Pathology Operations Manager

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 escalateany 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 staff
• Oversee the day- to- day management of the technical operations in the laboratory
• Oversee staff training and maintain accurate documentation to ensure compliance with quality and regulatory standards
• Supervising 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 service
• Ensure 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 requirements
• Work with thewider group of businessesto manage the workloads and plan operational service levels accordingly
• Producing a weekly Key Performance Indicators (KPI) report providing an overview of the laboratory operations, highlighting any risk and issues
• Manage 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 standards
• Ensure the laboratory work aligns with the Company’s policies and standards including ISO 15189:2022, DHSE, CQC, HSE and ISO9001 where applicable
• Ensure 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 strategy
• To 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 us
• We 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 challenge
• We do what is right – not simply what’s expected
• We admit mistakes but learn from them
• We never walk past a problem

We make it Fun - Energy & Passion

• We play for the team – we don’t just show up
• We aim to delight & inspire

We 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 one
• We’re empowered to make decisions and accountable for the outcomes – not just the outputs
• We thrive off curiosity & excellence by demonstrating a desire and drive to learn, develop & improve

The ‘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 diagnostics
• Minimum of 2 years hands on experience of managing a pathology laboratory
• Previous experience of working within an ISO15189 accredited laboratory
• Strong knowledge of regulatory frameworks governing laboratory operations
• Understanding of Laboratory Health & Safety standards
• Excellent customer- facing and customer service skills
• Comfortable working in a fast- paced, evolving environment with a degree of ambiguity
• Experience in data analysis and reporting to a range of stakeholders
• Adaptable and confident in learning new systems and processes
• Proficient 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, LIMS
• Have 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 appropriate

The ‘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 rewarding
• Clear purpose – you’ll be part of building something that matters
• Be ‘your’ best – we will invest in your training & development to help you grow
• Put your career on steroids – we’re growing fast and there’s room to progress
• Your team – we’re a group of passionate individuals who like to have fun at work

At 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.