Lead Specialist
Posted 5 hours 34 minutes ago by NHS
As a Lead Specialist in Technical & Scientific Development, you'll play a key role in shaping how NHS Blood and Transplant deliver safe, high quality blood and components to patients across the UK. You will lead complex, high impact changes and projects that introduce innovative technologies, develop improved products and services, and enhance national standards across the blood supply chain. You will develop your expertise to translate innovative ideas into practical solutions, collaborate with colleagues across multiple directorates to deliver consistent, dependable, and future ready practices. Your work will help strengthen essential systems, support regulatory compliance, and ensure we continuously improve for the benefit of donors, staff, and patients. This is a role where your leadership and expertise will directly contribute to saving and improving lives.
Main duties of the job- Lead the delivery of major, complex and high impact programmes and change projects, ensuring delivery on time and within budget.
- Act as a recognised subject matter expert within a specialist manufacturing, testing or quality discipline.
- Own and manage product and service development lifecycles from concept through implementation and post market surveillance.
- Provide expert advice on standards, processes, equipment and procurement.
- Lead cross functional and national project teams.
- Analyse complex data to inform decisions and manage risk. Work in partnership with senior leaders across NHSBT.
- Develop and deliver workshops, training and presentations.
- Contribute to national policy, standards and best practice. Deputise for Heads of Function as required.
- 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
- 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.
Qualifications- Masters degree or equivalent experience to Masters level.
- Commitment to continuing professional development.
- Postgraduate management or leadership experience.
- Membership of a relevant professional body.
- Ability and willingness to travel as required.
- Proven leadership and change management experience.
- Experience of managing projects in regulated environments.
- Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
- In depth technical or scientific expertise in a relevant specialist area.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.