Job summaryAn exciting internal opportunity has arisen for a senior leader to undertake the role of Cellular Pathology Laboratory Manager.This is a senior operational leadership role within the Pathology Directorate, responsible for the safe, effective and high-quality delivery of Cellular Pathology services at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust.Reporting to the Directorate Manager, the postholder will work in close partnership with the Service Clinical Lead and Directorate Professional Lead as part of the Directorate senior leadership team.The role provides visible, credible leadership to Cellular Pathology services and ensures that clinical priorities are translated into resilient, sustainable and high-performing operational delivery.***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***Main duties of the jobThe postholder will provide senior operational, workforce, quality and financial leadership for Cellular Pathology services, including Histopathology, Cytology and Mortuary services (as applicable).Key responsibilities include:Leading the day-to-day operational delivery of Cellular Pathology servicesEnsuring compliance with ISO15189, HTA and relevant regulatory frameworksProviding senior leadership to Section Leads and multidisciplinary teamsManaging delegated budgets and delivering agreed efficiency and productivity plansEnsuring workforce sustainability, professional development and succession planningLeading governance, risk and performance processes within the portfolioWorking collaboratively with Consultant Histopathologists and clinical teams to ensure safe, timely and clinically responsive diagnostic servicesThe postholder will contribute to Directorate-wide planning and support cross-portfolio resilience.About usWe are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment manager for this post who will put you in touch with the recruitment team. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.DetailsDate posted07 September 2026Pay schemeAgenda for changeBandBand 8bSalary 66,582 to 77,368 a year Per Annum ContractPermanentWorking pattern Full-time Reference number216-LT-DB8229800-AJob locationsDerriford HospitalDerriford RoadPlymouthPL6 6DHUnited KingdomJob descriptionJob responsibilities1. Operational Managementa) Lead the operational delivery of Cellular Pathology services, ensuring safe, timely and effective diagnostic provision.b) Monitor service performance and take corrective action to address operational pressures and risks, maintaining continuity of service.c) Ensure effective workforce deployment to meet service demand, including extended hours and service resilience arrangements where applicable.d) Manage operational responses to service disruption, escalation and business continuity issues across Cellular Pathology.e) Ensure robust operational arrangements for Histology, Cytology, Neuropathology and Mortuary services, in line with Trust and regulatory requirements.2. Planning & Performance Managementa) Contribute to the development and delivery of Directorate operational and business plans.b) Lead and maintain demand and capacity planning across Cellular Pathology services, recommending service configurations and workforce models to meet demand.c) Monitor, analyse and report on key service metrics, providing assurance to Directorate leadership and supporting performance reviews.d) Lead or support improvement projects, ensuring bottlenecks are identified, pathways optimised and productivity improved.e) Support implementation of service change and modernisation, including workforce redesign, digital solutions and the introduction of new methods or technologies where applicable.For further details please see the attached JD & PS Job description Job responsibilities1. Operational Managementa) Lead the operational delivery of Cellular Pathology services, ensuring safe, timely and effective diagnostic provision.b) Monitor service performance and take corrective action to address operational pressures and risks, maintaining continuity of service.c) Ensure effective workforce deployment to meet service demand, including extended hours and service resilience arrangements where applicable.d) Manage operational responses to service disruption, escalation and business continuity issues across Cellular Pathology.e) Ensure robust operational arrangements for Histology, Cytology, Neuropathology and Mortuary services, in line with Trust and regulatory requirements.2. Planning & Performance Managementa) Contribute to the development and delivery of Directorate operational and business plans.b) Lead and maintain demand and capacity planning across Cellular Pathology services, recommending service configurations and workforce models to meet demand.c) Monitor, analyse and report on key service metrics, providing assurance to Directorate leadership and supporting performance reviews.d) Lead or support improvement projects, ensuring bottlenecks are identified, pathways optimised and productivity improved.e) Support implementation of service change and modernisation, including workforce redesign, digital solutions and the introduction of new methods or technologies where applicable.For further details please see the attached JD & PSPerson Specification Knowledge and Experience EssentialoSignificant demonstrable senior operational management experience within a highly regulated clinical service environment, requiring robust quality systems, external assurance, clinical risk management and specialist workforce oversight.oDemonstrable experience of leading services with high operational complexity, including multi-disciplinary teams and extended hours provision where applicable.oDemonstrable experience of workforce management, including recruitment, performance management, staff development and organisational change.DesirableoDemonstrable direct experience of Cellular Pathology services (e.g. Histology, Cytology, Neuropathology and/or Mortuary Services).oDemonstrable experience of working within a clinically led service model. Qualifications EssentialoEducated to Masters level or able to demonstrate equivalent level knowledge and demonstrable experience gained through senior professional practice in a relevant scientific, healthcare or management disciplineoProven evidence of continuing management and leadership development.oProven evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD)DesirableoMSc (or equivalent) in Biomedical Sciences, HealthcareoManagement, Business or a related discipline. Aptitude & Abilities EssentialoStrong operational leadership and people management skills. Highly developed communication, influencing and negotiation skills.oProven ability to analyse performance and financial data and translate insight into action.oProven ability to manage competing priorities across a complex, high-pressure environment. Person Specification Knowledge and Experience EssentialoSignificant demonstrable senior operational management experience within a highly regulated clinical service environment, requiring robust quality systems, external assurance, clinical risk management and specialist workforce oversight.oDemonstrable experience of leading services with high operational complexity, including multi-disciplinary teams and extended hours provision where applicable.oDemonstrable experience of workforce management, including recruitment, performance management, staff development and organisational change.DesirableoDemonstrable direct experience of Cellular Pathology services (e.g. Histology, Cytology, Neuropathology and/or Mortuary Services).oDemonstrable experience of working within a clinically led service model. Qualifications EssentialoEducated to Masters level or able to demonstrate equivalent level knowledge and demonstrable experience gained through senior professional practice in a relevant scientific, healthcare or management disciplineoProven evidence of continuing management and leadership development.oProven evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD)DesirableoMSc (or equivalent) in Biomedical Sciences, HealthcareoManagement, Business or a related discipline. Aptitude & Abilities EssentialoStrong operational leadership and people management skills. Highly developed communication, influencing and negotiation skills.oProven ability to analyse performance and financial data and translate insight into action.oProven ability to manage competing priorities across a complex, high-pressure environment.Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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 SponsorshipApplications 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). Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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 SponsorshipApplications 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).Employer detailsEmployer nameUniversity Hospitals Plymouth NHS TrustAddressDerriford HospitalDerriford RoadPlymouthPL6 6DHUnited KingdomEmployer's websiteEmployer detailsEmployer nameUniversity Hospitals Plymouth NHS TrustAddressDerriford HospitalDerriford RoadPlymouthPL6 6DHUnited KingdomEmployer's website
Cellular Pathology Laboratory Manager in Plymouth employer: National Health Service
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for healthcare professionals in North Wales. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on compassionate care, staff have access to continuous professional development opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact in both acute and community paediatrics. The Health Board's integrated approach ensures that employees are part of a dynamic team dedicated to improving health outcomes for the local population.
