Job summary The post holder, in conjunction with the Head of Blood Sciences, will provide operational leadership and management to the Specialist Biochemistry service and its associated workforce and services across all UHSussex sites.The post-holder is accountable for operational activity within the specialty, under the direction of the Head of Blood Sciences and Consultant Head of Department, which will include the business continuity processes and planning, and day-day management of staff, providing strong leadership, management and communicating the strategic direction to the Pathology operational teams over all sites, acting as Deputy to the Head of Blood Sciences as required. Main duties of the job Please read job description for full details. To provide a 24hr, 7 days a week service meeting all agreed Turn-Around Time KPIs as a key component of the Blood Sciences Department. The post-holder will be accountable for all aspects of the Speciality, in addition, the post holder supervises and undertakes a range of complex investigations using a variety of techniques, including manual, semi-automated and automated techniques on highly specialised analysers to assist in the diagnosis of disease & monitoring of treatment. The post-holder will be the specialist leader & manager for a team of Biomedical Scientists & support staff, alongside the head of Blood Sciences the post-holder will be accountable for the provision of an efficient, cost-effective & timely clinical service for patients.To manage staff working within the Speciality including recruitment, appraisal, CPD & performance. The post-holder will maintain high professional standards, professional knowledge & competency, undertaking personal continuing professional development, and lead the training and development of other staff. The postholder will lead on operational changes, ensuring a safe transition from individual Trust and site based services to the new integrated service and develop and fostering a new culture in line with the overarching objectives of the Sussex Pathology Network and its business case for change. About us At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust. We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in ourWellbeing Programmefor staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves. As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do. We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex. Date posted 20 January 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 8b Salary £62,215 to £72,293 a year per annum Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Flexible working Reference number 279-6914843-JAN25 Job locations University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Eastern Road Brighton BN2 5BE Job description Job responsibilities For key working relationships and full details of the main responsibilities, please read the attached job description. Job description Job responsibilities For key working relationships and full details of the main responsibilities, please read the attached job description. Person Specification Professional Registration Essential Registration with the Health professional Council as a Biomedical Scientist. Eperience/Qualifications Essential Accredited degree or equivalent resulting in state registration with the Health professional Council as a Biomedical Scientist. Up to date and in depth specialist knowledge in own Discipline (evidenced by Log book or specialist Portfolio) Masters degree in Biomedical Sciences/ own Discipline or, equivalent e.g. Fellowship examination from Institute of Biomedical Sciences. Recognised professional post graduate qualification in leadership and management or equivalent experience or training plus further specialist knowledge or experience to master's level or equivalent. Evidence of leading and managing change in a complex environment. Robust negotiating and performance management skills. Evidence of meeting challenging operational and service objectives. Experience with procurement of new equipment & consumables At least 5 years post State Registration experience in a NHS laboratory with at least 3 years at a senior specialist level. High level of knowledge of pathology instrumentation Previous supervisory or management experience Experience of relevant laboratory instrumentation used within the Department. Evidence of Continuing Professional Development and a commitment to staff education and training Significant experience of managing quality systems including UKAS Comprehensive understanding of Quality, Audit and Clinical Governance Detailed knowledge of Health & Safety requirements including COSHH regulations and evidence of experience of compliance with accreditation bodies Desirable Understanding of the complex strategic environment and of the commissioning agenda. Skills Essential High level of leadership skills. Team building, motivational, negotiation, co-operation, persuasion and counselling. To be a part of, supervise and direct a team. Excellent written, verbal and presentation communication skills. Can present complex and sensitive information to large groups of staff at all levels (Trust level to Junior staff) including training and conference presentations. Excellent numeric and analytical skills to enable critique of report, both financial and information based. Highly developed problem solving skills. Ability to capture, analyse, manipulate and interpret complex data from a range of sources. Able to make sound judgements and decisions involving highly complex facts. Good budgetary management experience. High level of business, commercial and financial acumen. Excellent organisational and prioritising skills. Capability to plan over short, medium and long term timeframes and adjust plans and resource requirements accordingly. Able to contribute to commercial strategy. Professional credibility and gravitas and ambassadorial skills to represent the Trust and Service both internally and externally. Able to respond to conflicting demands, work to tight and often challenging timescales and deadlines. Empathises with staff and patients issues in a compassionate, sympathetic and understanding manner. Can work to strict standards of quality and Safety Able to work on own initiative Ability to undertake and report on highly complex biomedical investigations analysing the outcome of tests or procedures and their clinical significance where a range of options may be involved. Ability to recognise and monitor parameters of quality, accuracy and imprecision according to laboratory standard operational procedures. Able to lead or participate in the production and interpretation of audit data. Understands and is able to plan the delivery of day-to-day complex procedures and processes including trouble shooting. Advises the Head of Blood Sciences and Clinical Lead of changes in policy and their interpretation, initiating action in compliance with these changes. Participation with producing and delivering the Directorate and Departmental Business plans. Multitasking To be responsible for the initial management and investigation of any incidents in Special Chemistry and for reporting these to the Head of Blood Sciences/Quality and Compliance Team and other appropriate laboratory staff. People Management & Development Essential Highly developed leadership and influencing skills with the ability to enthuse, motivate and engage individuals and teams. Able to prioritise own work effectively and be able to direct activities of others. Experience of planning workload of other team members to ensure service delivery. Ability to delegate and support empowerment. Experience of change management Proven staff management skills. Experience of managing and motivating a team and reviewing performance of the individuals. Experience of managing a team of professionals, including recruitment, appraisal and development. Experience of developing the operational capability of others. Change management experience Specific Requirements Essential Ability to lift laboratory consumables up to 15 Kg as required to maintain stocks and supplies. Must display attention to detail Willingness to contribute towards production and review of departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Understanding of the requirements of ISO 15189 Must be able to ensure personal continuing education and professional development Flexible approach to working practices Evidence of involvement in business case development Evidence of Project Management skills Freedom to Act Essential Ability to work autonomously, liaise and co-ordinate specialty services on a day to day basis and to take appropriate action as necessary Identify and adhere to best practice Responsible for own professional actions and have sufficient autonomy for the delivery of the role Able to interpret national and local guidance and develop local policies to reflect these standards. Desirable Strategic thinking and ability to mitigate issues and act autonomously when required, on difficult issues. Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Essential Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role) Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues Person Specification Professional Registration Essential Registration with the Health professional Council as a Biomedical Scientist. Eperience/Qualifications Essential Accredited degree or equivalent resulting in state registration with the Health professional Council as a Biomedical Scientist. Up to date and in depth specialist knowledge in own Discipline (evidenced by Log book or specialist Portfolio) Masters degree in Biomedical Sciences/ own Discipline or, equivalent e.g. Fellowship examination from Institute of Biomedical Sciences. Recognised professional post graduate qualification in leadership and management or equivalent experience or training plus further specialist knowledge or experience to master's level or equivalent. Evidence of leading and managing change in a complex environment. Robust negotiating and performance management skills. Evidence of meeting challenging operational and service objectives. Experience with procurement of new equipment & consumables At least 5 years post State Registration experience in a NHS laboratory with at least 3 years at a senior specialist level. High level of knowledge of pathology instrumentation Previous supervisory or management experience Experience of relevant laboratory instrumentation used within the Department. Evidence of Continuing Professional Development and a commitment to staff education and training Significant experience of managing quality systems including UKAS Comprehensive understanding of Quality, Audit and Clinical Governance Detailed knowledge of Health & Safety requirements including COSHH regulations and evidence of experience of compliance with accreditation bodies Desirable Understanding of the complex strategic environment and of the commissioning agenda. Skills Essential High level of leadership skills. Team building, motivational, negotiation, co-operation, persuasion and counselling. To be a part of, supervise and direct a team. Excellent written, verbal and presentation communication skills. Can present complex and sensitive information to large groups of staff at all levels (Trust level to Junior staff) including training and conference presentations. Excellent numeric and analytical skills to enable critique of report, both financial and information based. Highly developed problem solving skills. Ability to capture, analyse, manipulate and interpret complex data from a range of sources. Able to make sound judgements and decisions involving highly complex facts. Good budgetary management experience. High level of business, commercial and financial acumen. Excellent organisational and prioritising skills. Capability to plan over short, medium and long term timeframes and adjust plans and resource requirements accordingly. Able to contribute to commercial strategy. Professional credibility and gravitas and ambassadorial skills to represent the Trust and Service both internally and externally. Able to respond to conflicting demands, work to tight and often challenging timescales and deadlines. Empathises with staff and patients issues in a compassionate, sympathetic and understanding manner. Can work to strict standards of quality and Safety Able to work on own initiative Ability to undertake and report on highly complex biomedical investigations analysing the outcome of tests or procedures and their clinical significance where a range of options may be involved. Ability to recognise and monitor parameters of quality, accuracy and imprecision according to laboratory standard operational procedures. Able to lead or participate in the production and interpretation of audit data. Understands and is able to plan the delivery of day-to-day complex procedures and processes including trouble shooting. Advises the Head of Blood Sciences and Clinical Lead of changes in policy and their interpretation, initiating action in compliance with these changes. Participation with producing and delivering the Directorate and Departmental Business plans. Multitasking To be responsible for the initial management and investigation of any incidents in Special Chemistry and for reporting these to the Head of Blood Sciences/Quality and Compliance Team and other appropriate laboratory staff. People Management & Development Essential Highly developed leadership and influencing skills with the ability to enthuse, motivate and engage individuals and teams. Able to prioritise own work effectively and be able to direct activities of others. Experience of planning workload of other team members to ensure service delivery. Ability to delegate and support empowerment. Experience of change management Proven staff management skills. Experience of managing and motivating a team and reviewing performance of the individuals. Experience of managing a team of professionals, including recruitment, appraisal and development. Experience of developing the operational capability of others. Change management experience Specific Requirements Essential Ability to lift laboratory consumables up to 15 Kg as required to maintain stocks and supplies. Must display attention to detail Willingness to contribute towards production and review of departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Understanding of the requirements of ISO 15189 Must be able to ensure personal continuing education and professional development Flexible approach to working practices Evidence of involvement in business case development Evidence of Project Management skills Freedom to Act Essential Ability to work autonomously, liaise and co-ordinate specialty services on a day to day basis and to take appropriate action as necessary Identify and adhere to best practice Responsible for own professional actions and have sufficient autonomy for the delivery of the role Able to interpret national and local guidance and develop local policies to reflect these standards. Desirable Strategic thinking and ability to mitigate issues and act autonomously when required, on difficult issues. Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Essential Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role) Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues 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 University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279) Address University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Eastern Road Brighton BN2 5BE Employer's website https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)