Job summary
- Main area
- Pathology
- Grade
- Band 8a
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week
- Job ref
- 390-CSS-BR-9628-A
- Employer
- Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- MSE
- Town
- Chelmsford
- Salary
- £55,690 Per Annum (Pro Rata for Part Time)
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 15/07/2025 23:59
Employer heading

Microbiology Service Unit Manager
Band 8a
Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust is the only acute hospital provider in the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System (ICS), which is a system of health and care partners working together for our local population.
Within Mid and South Essex there are 149 GP practices, operating from over 200 sites, forming 27 Primary Care Networks and one Ambulance Trust. There are also three main community and mental health service providers who work together through a community collaborative.
We collaborate with other valuable partners, including three Healthwatch organisations, nine voluntary and community sector organisations and three top tier local authorities, with seven district, borough and city councils, as well as our local universities.
Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Clinical Diagnostics Division as a Microbiology Service Manager within the Pathology service. This pivotal role, based at Broomfield, offers you the chance to work alongside senior pathology colleagues to develop an efficient and effective diagnostic service for patients across the MSE footprint.
We are seeking a dynamic individual with recent and robust NHS operational experience. This is a full-time position with responsibility for delivering microbiology performance targets across MSE. Ensure all tests performed are undertaken in compliance with UKAS standards and Based on Quality Assured methodology.
Key priorities will also include, but are not limited to:
• Urgent performance and turnaround time (TAT) delivery
• Staff engagement and communication
• Workforce planning
• Financial efficiency oversight
You will provide strong managerial leadership, supporting staff through a period of transition as the service integrates into a single, unified Pathology network. Collaboration with external pathology partners will also be a key aspect of the role.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a welcoming, inclusive, and highly motivated microbiology team, dedicated to delivering high-quality diagnostic services
Main duties of the job
As a Service Manager, you will be responsible for a range of clinical specialities across the service. Alongside the management team, you will be responsible for managing and developing services delivered across the Directorate.
You will be operationally responsible for the day to day running of the service, and will be required to monitor national performance targets specific to ensure they are achieved, and ensure corrective action is taken when necessary.
Monitor all Laboratory and Admin staffing daily and escalate where necessary and issues which can not be addressed locally.
You will work closely with colleagues across both MSE and with our Pathology Partner Pathology First in to ensure that pathways are optimised for both urgent and routine testing.
Working for our organisation
Our ambition is to deliver excellent local and specialist services, to improve the health and wellbeing of our patients, and provide a vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers.
We aim to make the most of our skills and experiences so we can become the best we can be. As one organisation we will recruit the finest and retain more specialist staff due to more employment opportunities across our Trust.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Are you looking for an exciting Microbiology Service Unit Manager role using your unique qualities, then we want to hear from you?
For full details about this varied and rewarding role, please see attached job description.
We look forward to your application.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- Significant post graduate experience in a senior or manager position
- Registered with the Health Professions Council. FIBMS or Masters or above equivalent
Desirable criteria
- Enhanced knowledge and experience of dealing with and resolving analytical problems in service performance
- Awareness in scientific development and modern technology in Histopathology
Experience
Essential criteria
- Experience of demand and capacity and activity planning
- Experience of financial management, budget setting, monitoring and determining corrective action.
- Experience developing and implementing business and service development plans.
- Ability to analyse and interpret complex and detailed information.
Desirable criteria
- Experience working within several sub Specialties
- NHS experience
Communication
Essential criteria
- Good communication and influencing skills. Strong, participative and supportive management style.
- Experience of managing staff, including setting of team objectives, team and individual appraisal, recruitment and disciplinary issues
Applicant requirements
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Sharon Salthouse
- Job title
- Deputy General Manager - Pathology services
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 07584596378
- Additional information
Sharon Salthouse on 01245 516313
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