Job Description

The place to work in pathology!



Synnovis is a scientific organisation with a clinical purpose and is part of SYNLAB Group, Europe's leading provider of laboratory diagnostic services. Working in partnership with Guy's and St. Thomas' Hospitals, King's College Hospital, Princess Royal University Hospital, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals and local CCG networks. Our organisation brings together the very best in clinical, scientific and operational expertise, and displays in action the core values at the heart of our brand: science for life, collaboration for the benefit of everyone, and innovation and quality



We aim to set the standard for the future of pathology.



As Department Lead you will support Operational Management in the day-to-day line management in CSR of departmental Team Managers and pre-analytical MLAs. You will work closely with the Specimen Reception Manager, scientific employees and external customers, to ensure all specimens and samples are managed effectively. You will play a key role in the delivery and referral of pathology services, in line with our corporate objectives.



You will hold a variety of accountabilities in the laboratory environment. These will include, but are not limited to:



Responsible for the day-to-day management of your section in CSR including the smooth running of logistics, rota management and other supporting functions reporting to the Specimen Reception Manager.



Line manage employees, as required. This includes delivering all aspects of people management, such as recruitment, performance management, absence management, learning and development, employee health and wellbeing.



Be the first point of escalation for any administrative or pre analytical enquiries.



Work with the Logistics teams to report and resolve issues relating to transportation of specimens.



Troubleshoot and escalate anything that will impact the service continuity



This is an exciting opportunity for an individual who is looking to further develop senior managerial skills.



Candidates must have excellent communication & IT skills, and be able to adapt under pressure. A positive professional attitude and being committed to improving pre and post analytical processes are key.



Candidates must be flexible with time, as weekday shift working, occasional weekend work and on call rotation will be scheduled. Working hours are between 8am-9pm.



Synnovis is renowned in the field for the excellent development opportunities provided to our colleagues, whether in operations or corporate. We sponsor events at IBMS Congress, develop learning pathways such as the Accelerated Graduate Training Programme, Scientific Apprenticeships and have set up mentoring schemes to spot and develop those interested in the profession.

A little about the lab and us:

Central Specimen Reception (CSR) is a very fast paced, busy, happy and somewhat challenging environment to work in. The team is dedicated to providing customers and service users with the best outcomes and work diligently to achieve set goals. CSR is a multi-award winning department within the Organisation. Central Specimen Reception based at Synnovis Hub Blackfriars Road providing pre and post-analytical support service to Synnovis Laboratories, GP's, External Trusts and Private Patients. CSR also provide a section for referring tests and clinical trials. The main CSR reception area is based on the Ground Floor, Synnovis Hub Blackfriars Road and operates on a 24/7 service.

Central Specimen Reception (CSR) team are expected to regularly and effectively communicate to colleagues within the department and also various other Synnovis colleagues across Services, Analytics & Group.

Your development and learning:

You will have a suite of learning opportunities available through The Synnovis Way Development programme, the Scientific Learning and Development Fund and the Synnovis Academy through which you can receive funding / support for advanced qualifications.

Through our Innovation Accelerator Fund, you can apply for finance to get that new innovative scientific project off the ground, and participate with the wider scientific community through symposiums, conferences and other peer group meetings.

There are also management pathway for those who are interested in management development. Also encouraging internal promotion and development within the department.



Duties and Responsibilities



Manage and organise your team of CSR MLAs and Team Managers to maintain general laboratory procurement, supplies and materials. Ensure that workload is distributed appropriately and fairly, to ensure skills are deployed accordingly and items are processed quickly and accurately in readiness for transportation to relevant Laboratory.



Identify and prioritise urgent work to ensure that deadlines are met, escalate to Specimen Reception Manager as necessary.



Use LIMS to accurately record sensitive patient information, requiring frequent, long periods of concentration, whilst maintaining patient confidentiality and following Information Governance (IG) guidelines.



Ensure the safe referral of samples out of Synnovis for dispatch to other laboratories or hospitals; receiving samples dispatched from other laboratories and ensuring results are transcribed accurately when returned.



Manage and where necessary cover, CSR duties including receiving, receipting and processing of specimens, preventative maintenance of pre-analytical instruments and equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs), ensuring all data is recorded and handled accurately.



Understand hazards and risks of working in a laboratory and use adequate precautions and personal protective equipment at all times.



Safely handle, use and dispose of biological specimens including infectious material or hazardous chemicals according to laboratory and health and safety protocols.



Ensure all new deliveries are appropriately unpacked and receipted.



Ensure all laboratory samples, consumables and equipment are appropriately stored and maintained in line with SOPs, health and safety guidelines and recording protocols.



Report all incidents and adverse events to Specimen Reception Manager and enter the information in the CAPA module of Q-pulse in a timely manner.



Participate in quality management activities including inspections, audits, investigations and risk assessment monitoring.



Utilise Q-Pulse quality monitoring system and other application software according to authorised protocols.



Provide specialist administrative support, including submission of operational performance data and technical advice for section.



Manage and organise your team of CSR MLAs and Team Managers taking line management ownership of HR processes, such as recruitment and selection, performance monitoring and managing poor performance and dealing with sickness absence.



Work with Training Lead and ensure appropriate competency training is delivered. Support induction, training and competency sign-off of new employees in own area.



Compile staff rotas and manage unplanned absence utilising staff/skill mix across the department.



Manage any temporary staffing requisition, approve time sheets and manage overtime.



Use departmental resources efficiently and apply good stock management of reagents, consumables and stationery; this includes appropriate stock control audits and maintaining accurate records.



Demonstrate professionalism, patience and empathy when explaining technical issues, in particular when communicating with people who do not share same level of knowledge or understanding.



Support the introduction of new systems by being a change advocate, and active mentor and a tutor to junior staff.



Review, propose amendments and implement changes in relevant documents, including SOPs, COSHH and risk assessments in line with the ISO 15189 standards, which may have an impact on other departments.



Applications are welcomed from applicants with a disability . We can make reasonable adjustments and offer support and advice in a variety of ways throughout the application process. All applicants are welcome to apply regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, race, nationality or ethnic origin, religion, or sexual orientation. Equality of opportunity is our policy.



For our Permanent workforce we offer a competitive benefits package. As well as offering competitive salaries, all employees are also entitled to:



Contributory pension scheme Generous annual leave entitlement Pay progression based on performance Annual incentive plan for all employees * Ground breaking personal development opportunities