Laboratory Operations Manager

Job Title: Laboratory Operations Manager 📍 Location: Harlow Step into a pivotal leadership role that directly impacts lives every day. We\’re on the lookout for an experienced, dynamic, and forward-thinking Manager to take charge of a high-performing, fast-paced diagnostic laboratory team at the heart of critical healthcare services. This is more than just a management role—it\’s your opportunity to lead a team of passionate scientists and healthcare professionals, drive innovation, ensure excellence in diagnostic services, and champion quality for better patient outcomes. If you\’re ready to be the go-to person on-site for all things laboratory services and thrive in a role with significant autonomy and influence—read on. What You\’ll Be Doing * Lead from the Front: Take full operational responsibility for the Laboratory, ensuring it runs like a well-oiled machine—efficiently, safely, and with clinical excellence. * Be the Key Liaison: Act as the senior representative on-site, collaborating with hospital teams, pathologists, and stakeholders to deliver seamless, integrated services. * Champion Quality & Compliance: Own and evolve quality management practices to meet UKAS, MHRA, CQC, and other regulatory standards. You’ll be the person who ensures the lab not only meets but exceeds expectations. * Drive Data-Led Decisions: Use performance platforms and analytics tools to continuously improve lab turnaround times, service KPIs, and efficiency. * Inspire & Empower Your Team: Oversee the Heads of Department, lead recruitment efforts, manage staff development, and ensure optimal resourcing and training across all levels. * Steer the Vision: Implement strategic direction and local operational policies, champion new initiatives, and stay ahead of industry trends and technology. What You Bring to the Table * A relevant Honours Degree in Biomedical Science (or equivalent) and ideally a Master’s, Higher Specialist Diploma, or management qualification. * Extensive experience leading acute laboratory services, particularly in a complex hospital or healthcare setting. * A track record in achieving and maintaining regulated service accreditations (UKAS, MHRA, CQC). * Strong people management skills—from hiring to performance reviews—with a genuine passion for team development. * Analytical savvy and working knowledge of lab systems (e.g., Q-Pulse, LIMS) and business tools (Excel, Tableau, etc.). * Stellar communication and leadership qualities, with the confidence to lead change and drive results. Why You’ll Love It Here * You\’ll lead a team that makes a real difference—every test matters, every result counts. * You’ll have ownership of a vital service, working closely with clinical leaders to shape the future of diagnostics. * You\’ll thrive in a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. * This is a role that offers career progression, visibility, and impact—not just internally, but across a wider healthcare landscape. Key Areas of Impact * Service delivery & turnaround time * Staff development & training * Compliance, quality & governance * Business continuity & strategic planning * Relationship building across multi-disciplinary teams Your Mission To lead one of the most critical elements in healthcare diagnostics with vision, precision, and heart. This is a rare opportunity to blend leadership, science, and service excellence in a meaningful way. Ready to take the lead in transforming essential laboratory services? Apply now and be the change