Quality Manager - Healthcare Science - Scottish Microbiology Reference Laboratory

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is one of the largest healthcare systems in the United Kingdom, employing approximately 40,000 staff across a wide range of clinical and non clinical professions and roles. We deliver acute hospital, primary, community and mental health services to a population of over 1.15 million people, and to a wider population of 2.2 million when regional and national services are included.

The role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and motivated Quality Manager to join the Scottish Microbiology Reference Laboratory (SMiRL) and the West of Scotland Specialist Virology Centre (WoSSVC), based at Glasgow Royal Infirmary. The post is based within the SMiRL and WoSSVC laboratories at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, a state of the art facility employing highly complex diagnostic and molecular platforms. These include Abbott Alinity i and Alinity M systems, Roche extraction platforms and LightCyclers, Applied Biosystems real time PCR systems, DiaSorin Liaison and bioMérieux analysers, together with Sanger and next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies. The laboratories hold full UKAS accreditation to ISO 15189 standards. SMiRL and Virology play a key role in delivering diagnostic, specialist and reference testing for a wide range of pathogens, supporting clinical decision making, antimicrobial resistance surveillance, vaccine surveillance, public health policy and outbreak management for the Scottish population. Both services actively participate in training and education, collaborative research and development, and maintain close working relationships with Public Health Scotland (PHS) and other national stakeholders.

Duration, Location, and Working Pattern

• Glasgow Royal Infirmary
• Monday to Friday
• No requirement for evening or weekend working

Key responsibilities

• Working under the direction of the Quality, Point of Care and Training Manager, the post holder will be responsible for ensuring that the Quality Management System (QMS) is implemented, maintained and continuously improved across both services
• The role includes oversight of scheduled and unscheduled audit programmes, investigation and management of non conformances, and ensuring that corrective and preventative actions are implemented and monitored for effectiveness
• The post holder will report on the functioning and effectiveness of the QMS and will perform or supervise internal audits in line with UKAS accreditation requirements, supporting ongoing compliance with ISO 15189
• Implement, maintain, and continuously improve the Quality Management System (QMS) across both services
• Ensure consistent application of quality standards and processes throughout the organisation
• Support effective quality governance in line with service and organisational objectives
• Work collaboratively with senior management to embed quality systems and best practice
• Provide leadership and assurance on quality performance across services

Knowledge, training, qualifications and/or experience required to do the job

• Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Biomedical Scientist
• MSc in Biomedical Science, Fellowship of the IBMS (FIBMS) or equivalent qualification
• Experience working within a UKAS accredited laboratory environment
• Demonstrable experience in quality management, audit and governance

What we offer

We offer a wide range of supportive policies designed to enhance your employee journey, including a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work Scheme, bursary scheme and extensive learning and development opportunities.

As an NHS Scotland employee, you will be entitled to:

• A minimum of 27 days annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus public holidays
• Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme, including life insurance benefits
• Salary Sacrifice Car Benefit Scheme
• Development opportunities including study bursaries, e learning and classroom based courses
• Enhanced pay for working public holidays
• NHS discounts on a wide range of goods and services
• Confidential employee support and assistance, including counselling and psychological therapies

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde recognises the importance of work life balance and is committed to offering a range of flexible working options where service needs allow. For roles where less than full time hours can be accommodated, we encourage applications from individuals seeking flexible working arrangements. Flexible working will be included as a topic for discussion during the recruitment process.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde encourages applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and are proud of the diverse workforce we employ.

By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, NHSGGC has pledged its commitment to being a Forces Friendly Employer. We welcome applications from across the Armed Forces Community and recognise military skills, experience and qualifications throughout the recruitment and selection process.