Laboratory Services Manager
UK Health Security Agency
Cambridge, CB2 0QQView on map(opens Google Maps in a new tab)
Salary
£66,582 to £77,368
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Not specified
Closing date
3 November 2026
14 days leftJob description
The Clinical Microbiology and Public Health Laboratory (CMPHL) at Cambridge is part of the UKHSA Clinical Network Laboratory division and provides ser...
CMPHL undertakes a wide range of manual and automated routine and specialist microbiological and molecular investigations, for clinical and public health service delivery.
The Laboratory Services Manager will contribute to planning, leading, organising and controlling the operation of the laboratory service in line with the operational direction of the Regional Head of Laboratory Operations and clinical direction of Clinical Services Lead. They will be responsible for ensuring and improving the performance, quality, efficiency and safety of laboratory operations through the implementation of effective methods and strategies.
The post holder is expected to act independently and is accountable for his / her own actions and those of others, line managed by the UKHSA Regional Head of Laboratory Operations and clinically accountable to the relevant Lead Consultants, through the Clinical Services Director.
Please note that UKHSA is exploring options for the future of the Clinical Network Laboratories service and that further information will be shared as the review progresses.
- To lead, coordinate and monitor the work of the provision of clinical and public health microbiology laboratory services, managing workflows and staffing to maximise service quality and timeliness- Deputise for the Regional Head of Laboratory Operations- Contribute to the development of and manage effective business continuity and resilience arrangements.- Management of employee productivity, coordinating workforce availability, including rostering, training planning, skills development and succession planning.- Oversee laboratory equipment and consumables, including supplier liaison regarding equipment maintenance, performance and fault resolution.- Support the relevant Lead Consultants to develop and integrate diagnostic and analytical techniques into appropriate patient pathways.- Contribute to the planning and implementation of integrated multi sectional service developments.
- Within the framework laid down by the Regional Head of Laboratory Operations and under the clinical leadership of the Clinical Services Director/Lead undertake the management and organisation of the laboratory service.
- Ensure the development and maintenance of Standard Operating Procedures, policies and working practices in accordance with a programme agreed by the Regional Head of Laboratory Operations, Clinical Services Director and other members of the Management Team.- Analyse and interpret any new guidance from relevant sources and to then provide advice for the development of departmental and service-wide policies and procedures.
- Ensure an adequate and economic local supply of reagents and non-capital equipment- Review consumables and non-capital equipment used by the laboratory and identify opportunities for development and improvement in quality and cost effectiveness.- Manage departmental budgets and delegated finances- Contribute to costing of services, ensuring that service change control includes full financial review
- Work with UKHSA leads to manage procurement process of the capital equipment programmes and asset management- Ensure maintenance and service contracts are in place and local asset management is documented and current within the Quality Management system- Liaise with the Estates Departments for maintenance of building and services- Take a lead role in the future planning of new accommodation and alterations to existing premises.- Be responsible for facilities and environmental aspects within the laboratory.
- Lead in the review, development and implementation of business and strategic plans- Facilitate the introduction and development of new technologies, methodologies and systems of work for service improvement and in compliance with quality standards- Review practices through policies, audits, benchmarking, LEAN working and continuous improvement.
- Be actively involved in scientific and technical duties within the department which may include delivering specialist technical advice to service users.- Accountable for the direct service delivery of a high standard of professional competence in the performance of tests and investigations across the Clinical Microbiology and Public Health service- Analyse, interpret, technically validate and report on routine complex and specialist tests.
- Ensure compliance with local and national Health and Safety legislation and recommendations and implement required changes.- Ensure the notification of all dangerous occurrences within the department/site to appropriate bodies and reporting on UKHSA systems- Ensure staff receive training in Health and Safety practices
- In collaboration with the Quality manager, develop a clear accountability framework for the service in respect of quality assurance.- Ensure that the laboratory complies with ISO 15189, IDPS and HTA standards and HCPC/IBMS requirements and adheres to the principles and requirements of sound Clinical Governance- Ensure participation in appropriate External Quality Assurance schemes, monitor departmental performance in such schemes and implement corrective actions
- Registration with Healthcare Professions Council (Biomedical Scientist)
- Postgraduate level qualification in Infection Sciences subjects equivalent to Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences or MSc
- Recent technical and managerial experience in an Infection Sciences diagnostic laboratory In depth post graduate technical experience and scientific knowledge of Microbiology gained including within a service management role
- High level knowledge of laboratory policies, regulatory standards, Standard Operating Procedures, codes of practice, legislation and professional guidelines including those relating to Health and Safety
- Knowledge and experience of staff management techniques (e.g. recruitment, training, supervision, organisational, appraisal, performance management, grievance and disciplinary)
- High level of theoretical and practical knowledge of microbiological techniques and procedures and their clinical applications, and be technically competent at specimen processing and interpretation
- Robust understanding of the Public Health requirements of a clinical microbiology laboratory
This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications,knowledgeand experience and / or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria
Stage 1: Application
You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a :
- Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
- 1,500 word Supporting Statement
This should outline how you consider your skills, experience and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria
You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. The application form is the kind of information you would put into your CV. Please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV
Longlisting
In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:
- Meets all essential criteria
- Meets some essential criteria
- Meets no essential criteria
We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.
UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.
Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers
Application form and Supporting Statement
Essential: - Application form and Supporting Statement
Essential Criteria
Essential: - Questions on Experience, Knowledge and Skills
How to apply
Applications are handled entirely by the employer on the original advert. We do not collect CVs, supporting statements or application data.
Provenance
Source
NHS Jobs
First seen
20 October 2026
Last checked
20 October 2026
Salary, closing date and description are taken from the employer's advert. The original advert always takes precedence.
About the employer
NHS organisation
This listing was structured from NHS Jobs. Vacancy details and the application process remain the responsibility of the original source.
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