Training Manager in Taunton

The place to work in pathology. We are looking for top talent to join the UK’s leading and fastest growing pathology company – a scientific organisation with a clinical purpose.

Job overview: Are you passionate about developing people, shaping careers and building a strong scientific workforce for the future? Southwest Pathology Services (SPS), part of SYNLAB UK & Ireland, is looking for an experienced and forward-thinking Training Manager to lead our training and development strategy across all SPS sites. This is a pivotal role for an ambitious individual who is passionate about developing people, shaping professional pathways, and ensuring excellence in training within a modern, high-performing pathology team.

As the Training Manager, you will take strategic and operational ownership of the SPS Learning, Development and Training Department, whilst working as part of the National Apprenticeship and Development team. You will oversee the full spectrum of Scientific and Non-Scientific career pathways, ensuring they align with both organisational priorities and individual development needs. Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team at SPS and the wider SYNLAB Development Teams, you will help define and deliver key performance indicators, aims and objectives that support a skilled, motivated and future-ready workforce.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has significant experience in training, education or workforce development within a healthcare or scientific environment.
• Understands the regulatory landscape of IBMS and HCPC training pathways.
• Can lead with confidence, inspire others and build strong relationships across multidisciplinary teams.
• Brings creativity, strategic thinking and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Thrives in a collaborative environment and is motivated by developing others.

This role is perfect for someone who enjoys variety, collaboration and the chance to influence training at both local and national levels.

Working as part of the National Apprenticeship and Scientific Development team, as our Training Manager at SPS, you’ll be the driving force behind all scientific and non-scientific training across all SPS sites. You will:

• Lead the SPS Training function and work closely with senior leaders to shape our training strategy.
• Maintain our IBMS Training Laboratory status and ensure compliance with UKAS, HCPC and other regulatory bodies.
• Oversee training pathways for HCPC registration, IBMS portfolios, apprenticeships, SBMS development and more.
• Support and mentor Training Leads across SPS to deliver high quality, consistent training.
• Coordinate induction and onboarding for new starters.
• Manage student placements, work experience and apprenticeship programmes.
• Develop engaging training materials, CPD events, workshops and online learning content.
• Monitor training compliance, skills gaps and workforce development needs.
• Represent SPS at the SYNLAB Central Training Committee and contribute to UK&I wide development initiatives.
• Manage the SPS training budget and ensure training resources deliver real value.

As part of the National Apprenticeship and Scientific Development team you’ll be part of a collaborative network committed to excellence, innovation and continuous development. Southwest Pathology Services is a dynamic, innovative partnership delivering high-quality diagnostic services to NHS Trusts and patients across the region. You’ll be joining a supportive organisation that values professional growth, encourages new ideas and invests in its people. This is your opportunity to shape the future of training within one of the region’s most forward-looking pathology organisations.

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.

In addition to the basic salary, you will be eligible to join the SYNLAB Bonus Scheme of up to 10% per annum as well as access to Private Health Insurance.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities:

• The Training Manager is part of the central Apprenticeship and Scientific Development team and sits within the Southwest Pathology Services (SPS) senior management team.
• Responsible for overseeing, developing and managing the Learning, Development and Training Department. This includes both Scientific and Non-Scientific career pathways in alignment with the business and individual needs.
• The role involves collaborating with the Senior Leadership Team to establish key performance indicators, aims and objectives for staff development, ensuring alignment with the business requirements.
• Develop and deliver the strategic vision to maintain IBMS Training Laboratory status for Southwest Pathology Services (SPS) for both Pre and Post registration training, with the Institute of Biomedical Sciences and the Healthcare and Professionals Council.
• Responsible for developing a comprehensive training infrastructure across all SPS sites and disciplines with the priority of promoting recruitment, retention and development of staff and with the aim to improve the service that SPS offers to our Service Users and Patients.
• Provide leadership, management and expertise on the training field and will support the implementation of high quality and innovative training.
• Represent SPS at the SYNLAB Central Training Committee.
• Contribute to UK & I wide development related initiatives.
• Support the central ASD and L&D teams as required.

Key Performance Indicators:

• Maintenance of IBMS Training Laboratory Status.
• Compliance with UKAS requirements to reach accreditation status.
• Successful achievement of Mandatory Training KPI’s.
• Support the establishment of a SPS wide comprehensive training programme that provides structure and framework for training, development and support of staff for effective service delivery.
• Maintenance of personal HCPC registration.
• Management of the action tracker from the SYNLAB Training Committee to show timely and effective performance.
• Support an effective Training committee with good communications links with Training leads.
• Manage the Training Budget effectively and in accordance with the Business and Employee needs.
• Manage and maintain good documentation records in line with the Quality Management requirements.

Duties and Key Responsibilities:

• Contribute to service improvement and development discussions with the ASD team and SYNLAB Training Managers.
• Lead and chair SPS Training meetings, providing expert input and ensuring timely completion of agreed actions.
• Develop and deliver the annual training plan, incorporating statutory, mandatory and service-specific training requirements.
• Oversee training audits, document control and compliance, reporting risks and non-conformance transparently.
• Ensure compliance with accreditation, regulatory and professional frameworks.
• Monitor and report trainee progress, providing regular updates to stakeholders.
• Own and maintain the SPS competency framework, developing others in its use and escalating risks to senior leadership.
• Ensure consistent training delivery across SPS through collaboration, shared best practice and standardised approaches.
• Manage scientific training pathways, including HCPC registration (and equivalence), apprenticeships, student placements and work experience.
• Deliver and coordinate induction training in partnership with HR to support timely and effective onboarding.
• Provide workforce development data, metrics and reports to support succession planning and service delivery.
• Support, mentor and develop Laboratory Training Leads and promote a customer-focused learning culture.
• Support UKAS and external inspections, ensuring readiness and adherence to required standards.
• Maintain personal CPD and HCPC registration, staying abreast of regulatory changes.
• Support leadership, talent management, appraisal and succession planning initiatives.
• Maintain accurate training records within the LMS (Compass), including CPD and scientific.

Applications are welcomed from applicants with a disability. We can make reasonable adjustments and offer support and advice in a variety of ways throughout the application process. All applicants are welcome to apply regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, race, nationality or ethnic origin, religion, or sexual orientation. Equality of opportunity is our policy.

For our Permanent workforce we offer a competitive benefits package. All employees are entitled to:

• Contributory pension scheme
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Ground breaking development opportunities

Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults: All employees have a responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in the course of their daily duties and for ensuring that they are aware of the specific duties relating to their role.

Please apply for this post on-line. If you have problems with using the online process, or need any assistance, please email [email protected]

Your e-mail address is important to us. We communicate to all job applicants via the e-mail address which has been provided on the application form. Please ensure that you check your e-mail on a regular basis. Due to the high volumes of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close any adverts before the published closing date 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 three weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been short-listed on this occasion. Thank you for your interest in SYNLAB.