption, development, implementation and post market surveillance, delivering projects on time and to budget, operating independently but with support and guidance. You will be required to travel and spend time away from base, which will involve working irregular hours and overnight stays when required, with prior notice

About us

It takes all types of people to deliver the kind of service that saves and improves lives. At NHS Blood and Transplant, youll join a team of more than 6,000 people who are making a genuine difference to communities, families, friends, relatives and more across the UK. We play a unique and special role in the NHS by helping people do something extraordinary- donate blood, blood products, organs, tissues, or stem cells to save someone in need. Our three core values are what set us apart. They guide and inspire everything we do. By being caring, expertly meeting the needs of our patients and our people, and accepting nothing less than the best quality, we can do extraordinary work and help our people to do something extraordinary in their career, too. Three small words, one big difference - Caring, Expert and Quality. Together we'll save and improve more lives than ever. You will join us on our journey to create an inclusive workplace and aim to reflect the diverse communities we work with, and we positively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

Details

Date posted

20 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8a

Salary

£57,528 to £64,750 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

008309

Job locations

England

England

England

BS34 7QH


NHS Blood and Transplant

Capitol Way, Dodworth

Barnsley

South Yorkshire

S75 3FG


NHS Blood and Transplant

Plymouth Grove

Manchester

M13 9LL


NHS Blood and Transplant

New Street

Birmingham

B2 4DU


NHS Blood and Transplant

Northway,

Filton

Bristol

BS34 7QH


NHS Blood and Transplant

75 Cranmer Terrace

London

SW17 0RB


NHS Blood and Transplant

Charcot Road

London

NW9 5BG


Job description

Job responsibilities

 

Please view the attached recruitment profile which is a summary of the detailed Job Description and Person Specification for the full personal attributes we require for the role. You will need to demonstrate these throughout the recruitment process.

 

Job description

Job responsibilities

 

Please view the attached recruitment profile which is a summary of the detailed Job Description and Person Specification for the full personal attributes we require for the role. You will need to demonstrate these throughout the recruitment process.

 

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Masters level qualification or equivalent relevant professional qualifications or demonstrable knowledge and experience to Masters level.
  • Evidence of continuous professional development

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of managing projects, change management, service redesign and delivery of change
  • Experience in risk management, process qualification and change control
  • Thorough knowledge of transfusion science, Good Manufacturing Practice, Good Laboratory Practice, Operational Improvement and Total Quality Management
  • Developed scientific and technical knowledge and understanding of blood component supply chain, and up to date knowledge of new developments
  • Experience of working with Information Technology using Microsoft Office packages (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
  • Expert knowledge in at least one of the following areas: - Testing Microbiology/Virology, Testing Blood Grouping/Serology or Other similar areas of work
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Masters level qualification or equivalent relevant professional qualifications or demonstrable knowledge and experience to Masters level.
  • Evidence of continuous professional development

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of managing projects, change management, service redesign and delivery of change
  • Experience in risk management, process qualification and change control
  • Thorough knowledge of transfusion science, Good Manufacturing Practice, Good Laboratory Practice, Operational Improvement and Total Quality Management
  • Developed scientific and technical knowledge and understanding of blood component supply chain, and up to date knowledge of new developments
  • Experience of working with Information Technology using Microsoft Office packages (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
  • Expert knowledge in at least one of the following areas: - Testing Microbiology/Virology, Testing Blood Grouping/Serology or Other similar areas of work

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.

Employer details

Employer name

NHS Blood and Transplant

Address

England

England

England

BS34 7QH


Employer's website

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

Employer details

Employer name

NHS Blood and Transplant

Address

England

England

England

BS34 7QH


Employer's website

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

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Assistant Head of Testing

Suzanne Cherif,

suzanne.cherif@nhsbt.nhs.uk

Details

Date posted

20 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8a

Salary

£57,528 to £64,750 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

008309

Job locations

England

England

England

BS34 7QH


NHS Blood and Transplant

Capitol Way, Dodworth

Barnsley

South Yorkshire

S75 3FG


NHS Blood and Transplant

Plymouth Grove

Manchester

M13 9LL


NHS Blood and Transplant

New Street

Birmingham

B2 4DU


NHS Blood and Transplant

Northway,

Filton

Bristol

BS34 7QH


NHS Blood and Transplant

75 Cranmer Terrace

London

SW17 0RB


NHS Blood and Transplant

Charcot Road

London

NW9 5BG


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

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