Job summary We have a new and exciting opportunity for a Laboratory Operations Manager with expertise in Infection Sciences available on a full time and permanent basis. We are seeking individuals who are dedicated to demonstrating inclusive leadership to provide a high-quality testing service and are enthusiastic about employee engagement and developing our people. You will have the opportunity to work in a laboratory which takes a leading technological approach with state of the art automated track and analytical systems, including Beckman DxA in Blood Science/Virology, 3rd generation Kiestra TMT system, Bruker MALDI-ToF and Phoenix M50 AST, along with Panther and GenXpert analysers supporting high throughput and rapid access molecular testing. The department supports testing for the local NHS Trust and primary care providers. SYNLAB UK & Ireland have extensive experience of working in partnership with the NHS to deliver and improve pathology services through its existing pathology joint ventures - including Southwest Pathology Services (SPS). Our team at SPS have been fundamental to the principle of making a positive difference to healthcare in Somerset for over a decade. We hold ISO15189 UKAS accreditation and are an HCPC approved training Laboratory for Microbiology and Virology, for both IBMS Registration and Specialist Portfolios. We offer a management team performance bonus of up to 5% of basic pay per year, private health insurance and access to SYNLAB benefits scheme. Main duties of the job Reporting to the General Manager and working alongside the Advanced Practitioner for Infection Sciences, you will be accountable for managing workforce, operations, budgetary and strategic planning of the Infection Sciences team to ensure the successful operational delivery of pathology services, in line with our corporate objectives. You will hold HCPC registration as a Biomedical or Clinical Scientist and have previous practical experience working in a pathology laboratory as well as previous management experience. SPS will commit to support you in developing your skills and knowledge in line with your professional growth and our business interests. Most importantly, through our shared values, you will help to make a positive difference to the lives, health and wellbeing of those within our community that we serve. About us SYNLAB UK & Ireland work closely with clinicians, hospitals, occupational health providers and clinical researchers to provide a complete pathology offering. We operate in increasingly diverse environments which is reflected in our workforce, clients, customers, suppliers, communities and partners. We believe an inclusive workplace culture is the best way to source, attract and retain diverse and talented people, and create a sustainable, high-performing workforce. We believe our staff are vital to the principle of making a positive difference to healthcare, therefore, we promote a culture of continuous personal development where scientists and staff have the support and resources to acquire new skills and build their careers through learning and development opportunities, coaching and clear career pathways. We promote an open and collaborative culture where leaders act as role models and facilitate a two-way communication, engage with staff and stakeholders transparently and actively encourage feedback and suggestions. We reserve the right to close any adverts once we have received a sufficient number of applications. If you decide to apply for this post but do not hear back from us within two weeks of your application, please assume that you have not been short-listed on this occasion. SYNLAB UK & Ireland is a committed equal opportunities employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable UK employment law. Date posted 20 January 2025 Pay scheme Other Salary £53,755 to £60,504 a year Performance bonus of up to 5% of basic pay per year Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number E0308-25-0002 Job locations I P P Facilities Ltd Lisieux Way Taunton Somerset TA1 2LB Job description Job responsibilities Provide senior leadership and support for all staff within designated service areas. Act as an inclusive leader upholding the values outlined in our DEI Policy Be responsible for the delivery of SYNLAB and SPS objectives within designated service areas, maintaining a clear strategic direction. Line manage employees, including delivering all aspects of people management, such as recruitment, performance management, absence management, learning and development, employee health and wellbeing. Address key workforce issues, including recruitment and retention and training and development. Ensure all staff have clear SMART objectives linking to SYNLAB and SPS objectives. Develop a culture of innovation and development and encourage effective succession planning and talent management. Ensure clear lines of communication to all staff and ensure a culture of listening and support, responding in a timely way to issues of staff morale and support requirements identified. Be an active member of the SPS Senior Leadership Team to support long term objectives of the service including skills gap analysis, workforce development and succession planning. Responsible for ensuring there is appropriate capacity and capability planning to ensure all aspects of operational service performance can be consistently delivered to achieve key performance indicators; including upscaling for new services or business. Plan and organise the work schedules to ensure necessary cover is provided to meet turnaround times and quality objectives including organising temporary resource where necessary. Manage out of hours rota, adjusting as necessary to ensure the continued provision of a laboratory service 24 hours a day if required. Encourage junior employees in their scientific expertise, knowledge and professional development., Work with Training Manager and departmental training leads to ensure appropriate competency training is delivered, including supporting induction, Provide regular updates to GM/DGM, including submitting Operational Performance data and present at relevant meetings. Participate in the strategic development and service improvement of the analytical service, working with the Principal Biomedical Scientists Embed a culture of continuous improvement; ensuring the culture also supports the reporting of near misses and raising of concerns. Through open and visible engagement with staff at all levels ensure all staff within diagnostic laboratory production know how to report issues and will be accountable for the appropriate handling of matters raised Ensure compliance with all regulatory and quality requirements of regulatory directives, accreditation bodies, and local management including: o Care Quality Commission o UKAS o SYNLAB policies and SOPs o Any other body in area of responsibility. Develop, and regularly review relevant documents, in line with the ISO 15189 standard and where necessary propose policy and service changes. Support in the development and implementation of Business Continuity and Serious Incidents Plans where necessary for your service line(s). Demonstrate professionalism, patience and empathy when explaining complex subjects, and in particular when communicating with people who do not share same level of knowledge or understanding. Maintain standards of conduct required by SYNLAB and the HCPC as a registered Biomedical Scientist. Attend, and chair regular departmental meetings and ensure effective communication within the department and across the service line. Support the Principal Biomedical Scientist to work with Materials Management Team to ensure the reconciliation of delivery notes with purchase orders; ensure appropriate stock levels and equipment within the units are maintained. Support SYNLAB commercial endeavours by providing accurate costings for laboratory procedures and commercial trials and contracts. Take part in CPD activities to ensure that your practices and knowledge are always relevant and up to date to your specific area. Be an ambassador for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, working with the GM, DEI Champions and DEI Lead to implement actions from the DEI strategy. Communicate and role model the values and behaviours of SYNLAB. Safety To observe safety regulations and attend mandatory fire, manual handling and other courses as required. Report all incidents and adverse events to managers and assist in the investigations of any incidents. To participate in risk assessment monitoring. To comply with SYNLAB policy for annual mandatory updates and have knowledge of COSHH and Lifting and Handling Policies. Job description Job responsibilities Provide senior leadership and support for all staff within designated service areas. Act as an inclusive leader upholding the values outlined in our DEI Policy Be responsible for the delivery of SYNLAB and SPS objectives within designated service areas, maintaining a clear strategic direction. Line manage employees, including delivering all aspects of people management, such as recruitment, performance management, absence management, learning and development, employee health and wellbeing. Address key workforce issues, including recruitment and retention and training and development. Ensure all staff have clear SMART objectives linking to SYNLAB and SPS objectives. Develop a culture of innovation and development and encourage effective succession planning and talent management. Ensure clear lines of communication to all staff and ensure a culture of listening and support, responding in a timely way to issues of staff morale and support requirements identified. Be an active member of the SPS Senior Leadership Team to support long term objectives of the service including skills gap analysis, workforce development and succession planning. Responsible for ensuring there is appropriate capacity and capability planning to ensure all aspects of operational service performance can be consistently delivered to achieve key performance indicators; including upscaling for new services or business. Plan and organise the work schedules to ensure necessary cover is provided to meet turnaround times and quality objectives including organising temporary resource where necessary. Manage out of hours rota, adjusting as necessary to ensure the continued provision of a laboratory service 24 hours a day if required. Encourage junior employees in their scientific expertise, knowledge and professional development., Work with Training Manager and departmental training leads to ensure appropriate competency training is delivered, including supporting induction, Provide regular updates to GM/DGM, including submitting Operational Performance data and present at relevant meetings. Participate in the strategic development and service improvement of the analytical service, working with the Principal Biomedical Scientists Embed a culture of continuous improvement; ensuring the culture also supports the reporting of near misses and raising of concerns. Through open and visible engagement with staff at all levels ensure all staff within diagnostic laboratory production know how to report issues and will be accountable for the appropriate handling of matters raised Ensure compliance with all regulatory and quality requirements of regulatory directives, accreditation bodies, and local management including: o Care Quality Commission o UKAS o SYNLAB policies and SOPs o Any other body in area of responsibility. Develop, and regularly review relevant documents, in line with the ISO 15189 standard and where necessary propose policy and service changes. Support in the development and implementation of Business Continuity and Serious Incidents Plans where necessary for your service line(s). Demonstrate professionalism, patience and empathy when explaining complex subjects, and in particular when communicating with people who do not share same level of knowledge or understanding. Maintain standards of conduct required by SYNLAB and the HCPC as a registered Biomedical Scientist. Attend, and chair regular departmental meetings and ensure effective communication within the department and across the service line. Support the Principal Biomedical Scientist to work with Materials Management Team to ensure the reconciliation of delivery notes with purchase orders; ensure appropriate stock levels and equipment within the units are maintained. Support SYNLAB commercial endeavours by providing accurate costings for laboratory procedures and commercial trials and contracts. Take part in CPD activities to ensure that your practices and knowledge are always relevant and up to date to your specific area. Be an ambassador for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, working with the GM, DEI Champions and DEI Lead to implement actions from the DEI strategy. Communicate and role model the values and behaviours of SYNLAB. Safety To observe safety regulations and attend mandatory fire, manual handling and other courses as required. Report all incidents and adverse events to managers and assist in the investigations of any incidents. To participate in risk assessment monitoring. To comply with SYNLAB policy for annual mandatory updates and have knowledge of COSHH and Lifting and Handling Policies. Person Specification Qualifications Essential HCPC registration, with post registration experience working within Infection Sciences MSc, FIBMS, or equivalent experience Management Qualification equivalent to ILM Level 5 or above (or evidence of equivalent management training). Experience Essential Leadership experience within a scientific laboratory with evidence of extensive people management responsibility. Person Specification Qualifications Essential HCPC registration, with post registration experience working within Infection Sciences MSc, FIBMS, or equivalent experience Management Qualification equivalent to ILM Level 5 or above (or evidence of equivalent management training). Experience Essential Leadership experience within a scientific laboratory with evidence of extensive people management responsibility. 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. 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. 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 Integrated Pathology Partnerships Limited Address I P P Facilities Ltd Lisieux Way Taunton Somerset TA1 2LB Employer's website https://synlab.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)