Specimen Reception Supervisor in Essex

Job overview

Synlab Essex, part of SYNLAB UK & Ireland, is recruiting a full-time Specimen Reception Supervisor on a permanent contract to join our Pre-Analytics team. The role will work across multiple sites, including the Basildon Hub Laboratory, Basildon Hospital, Broomfield Hospital and Southend Hospital.

Hours: 37.5 hours per week. This role includes shift work, weekends and bank holidays, operating on a 4–6 week rota. Shifts are 7.5 hours and fall between 8:00am and 8:00pm.

As a Specimen Reception Supervisor, you will play a key role in the smooth and effective running of the Pre-Analytics service. You will oversee the end-to-end specimen reception process, helping to ensure samples are received, processed and handled safely, efficiently and accurately, supporting the delivery of high-quality pathology testing.

A strong focus on people, process and performance management is essential to this role. You will provide day-to-day leadership and support to the team, helping to maintain high standards, drive efficient ways of working and ensure our service continues to meet the needs of patients and clinical teams.

Advert

• To supervise the Specimen Reception and Automate team at the Hub or ESL.
• To be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the pre-analytics section.
• To perform all designated duties within Pathology in accordance with local working practices, to maintain high personal standards and conform to Health and Safety regulations.
• To prepare and process clinical specimens for biomedical testing, within operating procedures and protocols.
• To work within agreed quality standards of service delivery and turnaround times under the supervision of Specimen Reception Deputy Managers.
• To continue with personal development through academic or practical experience.
• Uphold health & safety, infection prevention and data-governance standards; support general housekeeping.

Working for our organisation

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 is 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.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

As a Specimen Reception Supervisor, you will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Specimen Reception service including the Automate sections, providing effective leadership and ensuring the team delivers a safe, efficient and high-quality service.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Leading the day-to-day operation of Specimen Reception, planning and prioritising workloads to ensure routine, urgent and time-critical activities are managed effectively.
• Managing and supporting the team, including daily attendance management, annual leave, duty rotas and the allocation of resources to ensure appropriate staffing levels across the service.
• Providing strong people leadership, supporting staff development, identifying training needs and ensuring all staff, including casual workers, trainees and work experience students, are appropriately trained and supported.
• Maintaining high standards of communication, ensuring staff are kept informed through team briefs, team boards, newsletters and other relevant departmental communications.
• Working collaboratively with laboratory colleagues and internal and external service users, ensuring communication is timely, professional and effective.
• Overseeing the receipt and processing of samples, ensuring specimens are handled accurately and efficiently, with urgent and time-critical requests appropriately prioritised and dispatched.
• Identifying and resolving issues, errors and operational challenges promptly, escalating incidents and adverse events to senior colleagues where appropriate.
• Maintaining quality and compliance standards, including supporting internal audits, maintaining accurate records and ensuring patient confidentiality, health and safety, PPE and local procedures are consistently followed.
• Ensuring high standards of cleanliness and housekeeping, including overseeing the cleaning and disinfection of transport bags and vacuum pods and maintaining appropriate records.
• Preparing samples for routine and specialist biomedical investigations in line with agreed protocols and working practices.
• Supporting service improvement and transformation, contributing to transformation projects, clinical trials and initiatives designed to streamline and improve the service.
• Supporting the implementation of change, including new technologies, systems and ways of working, acting as a positive advocate for change within the team.
• Contributing to the development of procedures, identifying opportunities to improve processes and proposing updates to Standard Operating Procedures where appropriate.
• Using laboratory systems effectively, including LIMS, Q-Pulse and other relevant applications, ensuring accurate and timely data entry.
• Promoting continuous professional development, ensuring ongoing competency is maintained and encouraging active participation in training, CPD and personal development activities.
• Working flexibly across designated areas of Pathology, where required and subject to appropriate training and experience, while maintaining high professional standards and complying with Health and Safety requirements.
• Undertaking all relevant training and maintaining up-to-date competency in accordance with departmental training plans.