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Job summary

Main area
Laboratory Medicine
Grade
Band 8a
Contract
Fixed term: 12 months (None)
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Job ref
387-DT8078-CCC
Employer
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Bristol Royal Infirmary and Weston General Hospital
Town
Bristol
Salary
£57,528 - £64,750 pa
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
25/09/2026 23:59

Employer heading

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust logo

Quality Manager Laboratory Medicine (Fixed term 12 months)

Band 8a

North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) have merged as of 1st July 2026 to become Bristol NHS Foundation Trust. This will create an exciting future that brings together the best of both organisations. As a single, strong and sustainable organisation, we will not only be able to deliver better outcomes for our patients and fairer care for our population, but it will also provide greater opportunities for our people.

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust recognise the value of a healthy work-life balance. When applying, speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate flexible working, so your work life fits around your home life.

We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates as they are under-represented within the Trust.

Our job adverts may close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. Considering this, if you are interested in this role, please do apply as soon as you can.

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) describes algorithms that can be used to produce new content, including audio, code, images, text, simulations, and videos. It is developing all the time and is now being used as a support mechanism for all kinds of content-based creations. Please note the use of AI is monitored and if applicants have used it then they are required to declare this.


 

Job overview

The Quality Manager will provide strategic and operational leadership for quality management across Laboratory Medicine services, ensuring the effective implementation, maintenance and continual improvement of the Quality Management System (QMS). The post holder will lead quality, governance, audit, risk management and accreditation activities across Haematology, Blood Transfusion, Clinical Biochemistry, Essential Services, Specimen Reception and Mortuary services.

Working closely with clinical, scientific and operational leaders, the post holder will ensure compliance with ISO 15189:2022, HTA, MHRA and other relevant regulatory standards, supporting the delivery of safe, effective and patient-focused services. The role will lead quality improvement programmes, coordinate internal and external audits and inspections, manage quality investigations, and oversee corrective and preventive action plans to maintain accreditation and continuously improve service performance.

The successful candidate will provide expert advice on quality and compliance matters, lead and develop the Quality Team, and promote a culture of continuous improvement, innovation and patient safety across Laboratory Medicine. They will analyse quality and performance data, manage quality risks, develop policies and governance frameworks, and contribute to the strategic development and transformation of pathology services across the organisation.

Main duties of the job

  • Lead and maintain the Quality Management System across Laboratory Medicine services.
  • Ensure compliance with ISO 15189, HTA, MHRA and other relevant regulatory standards.Lead accreditation, audit, inspection and quality assurance activities.
  • Investigate quality incidents, risks and non-conformities, ensuring effective corrective actions are implemented.Drive continuous quality improvement and patient safety initiatives across the service.
  • Develop, review and implement quality policies, procedures and governance processes.Analyse quality and performance data to identify trends, risks and opportunities for improvement.
  • Provide expert advice and support to clinical, scientific and operational teams on quality and compliance matters.
  • Manage and develop the Quality Team, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.
  • Act as the key liaison with regulatory and accreditation bodies and contribute to the strategic development of Laboratory Medicine services.

Working for our organisation

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust brings together more than 28,000 staff to deliver over 160 clinical services across thirteen hospital locations, operating from three main sites at Southmead, Bristol city centre and Weston.  

With an annual turnover of £2.3 billion, we are now one of the largest NHS trusts in the United Kingdom. Our hospitals are spread across Bristol and Weston, join us and you can enjoy the very best of both worlds; city living within a stone’s throw of the countryside or beside the seaside, both with easy access to all that the South West has to offer.  

 Bristol NHS Foundation Trust values all people as individuals. As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit and retain a workforce which represents the rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them. Anonymous information will be used from your application in order to ensure we’re meeting our pledge. 

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For a more detailed job description, main responsibilities, and Person Specification, please refer to the job description document attached to this vacancy.

Person specification

Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Abilities

Essential criteria
  • • Excellent knowledge, understanding and experience with quality standards, ISO:15189, HTA, GPG (E)
  • • Knowledge of a range of pathology analytical systems, techniques and QA across multiple departments including Biochemistry, Haematology, Mortuary and Microbiology. (E)
  • • Able to demonstrate commitment to service improvements and develop long-term quality management plans in line with the department’s aims and objectives. (E)
  • • Ability to prioritise workload, delegate appropriately and formulate and implement long-term quality improvement plans for the department
  • • Understanding of the critical importance of confidentiality (E)
  • • Experience of document management systems (e.g. IQM/Q-pulse). (E)
  • • Experience of managing a small team, involving evidence of personal ability to meet deadlines, support staff development and progression and achieve positive outcomes for users (E)
  • • Evidence of successful working with teams, including clinical and non-clinical staff and supporting staff individual objectives (E)
  • • Experience of service development and implementing and influencing change (E)
  • • Excellent individual work ethic and strong project management skills. (E)
  • • Ability to provide day-to-day supervisory guidance to a group of staff and have some line management responsibilities (E)

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Trust IDDisability Confident - two yearsVeteran AwareApprenticeships logoNo smoking policyAge positiveCare quality commission - GoodMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Disability confident employerNHS Pastoral CareStep into healthMenopause Workplace PledgeDefence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) - GoldPride In Veterans

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Patrick Simms
Job title
Deputy Head of Service Lab Med
Email address
[email protected]
Additional information

Natalia Casey 

Quality Manager

[email protected]

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