Deputy Operations Manager

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a suitably qualified individual to become the new Blood Sciences Deputy Operations Manager in a state of the art laboratory setting.

Blood Sciences has state of the art laboratory facilities and IT equipment which plays a pivotal role in the provision of approximately 11 million diagnostic tests per year which is essential for the delivery of high-quality clinical care. Extensive services are offered to all Directorates within the Trust and Primary Care, whilst being a regional and national reference laboratory for other Trusts.

The department is UKAS accredited and is housed at both Freeman Hospital and Royal Victoria Infirmary. The laboratory is progressive and well equipped and is accredited for training, with participation in CPD being actively encouraged.

• Interview Date: 30 September 2026
• 37 hours 30 minutes/week
• You will be redirected to Trac to apply for the vacancy. Please expand the job details section and read all of the information before applying for the vacancy.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE

Main duties of the job

As the Deputy Operations Manager for Blood Sciences, you will be responsible for the day-to-day operational activities within Blood Sciences to ensure the smooth running of the Department on your site. The role will include management of facilities and associated staff, including reorganisation in the face of unexpected situations. You will also be expected to deputise for the Operational Site Manager on occasions.

The role will initially be based at the Freeman Hospital, with cross-site working being an essential part of the role.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• The Department of Blood Sciences is comprised of Clinical Biochemistry, Haematology/Blood Transfusion and Immunology.
• The Blood Sciences Department is located at both the Freeman and RVI hospital sites whilst providing a service to the whole Trust and to Primary Care as well as being a regional and national reference laboratory for other Trusts.
• The post holder will manage all technical staff in Blood Sciences (Senior BMS, BMS, Trainee BMS, Associate Practitioners, Senior Healthcare Science Assistants, Healthcare Science Assistants (HCSA) and clerical staff).
• The post holder is responsible for the provision of an effective scientific service within the Blood Sciences Department, to The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, General Practitioners, other NHS Trusts and other users of the service. This will involve using highly developed knowledge and organisational skills and the post holder will be the lead specialist in that field (shown in the organisation chart).
• To provide specialised scientific knowledge and to work as a member of the team to assess, plan and contribute to the provision of a specialised service.
• Routinely operate laboratory equipment, including microscopy where necessary, reporting all appropriate specimens and referring any abnormalities on for medical opinion.
• To provide a patient focussed service in relevant wards and clinics. This involves capillary or venous phlebotomy services and providing a near patient testing service so that immediate results are issued for action by clinical staff.
• To ensure laboratory diagnostic tests and procedures - including those on "High Risk" specimens - are performed accurately and efficiently and judgement used in determining if further tests / procedures are necessary.
• To use advanced levels of knowledge and experience to coordinate activity in all laboratory and point of care areas whilst directing other staff members.
• To assess all blood and body fluid samples and report all cases not requiring medical opinion.
• To undertake internal and external quality control of all aspects of the Blood Sciences test repertoire to ensure highest quality of service from all performed tests.
• To ensure laboratory diagnostic tests and procedures are performed accurately and efficiently and results validated macroscopically and microscopically and judgement used in determining if further tests/procedures are necessary.
• To ensure that the performance of laboratory equipment within the section complies with standards and in the event of failure or mal-function takes prompt and appropriate action to ensure continued running of the section.
• To ensure that Blood Sciences conforms to all internally and externally defined quality standards.
• To work in compliance with local health and safety rules to ensure a safe working environment for you, colleagues and visitors. To adhere to department and Trust Health and Safety policies (including COSHH, Risk assessments and Standard Operating Procedures) and to report any non-compliances.

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.