Head of Solutions and Laboratory Optimisation

Are you a seasoned leader passionate about optimising laboratory services through strategic engineering and process improvement?

SYNLAB UK&I seeks a highly skilled and motivated Head of Solutions and Laboratory Optimisation. In this crucial role, you will enhance our laboratory operations by leading multidisciplinary teams, designing efficient workflows, and contributing directly to our commercial success within a complex pathology service environment.

Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Team Management:
• Lead and manage a team of direct reports, ensuring clear accountability and successful project delivery.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, fostering team development and growth.
• Represent SYNLAB UK&I professionally with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Laboratory Engineering Project Management:
• Coordinate multidisciplinary project teams to deliver key laboratory engineering projects.
• Provide expert input on project scoping, business case development, and solution analysis.
• Oversee all stages of project preparation, launch, and communication planning.
• Design and implement effective process re-design initiatives.
• Laboratory Optimisation and Service Improvement:
• Strategically design the reconfiguration of laboratory working practices and skills mix to maximise efficiency.
• Build strong relationships and influence stakeholders to ensure ownership of transformation initiatives.
• Identify, develop, and drive service improvements in collaboration with relevant teams.
• Contribute to commercial strategy by designing robust onboarding processes for new services.
• Reporting and Communication:
• Produce clear and concise visual materials, comprehensive documentation, and data-driven reports and presentations.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Continuous Development:
• Proactively develop expertise in laboratory engineering principles and service improvement methodologies.
• Undertake travel to various company sites for meetings as required.

Qualifications:

Essential:

• Master’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Current HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist.
• Documented evidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
• Significant senior operational management experience within an acute complex pathology service environment.
• Demonstrable experience in laboratory engineering methodologies, including value stream mapping, process mapping, and workplace organisation (5S).
• Proven track record of writing and delivering complex reports and policies to a high standard.
• Experience of effectively working with senior management within a matrix organisational structure.
• Proven ability to consistently achieve challenging delivery targets.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a strategic mindset.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and influencing abilities.
• Ability to effectively manage and deliver to deadlines and within allocated resources.
• Proven ability to develop a high-performing team of skilled professionals.
• Willingness and ability to travel between company sites.
• Confident and effective meeting leadership skills.
• A proactive approach with the ability to challenge the status quo constructively.
• Strong results orientation with a focus on achieving positive outcomes.
• Demonstrates and promotes high standards of work.
• Operates with the highest levels of integrity.

Desirable:

• Research and audit skills.
• Coaching and mentoring skills.
• Experience in developing and delivering training programmes.
• Experience of working on an organisation-wide basis, influencing strategy and implementation.
• Experience in planning and developing strategic plans and business cases.
• MBA or equivalent management qualification.

About Us

SYNLAB UK & Ireland work closely with clinicians, hospitals, occupational health providers and clinical researchers to deliver comprehensive pathology services. We thrive in diverse environments, which is mirrored in our workforce, clients, customers, suppliers, communities, and partners. We believe that an inclusive workplace culture is essential for attracting and retaining talented individuals, and for building a sustainable, high-performing workforce.

Our staff are crucial to our mission of making a positive impact on healthcare. We foster a culture of continuous personal development, providing scientists and staff with the support and resources needed to acquire new skills and advance their careers through learning and development opportunities, coaching, and clear career pathways.

We encourage an open and collaborative culture where leaders act as role models, facilitate two-way communication, engage transparently with staff and stakeholders, and actively seek feedback and suggestions.