Job summary
As a Band 8a laboratory manager in the Microbiology Department the post holder will be responsible for the operational and technical delivery of the service and management of all sections of Microbiology including Bacteriology, Virology, Mycology, Parasitology and Molecular Diagnostics, as well as maintenance of UKAS accreditation to ISO The post holder is the Microbiology budget holder and will take a lead role in the management and development of all staff within the Department.
Main duties of the job
The role involves leading the operational, technical and workforce management of the Microbiology Department, ensuring high quality service delivery across Bacteriology, Virology, Molecular Diagnostics, Parasitology and Mycology, maintaining UKAS ISO 15189 accreditation, managing the budget and developing staff.
Working for your organisation
The Pathology Department at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals is part of the Lancashire & South Cumbria Pathology Service, a 4-Trust collaborative network focussed on coordinating services, adopting new technology, achieving best value and improving patient outcomes whilst maintaining pathology services across all sites.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will work to meet the objectives of the Pathology Directorate and the Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust through effective teamwork, communication, planning, staffing and resource management. As a Band 8a in the Microbiology Department the post holder will be responsible for the operational and technical delivery of the service and management of all sections of Microbiology including Bacteriology, Virology, Mycology, Parasitology and Molecular Diagnostics, as well as maintenance of UKAS accreditation to ISO The post holder is the Microbiology budget holder and will take a lead role in the management and development of all staff within the Department. Additional duties will be undertaken as directed by the Pathology Directorate Manager in consultation with the post holder
About us
The Pathology department at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is member of the Lancashire & South Cumbria Pathology Service which is a collaborative pathology network made up of four partner Trusts, they are University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The aim is to transform pathology services and patient pathways by ensuring a coordinated approach for local services that drives the adoption of new technology, seeks best value, service quality and investment to improve patient outcomes. Pathology is essential to the delivery of all patient pathways and will be continued to be delivered on all 4 hospital sites.
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is ideally situated just a forty-five-minute drive from Manchester. The Trust provides services to the 440,000 residents of Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre and North Lancashire, as well as specialist tertiary care for Cardiac, Haematology and Cystic fibrosis patients.
As one of the United Kingdom's largest coastal resort, Blackpool has plenty to offer its residents -it's not just a good place to work; it's a great place to live.
Details
Date posted
18 February 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 8a
Salary
£55,690 to £62,682 a year dependant on experience
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
382-CS15-26-A
Job locations
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals
Pathology
Blackpool
FY3 8NR
Job description
Job responsibilities
To ensure the department is operating in accordance with national guidance and maintain UKAS accreditation ISO 15189 standards & regulatory requirements.
To be responsible for the technical leadership for service developments which clinical teams and Consultant Microbiologists or Clinical Scientists may wish to introduce.
To monitor and maintain the high professional standards of the Microbiology service and initiate remedial action where necessary.
To plan, oversee, perform, and technically validate all Microbiological investigations to a high level of competence.
To oversee the technical validation of test results prior to reporting, ensuring the standard operating procedures as agreed by the Consultant Microbiologists are followed.
To be responsible for the data management of results on the laboratory computer systems to ensure they are reported accurately and in a timely manner.
To implement and monitor Internal and External Quality Assurance Schemes.
To ensure the effective and timely commissioning of new equipment in Microbiology to ISO 15189 standards.
To give technical support and guidance to all Microbiology staff, clinical staff and for research / clinical trials involving Microbiology.
To implement Microbiology polices and maintain all documentation.
To ensure stock levels are maintained to the required level within Microbiology.
To ensure equipment within the department is fit for purpose, monitored, working at optimal performance and support collation of maintenance records.
To implement new methodology into Microbiology in accordance best practice and accreditation and regulatory requirements.
PERSONAL
To ensure the effective deployment of Biomedical Scientists in the department.
To ensure comprehensive EWP rotas are prepared in a timely fashion.
To develop close working relationships and communicate effectively with the Consultants and Clinical Scientists in the Microbiology Department.
SUPERVISORY / MANAGEMENT DUTIES
To be a member of the Pathology Management team and deputise for the Pathology Directorate Manager as required.
To represent the Microbiology Department at the Pathology Directorate meetings
To be named Quality Lead for the department.
To be named Health and Safety lead for the department.
To work with the Pathology Directorate Manager and other local heads of service to develop strategic plans and policy for Microbiology/Pathology, including technical leadership for any collaborative working across the network.
To contribute to the planning of decisions regarding laboratory repertoire and equipment procurement.
To provide statistical information within Microbiology and produce written reports.
To contribute to the recruitment, appointment, and retention of staff in line with Trust polices and guidelines.
To take the lead in control of staff deployment and maintain discipline in Microbiology according to Trust Policy.
To ensure compliance with statutory regulations, Health and Safety, fire etc. in the section.
To conduct annual appraisal for the Team leaders and ensure all staff have an appraisal once a year and ensure developmental needs are actioned.
To undertake responsibility for counselling, grievance, and welfare matters.
To contribute to the analysis and workforce planning needs of the Microbiology establishment and skill mix as appropriate to the safe provision of service.
To organise staff in covering the 24-hour working patterns of Microbiology.
To oversee the monitoring and recording of attendance, holidays, special leave, and sickness absence.
Monitor cost effectiveness with the Microbiology budget and contributing to Waste Reduction Schemes
To lead on business case development for staff, equipment purchases or new service or strategic developments.
TEACHING / DEVELOPMENT / COMMUNICATION
To co-ordinate induction, training and development of all staff in Microbiology.
To ensure personal compliance with regards to mandatory, professional and personal development according to service needs.
To ensure personal compliance with professional codes of conduct and personal development according to service needs.
To facilitate two-way communication between higher management and staff.
To promote the service and enhance the reputation of the department.
To develop appropriate links with colleagues in the Pathology Clinical Network and Public Health Agencies and other stakeholders.
To maintain up-to-date knowledge of methodology and technology in all aspects of Microbiology.
To ensure all staff are competent to perform microbiological techniques and relevant tasks and maintain up to date records of the staff competencies.
To provide mentorship to technical staff within Microbiology and to encourage continual professional and personal development.
To provide support and supervision for staff engaged on work related study including portfolios and apprenticeships.
CLINICAL GOVERNANCE
To be the Departmental Quality Lead
To ensure that incidents and complaints are investigated in a timely manner and appropriate actions implemented.
To ensure that Quality Management Systems are maintained as scheduled.
To work within regulatory and accreditation requirements, Trust policies and protocols.
To ensure confidentiality is maintained in accordance with the Data Protection Act.
FINANCE
To be responsible for the Microbiology budget, producing a balanced budget and achieving financial control and improvement targets
For further details / informal visits contact:
Job description
Job responsibilities
To ensure the department is operating in accordance with national guidance and maintain UKAS accreditation ISO 15189 standards & regulatory requirements.
To be responsible for the technical leadership for service developments which clinical teams and Consultant Microbiologists or Clinical Scientists may wish to introduce.
To monitor and maintain the high professional standards of the Microbiology service and initiate remedial action where necessary.
To plan, oversee, perform, and technically validate all Microbiological investigations to a high level of competence.
To oversee the technical validation of test results prior to reporting, ensuring the standard operating procedures as agreed by the Consultant Microbiologists are followed.
To be responsible for the data management of results on the laboratory computer systems to ensure they are reported accurately and in a timely manner.
To implement and monitor Internal and External Quality Assurance Schemes.
To ensure the effective and timely commissioning of new equipment in Microbiology to ISO 15189 standards.
To give technical support and guidance to all Microbiology staff, clinical staff and for research / clinical trials involving Microbiology.
To implement Microbiology polices and maintain all documentation.
To ensure stock levels are maintained to the required level within Microbiology.
To ensure equipment within the department is fit for purpose, monitored, working at optimal performance and support collation of maintenance records.
To implement new methodology into Microbiology in accordance best practice and accreditation and regulatory requirements.
PERSONAL
To ensure the effective deployment of Biomedical Scientists in the department.
To ensure comprehensive EWP rotas are prepared in a timely fashion.
To develop close working relationships and communicate effectively with the Consultants and Clinical Scientists in the Microbiology Department.
SUPERVISORY / MANAGEMENT DUTIES
To be a member of the Pathology Management team and deputise for the Pathology Directorate Manager as required.
To represent the Microbiology Department at the Pathology Directorate meetings
To be named Quality Lead for the department.
To be named Health and Safety lead for the department.
To work with the Pathology Directorate Manager and other local heads of service to develop strategic plans and policy for Microbiology/Pathology, including technical leadership for any collaborative working across the network.
To contribute to the planning of decisions regarding laboratory repertoire and equipment procurement.
To provide statistical information within Microbiology and produce written reports.
To contribute to the recruitment, appointment, and retention of staff in line with Trust polices and guidelines.
To take the lead in control of staff deployment and maintain discipline in Microbiology according to Trust Policy.
To ensure compliance with statutory regulations, Health and Safety, fire etc. in the section.
To conduct annual appraisal for the Team leaders and ensure all staff have an appraisal once a year and ensure developmental needs are actioned.
To undertake responsibility for counselling, grievance, and welfare matters.
To contribute to the analysis and workforce planning needs of the Microbiology establishment and skill mix as appropriate to the safe provision of service.
To organise staff in covering the 24-hour working patterns of Microbiology.
To oversee the monitoring and recording of attendance, holidays, special leave, and sickness absence.
Monitor cost effectiveness with the Microbiology budget and contributing to Waste Reduction Schemes
To lead on business case development for staff, equipment purchases or new service or strategic developments.
TEACHING / DEVELOPMENT / COMMUNICATION
To co-ordinate induction, training and development of all staff in Microbiology.
To ensure personal compliance with regards to mandatory, professional and personal development according to service needs.
To ensure personal compliance with professional codes of conduct and personal development according to service needs.
To facilitate two-way communication between higher management and staff.
To promote the service and enhance the reputation of the department.
To develop appropriate links with colleagues in the Pathology Clinical Network and Public Health Agencies and other stakeholders.
To maintain up-to-date knowledge of methodology and technology in all aspects of Microbiology.
To ensure all staff are competent to perform microbiological techniques and relevant tasks and maintain up to date records of the staff competencies.
To provide mentorship to technical staff within Microbiology and to encourage continual professional and personal development.
To provide support and supervision for staff engaged on work related study including portfolios and apprenticeships.
CLINICAL GOVERNANCE
To be the Departmental Quality Lead
To ensure that incidents and complaints are investigated in a timely manner and appropriate actions implemented.
To ensure that Quality Management Systems are maintained as scheduled.
To work within regulatory and accreditation requirements, Trust policies and protocols.
To ensure confidentiality is maintained in accordance with the Data Protection Act.
FINANCE
To be responsible for the Microbiology budget, producing a balanced budget and achieving financial control and improvement targets
For further details / informal visits contact:
Person Specification
Education and Qualification
Essential
* HCPC Registered Biomedical Scientist in Microbiology
* Fellowship of IMBS, MSc Microbiology or equivalent experience
Desirable
* Management Qualification
Experience and Knowledge
Essential
* Significant experience as a senior BMS within a Microbiology department
* Substantial leadership experience
* Knowledge of COSHH, health and safety legislation pertaining to Clinical Microbiology laboratories
* Experience of UKAS accreditation and involvement in pre-assessment preparations and resolution of findings
* Experience of laboratory quality management systems
* Experience of managing and / or performing validation and verification and completing relevant documentation
* Experience of using online Incident Reporting Systems
* Experience of writing Risk Assessments & SOPs
* Experience of recording and analysing data and trends
* Experience knowledge and understanding of Bacteriology, Virology, Mycology, Parasitology and Molecular Biology
* Detailed working knowledge of laboratory IT systems and standard IT packages e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel etc.
* Experience of reviewing and authorising results
* Experience of recruitment
Desirable
* Significant experience of managing staff on an operational level and in relation to HR issues
* Experience of procuring and commissioning new equipment
* Experience of managing budgets
* Experience of leading change to implement significant improvements
* Experience of chairing meetings
Skills and Ability
Essential
* Technically competent with all round Microbiological skills
* Excellent communication skills, including the ability to analyse complex information and produce reports
* Knowledge of ISO 15189 standards and how they are applied in a Microbiology laboratory
* Ability to use initiative and work with minimal supervision
* Ability to organise own workload and that of the department
* Capable of working under pressure
* Strong leadership skills with the ability to negotiate and influence
* Flexible to meet the needs of the service
Desirable
* Good understanding of finance and clinical governance
Person Specification
Education and Qualification
Essential
* HCPC Registered Biomedical Scientist in Microbiology
* Fellowship of IMBS, MSc Microbiology or equivalent experience
Desirable
* Management Qualification
Experience and Knowledge
Essential
* Significant experience as a senior BMS within a Microbiology department
* Substantial leadership experience
* Knowledge of COSHH, health and safety legislation pertaining to Clinical Microbiology laboratories
* Experience of UKAS accreditation and involvement in pre-assessment preparations and resolution of findings
* Experience of laboratory quality management systems
* Experience of managing and / or performing validation and verification and completing relevant documentation
* Experience of using online Incident Reporting Systems
* Experience of writing Risk Assessments & SOPs
* Experience of recording and analysing data and trends
* Experience knowledge and understanding of Bacteriology, Virology, Mycology, Parasitology and Molecular Biology
* Detailed working knowledge of laboratory IT systems and standard IT packages e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel etc.
* Experience of reviewing and authorising results
* Experience of recruitment
Desirable
* Significant experience of managing staff on an operational level and in relation to HR issues
* Experience of procuring and commissioning new equipment
* Experience of managing budgets
* Experience of leading change to implement significant improvements
* Experience of chairing meetings
Skills and Ability
Essential
* Technically competent with all round Microbiological skills
* Excellent communication skills, including the ability to analyse complex information and produce reports
* Knowledge of ISO 15189 standards and how they are applied in a Microbiology laboratory
* Ability to use initiative and work with minimal supervision
* Ability to organise own workload and that of the department
* Capable of working under pressure
* Strong leadership skills with the ability to negotiate and influence
* Flexible to meet the needs of the service
Desirable
* Good understanding of finance and clinical governance
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.
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).
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.
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).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Employer name
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals
Pathology
Blackpool
FY3 8NR
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals
Pathology
Blackpool
FY3 8NR
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)