Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Production

• Supervise staff and facilities of the Production section to provide a high level of output, to meet the needs of the business provided by UK NEQAS for Microbiology in a timely and efficient manner, including staff training.
•  Plan, manage and schedule complex and on occasion unpredictable workload, ensuring appropriate staff and equipment will be available so that distribution timelines are met.
• Perform a wide range of routine and non-routine technical procedures and understand the rationale behind the procedures.
• Lead in the planning and organisation of day-to-day Production schedule.
• Co-ordinate efficiently with the Operations team and scientific staff within the unit in preparation of shipping EQA samples to participating laboratories.
•  Take charge and deal with any non-conformances, problems and issues when they arise.
• Undertake delegated duties on behalf of the Production Supervisor, or HCS Team Manager for Production.
• Contribute to the care, maintenance and security of the premises and equipment, including set-up, validation, monitoring, calibration and troubleshooting of equipment, as required.
  

Administrative duties

• To check that purchased consumables are correct and in good condition in collaboration with other Production staff.
• To ensure items are adequately stocked and orders raised using UKHSA ordering system (MaPS).
• To keep full and accurate records of work performed and administrative documentation.
• Collate and report any paperwork as required.

Service Improvement

•  Participate in departmental meetings and team meetings in order to discuss team performance, activities, issues, progress, needs, etc.
•  Assist with work towards development of customer satisfaction and quality of service. 

Health, Safety & Security

• To ensure that health, safety and welfare is an afforded priority over other issues. 
• Together with senior managers review and update Standard Operating Procedures and Risk Assessments  to reflect current state of operation.
•  To comply with safety policies, procedures, COSHH and risk assessments.
• To participate in the internal and external safety audits, as required.
•  To notify any accidents, incidents or near misses, dangerous situations or shortcomings in health and safety training instructions via the appropriate management structure

Quality

• Maintain a high standard of work and contribute to developing the service of the laboratory so that service delivery is safe, effective and economical and follows best practice.
• Contribute to internal and external quality assurance programmes.
•  Ensure compliance with UKAS and other accreditation and certification standards.
• Contribute to internal and external audit programmes and corrective actions.
• Assist with the routine standardisation, calibration and testing requirements of the section’s equipment and facilities.
•  Identify and raise Non-Conformances and Quality Improvements when necessary. Implement and close out corrective and preventative actions.

Information & Knowledge

•  Use Q-Pulse to retrieve, review and update controlled documentation.
•  Use of the Production database.
•  Assist in the development of information technology systems and databases as required.

Development & Innovation

• Assist with the development and introduction of new policies and procedures. 

Services & Project Management

• Shared responsibility for managing control of UK NEQAS Stores, ensuring adequate stock control, batch control, acceptance checks are undertaken on critical items required and record keeping.

Professional development

• To train and supervise production and other staff in the safe operation and use of production equipment.
•  Identify, discuss and action own professional performance and training/development needs with your line manager through appraisal/individual development plan.  Attending internal/external training events

Key working relationships 

The post holder will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal and external to UKHSA. This will include:

• Staff in EQA Services and UKHSA regarding the delivery of the service provided by UK NEQAS for Microbiology.
• Contractors, suppliers and service engineers

This list is not exhaustive.

Essential role criteria 

• Degree level (or equivalent) in a Science related subject. With work experience in production, and/or good general standard of education with extensive work experience in production.
• Experience of laboratory work, including previous production and/or supervisory experience 
• Good numeracy and literacy together with computer literacy: competence in use of database (Access), spread sheet (Excel), Outlook and Word software to intermediate level
•  Experience of working in a quality environment using a quality management system together with awareness of general process requirements for validation, calibration and monitoring of equipment
•  Ability to problem solve and carry out minor adjustments together with good management of time: able to plan and use own time economically and effectively
•  Able to work as part of a team yet also lead, including ability to train staff
• Accurate and clear record keeping skills together with good communication skills – be able to convey instructions, ideas and opinions clearly and consistently, both orally and in writing
•  An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.

Desirable role criteria:

• Knowledge and experience of how to operate and trouble-shoot semi-automated dispensing equipment

Selection Process Details 

This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical Skills.

Stage 1: Application & Sift 

Success profiles

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 8 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:  

• Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application) 
• 500 word supporting statement.   

This should outline how you consider your skills, experience and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.  

Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV.  

Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 500 words. We will not consider any words over 500 words. 

Longlisting:

In the event of a large number of applications we may longlist into 3 piles of: 

• Meets all essential criteria 
• Meets some essential criteria 
• Meets no essential criteria  

If used, the pile 'Meets all essential criteria’ will proceed to shortlisting. 

Shortlisting:

In the event of a large number of applications we may conduct an initial sift, on the lead criteria of: 

• Degree level (or equivalent) education in a science related subject. With work experience in production and/or good general standard of education with extensive work experience in production

Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/large amount of successful candidates. 

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment. 

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview 

You will be invited to a single face to face interview. If face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.  

Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills will be tested at interview. 

The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:

• Working together
• Managing a quality service

Interviews dates to be confirmed. 

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Location

This role is being offered as office/lab based at our Scientific Campus in Colindale.  Please note hybrid working is not available for this role. 

Security Clearance Level Requirement  

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.   

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-terrorist Check. If based at one of our scientific campuses, you will be required to have a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. In exceptional circumstances UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.

Eligibility Criteria

Across government: This vacancy is open to all Civil Service employees and employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) who were appointed on merit following a fair and open competition; or were appointed to a permanent post through an exception in the Civil Service Commissioners' rules. Prior agreement to be released on a loan basis must be obtained before commencing the application process. In the case of Civil Servants, the terms of the loan will be agreed between the home and host department and the Civil Servant. This includes grade on return.   

Salary Information 

If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.