Reference Laboratory Manager - RCI

Job Summary

Working as part of the senior team in one of NHSBT’s seven Red Cell Immunohaematology labs, you will lead on response to the changing requirements of customer hospitals through the provision of state-of-the-art, cost-effective, and clinically appropriate diagnostics. You will look to continuously improve processes and performance on both locally and nationally.

Our labs work with a wide and varied patient mix, including the investigation of rare antibody specificities. In addition to learning advanced serological techniques including genotyping and flow cytometry, you will work on rare and unique cases. You will also consult with the International Blood Group Reference Laboratory (IBGRL) on our most complex cases. This is pioneering work, where you will publicise and present your findings at national meetings and or events.

This is an opportunity to advance your management skills and deepen your expertise by providing complex diagnostic and blood donation selection activities with the support of expert teams and advanced technology.

Main duties of the job

The primary role is to deliver, under the direction of the RCI Laboratory Head and RCI service operations Lead a service that meets the needs of NHS customers within a region served by an RCI Laboratory. Your responsibilities will include:

• Following the leadership of the RCI Operations Lead and the process improvement Manager instil a culture of lean working and putting the customer first at every level in the laboratory.
• Managing RCI operations for a specific location to include delivery of services and management of RCI Laboratory staff in accordance with RCI & NHSBT protocols.
• Be responsible for ensuring that Quality incidents are reported, monitored and determined to root cause in line with NHSBT procedures.
• Assisting the Laboratory head in ensuring that the Laboratory operates on a financially sustainable basis.
• Maintaining advanced scientific and clinical competencies in transfusion related diagnostics.
• Acting as the first line reference for staff on scientific and technical issues.
• Developing a motivated, competent, and empowered workforce.
• Deputising for the Head of Laboratory as required and leading on staff training and HR requirements.

You will be required to provide cover during operational emergencies.

About You

Experience and Knowledge

• In depth understanding of relevant policies, standards and guidelines affecting laboratory practice e.g. Good Manufacturing Practice, Good Laboratory Practice, Clinical Pathology Accreditation UKBTS and BCSH and other relevant or statutory guidelines.
• In depth knowledge of Transfusion Science and all aspects of Red Cell Immunohaematology and associated technical skills.
• Experience of selection, training, development, and motivation of staff and working with a range of HR policies & procedures.
• An experienced manager with experience of working within NHS or UK public health environment.
• Experience of validation of equipment and processes, research, and development.
• Experience of target setting and performance review.
• Experience of working with Information Technology using Microsoft Office packages (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).

Qualifications and Training

• Health and Care Professional Council (HCPC) registered Biomedical Scientist (which must be maintained).
• MSc in Transfusion/Transplantation Science or relevant science subject, or equivalent specialist knowledge (e.g. FIBMS, BBTS/BSHI qualification).
• Management qualification or relevant management training or attendance at short courses.
• Demonstrates commitment to own continued professional development (CPD).

About Us

It takes all types of people to deliver the kind of service that saves and improves lives. At NHS Blood and Transplant, you’ll join a team of more than 6,000 people who are making a genuine difference to communities, families, friends, relatives and more across the UK. We play a unique and special role in the NHS by helping people do something extraordinary- donate blood, blood products, organs, tissues, or stem cells to save someone in need.

Our three core values are what set us apart. They guide and inspire everything we do.

By being caring, expertly meeting the needs of our patients and our people, and accepting nothing less than the best quality, we can do extraordinary work and help our people to do something extraordinary in their career, too. Three small words, one big difference - Caring, Expert and Quality. Together we'll save and improve more lives than ever.

You will join us on our journey to create an inclusive workplace and aim to reflect the diverse communities we work with, and we positively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

What we offer:

• Hybrid working arrangements because NHSBT works nationally, we’re able to offer hybrid working options that give you more flexibility to balance work with life.
• Flexible working options we promote flexible working where the role allows. We’re happy to discuss what flexibility might look like for you.
• Generous annual leave - 27 days annual leave (pro rata for part-time) plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 29 days after 5 years’ service and to 33 days after 10 years.
• Inclusive pension scheme - the NHS Pension Scheme is a defined benefit scheme (not dependent on investment returns). Further details and outline of benefits can be found at: http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/information-about-nhs-pensions
• Supportive learning culture - we’ve fostered a culture of continuous learning where colleagues are well-led, engaged, and encouraged to grow. We support you in reaching your full potential, both in your current role and future career. Our Thrive program embodies our commitment to learning and development, offering a wide range of activities to support your personal and professional growth. It’s open to everyone at NHSBT, ensuring you have the resources to succeed and shine in your role.
• Health and wellbeing support we offer confidential services including occupational health, employee assistance programme, and wellbeing resources. Our support is available to all colleagues and we endeavour to provide tailored workplace adjustments where possible.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we welcome applications from disabled candidates. We will talk with you to explore any adjustments that may help you during the recruitment process.

You can find more information about accessibility, our culture, and how we support applicants on the NHSBT Careers website:

• Read about our application process
• Learn more about our culture at NHSBT

To learn more, please see the job description and person specification. These can be accessed via the link below, or by clicking ‘Apply’ if you are viewing this advert on another site.

Next steps

This vacancy will close at 23:59pm on Wednesday 18th November 2026.

The assessment process for this role will include: a single interview. Interviews are anticipated to be held on Wednesday 2nd December subject to confirmation.

For informal enquiries please contact

Name: Doris Lam

Job Title: Head of Lab

Contact Details: Doris.Lam@nhsbt.nhs.uk