Job Summary
This is an interim senior operational leadership role responsible for the delivery, performance, and resilience of Red Cell Immunohaematology (RCI) services across a defined region. Reporting to the Assistant Director of RCI, the post holder will take direct accountability for operational performance across multiple laboratories, including turnaround times, workforce deployment, and service delivery standards.
Role
This is a national role requiring regular travel across England. The post holder will be based at one of the RCI laboratories and is expected to maintain a strong on‑site presence within their region. Appointments will be made to either a North or South regional role: South (Birmingham, Tooting, Colindale, or Filton) and North (Liverpool, Barnsley, or Newcastle). The role requires regular travel across laboratories within the region, with an expectation of visible, on‑site leadership to support operational delivery and service continuity. This is a 12‑month interim role, established to support operational performance while the current RCI management structure is under review.
Responsibilities
* Take accountability for operational performance across a defined group of RCI laboratories, including turnaround times, work in progress, and service delivery metrics.
* Provide direct line management to Heads of Laboratory, including objective setting, performance management, and leadership support.
* Manage and coordinate service development and/or reconfiguration in accordance with priorities set by the Assistant Director of RCI.
* Maintain a visible and consistent on‑site leadership presence across laboratories, particularly during periods of operational pressure or workforce gaps.
* Ensure effective workforce deployment and coordination across laboratories to deliver safe, sustainable, and efficient services.
* Support the Assistant Director of RCI and Director of Pathology with:
o Facilities planning and reconfiguration
o Specification, testing and implementation of IT systems
o Specification, assessment and qualification of laboratory testing platforms
o Implementation of optimised logistics
o Activity‑based costing and derivation of prices
* Maintain a thorough working knowledge of hospital transfusion practices and the broader requirements of RCI customers.
* Ensure a coordinated approach to quality management and compliance across the function, including management of quality events, quality documentation, and customer complaints.
* Contribute to national service delivery by implementing strategic priorities, supporting cross‑regional working, and deputising for the Assistant Director as required.
Experience and Knowledge
* Highly developed specialist knowledge in transfusion and RCI.
* Experience of working in a highly regulated environment, relevant to diagnostic services, including in‑depth knowledge of standards and guidelines affecting laboratory practice.
* Experience of and previous involvement with implementing organisational change programmes.
* Experience of working in a continuous improvement culture, including the provision of value for money and service development.
* Senior Management Report writing ability including manipulation of data.
* Experienced in working with spreadsheets, data analysis and standard word software packages.
Qualifications and Training
* Requirement for HCPC professional registration (which must be maintained in the role).
* First level science degree.
* MSc in transfusion science or Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Science (FIBMS).
* Postgraduate Management qualification or significant operational management experience – managing a complex scientific service.
* Evidence of continued professional development.
What We Offer
* Hybrid working arrangements – NHSBT works nationally, providing hybrid working options that give you flexibility to balance work with life.
* Flexible working options – where the role allows, we promote and discuss flexible working arrangements.
* Generous annual leave – 27 days annual leave (pro‑rated for part‑time) plus bank holidays, increasing to 29 days after 5 years’ service and to 33 days after 10 years.
* Inclusive pension scheme – the NHS Pension Scheme is a defined‑benefit scheme. Further details can be found at NHSBSA pensions page.
* Supportive learning culture – we offer a culture of continuous learning and support for all colleagues through programmes and activities that encourage personal and professional growth.
* Health and wellbeing support – confidential services including occupational health, employee assistance programme, and wellbeing resources, with efforts to provide tailored workplace adjustments where possible.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we welcome applications from disabled candidates and will make reasonable adjustments to support them during the recruitment process.
Next Steps
This vacancy will close at 23:59 on 30th April 2026.
The assessment process for this role will include a single interview, anticipated to be held on 12th May 2026 – subject to confirmation.
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