The ‘What’ - the role
Reporting to the Senior Scientific Lead, the Pathology Operations Manager is responsible for organising, managing, and developing the laboratory services for Viva Health Laboratories ensuring the delivery of a high-quality compliance with ISO 15189 : 2022.
The Pathology Operations Manager will work closely with key stakeholders, including the Quality Department, and Biomedical Scientists to ensure the service is compliant, efficient, and cost-effective.
Key Responsibilities :
Sample Processing & Reporting :
- Oversee the reporting of pathology specimens to ensure accuracy and efficiency
- Managing the laboratory testing schedule, and process schedule change requests from the wider group of businesses, ensuring all internal and external stakeholders are informed
- Ensure that sufficient, appropriately qualified staff are scheduled on shift to support operation
- Collaborate with Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLAs), Associate Practitioners (APs) and Biomedical Scientists (BMSs) to ensure timely and accurate analysis of specimens in line with the laboratory’s standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Ensure timely reporting of results and that turnaround time (TAT) targets are met
- Responsible for ordering and maintaining reagent and consumable stock levels to ensure smooth laboratory operations
- Identify abnormal or unexpected results and escalate / troubleshoot where appropriate
- Identify and escalate any potential risk situation within operational delivery cycle to all stakeholders.
Laboratory Operations & Training :
Maintain high standards of laboratory housekeeping in accordance with UKAS regulations and local laboratory standards, working collaboratively with all laboratory staffOversee the day- to- day management of the technical operations in the laboratoryOversee staff training and maintain accurate documentation to ensure compliance with quality and regulatory standardsSupervising and line managing a team of Biomedical Scientists.Managing the Pathology Service :
Recruit, manage, and develop a team of scientists to ensure a high-quality pathology serviceEnsure sufficient equipment is available to meet testing demands, while ensuring it is properly maintained, serviced, and fully operational.Establish and maintain key operational processes in line with service requirementsWork with the wider group of businesses to manage the workloads and plan operational service levels accordinglyProducing a weekly Key Performance Indicators (KPI) report providing an overview of the laboratory operations, highlighting any risk and issuesManage interactions with all relevant stakeholders in the lab environment, including dispute and query resolution.Maintaining Quality :
Work closely with the Head of Quality to support audits, EQA scheme participation, and IQC monitoring, ensuring successful implementation of ISO 15189 : 2022 in line with UKAS standardsEnsure the laboratory work aligns with the Company’s policies and standards including ISO 15189 : 2022, DHSE, CQC, HSE and ISO9001 where applicableEnsure persons doing work under the laboratory’s control are aware of : Relevant objectives and policies; Their contribution to the effectiveness of the management system, including the benefits of improved performance; Consequences of not conforming with the management system requirements.Support continuous improvement activities to implement new systems and processes, aligned with the overall quality and business strategyTo be part of the risk management team in order to maintain and regulate the risk register.The ‘How’ : Our values
Live, breathe and display the Company’s values at all times.
We make it Matter - Care
We are united by the compelling objective of making a difference to the lives of those around usWe maximise potential and inspire others to bring their ‘A-game’We make it Right - Integrity & Trust
We are open, honest & transparent - we’re not afraid to speak up or challengeWe do what is right – not simply what’s expectedWe admit mistakes but learn from themWe never walk past a problemWe make it Fun - Energy & Passion
We play for the team – we don’t just show upWe aim to delight & inspireWe make it Happen! - Ownership & curiosity
We’re a pioneering bunch of individuals - brave in our approach – if we can’t find a solution, we’ll build oneWe’re empowered to make decisions and accountable for the outcomes – not just the outputsWe thrive off curiosity & excellence by demonstrating a desire and drive to learn, develop & improveThe ‘Who’ : About you
Essential : Professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).Experience across various pathology disciplines including biochemistry, haematology, immunology, and molecular diagnosticsMinimum of 2 years hands on experience of managing a pathology laboratoryPrevious experience of working within an ISO15189 accredited laboratoryStrong knowledge of regulatory frameworks governing laboratory operationsUnderstanding of Laboratory Health & Safety standardsExcellent customer- facing and customer service skillsComfortable working in a fast- paced, evolving environment with a degree of ambiguityExperience in data analysis and reporting to a range of stakeholdersAdaptable and confident in learning new systems and processesProficient in using LIMS (LabVantage experience is desirable).A strong team player with proven leadership skills and experience managing MLAs, APs & BMSs.Experience working in a private-sector laboratory with performance-driven culture while maintaining high quality standards.Highly organised, capable of managing multiple projects with competing priorities and tight deadlines.Strong attention to detail, ensuring projects run smoothly and accurately.Tech savvy, with confidence using MS Office, LIMSHave a growth mindsight : We’re growing fast, and you’ll be expected to contribute ideas for process improvements while proactively driving your own personal development.Excellent verbal and written communication skills : You should be able to draft clear, concise communications, adapting tone & style as appropriateThe ‘When’ : Office Hours
40 hours per week
The ‘Where’ : Location
Based at our laboratory at The Stables, New Lodge, Drift Road, Winkfield, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 4RR
The ‘Why’ : Why you’ll love working with us
Our culture – VHL is fast-paced, dynamic and rewardingClear purpose – you’ll be part of building something that mattersBe ‘your’ best – we will invest in your training & development to help you growPut your career on steroids – we’re growing fast and there’s room to progressYour team – we’re a group of passionate individuals who like to have fun at workAt VHL, we embrace diversity and inclusion and believe it enriches our performance, services and culture. As our team continue to evolve to reflect the growing diversity of our communities, our efforts to understand, value, and incorporate differences become increasingly important.