Assistant Manager of the Component Development Laboratory
This is a senior leadership role where you will help shape the future of blood component development at NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT). You will support and deputise for the Head of Component Development, leading a specialist laboratory team to develop and improve blood components that directly impact patient care. You will lead research and development projects, influence national practice, and work with a wide range of clinical, scientific and operational partners. This is an opportunity to contribute at scale, using your expertise to deliver high-quality, innovative solutions that make a real difference to patients across the UK while developing yourself and others.
In this role you will be responsible for leading and delivering research and development projects that improve blood components and changes clinical practice across NHSBT. Your key responsibilities will include:
-
Deputising for the Head of Component Development in managing the laboratory and in providing leadership in development and validation of blood component products and processes.
- Planning and performing R&D projects to provide evidence for major change to services, including the development of new or improved blood components impacting clinical practice across a wide geographical area and multiple departments.
-
Supervising CDL’s work plan for the evaluation of novel processes and technologies for blood component processing and quality in CDL Bristol.
- Being a key stakeholder in strategic procurement of critical manufacturing systems and technologies, working closely with other functions including Testing and Scientific Development.
-
Appropriately communicate the outcome of CDL projects so that it may be used to change practice across the whole of the organisation.
- Providing leadership and direction to a team of scientists/matter experts in blood components and components development creating a culture where people can learn, contribute and progress
-
Ensuring high standards of quality and regulatory compliance of the Laboratory to MHRA/GMP regulations and others as required
-
Translating research findings into practice, ensuring improvements are embedded safely and effectively
This role is based in the Components Development Laboratory in Filton, Bristol,. You will be expected to be on site as required by the business to perform a combination of laboratory R&D and management tasks. There may be the opportunity for hybrid arrangements following discussion with the line manager . Occasional national travel will also be required with prior notice.
Experience and Knowledge
- In-depth knowledge of transfusion science, component development and regulatory requirements
- Thorough understanding of regulatory requirements relating to blood component manufacturing and development
- Proven ability to lead and manage services, people and complex programmes effectively
- Strong experience of improving services, driving innovation and influencing strategic direction
- Ability to analyse complex scientific and operational information and make sound decisions
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, including influencing at senior level
Qualifications and Training
-
Master’s level degree or higher in a clinical field or relevant science
-
OR specialist knowledge demonstrated by a professional qualification equivalent to a Master’s level
-
OR demonstrable knowledge and experience equivalent to Master’s level
-
Demonstrate commitment to own Continued Professional Development (CPD)
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.
-
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.
This vacancy will close at 23:59 on 6th July 2026
The assessment process for this role may involve multiple stages, with full details to be shared with shortlisted candidates closer to the time.
Interviews are anticipated to be held on 23rdh July 2026 at NHS Blood and Transplant Bristol Filton Blood Centre subject to confirmation.
For informal enquiries please contact
Name: Michael Wiltshire
Job Title: National Head of Components Development
Contact Details: Email [email protected]
