NHS Blood and Transplant
Assistant Head of Manufacturing Development
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Job Summary
Do you have a passion for innovation, continuous improvement and developing high-performing specialist teams that help save and improve lives? As Assistant Head of Manufacturing Development, you will play a key role in shaping the future of blood component manufacturing across NHS Blood and Transplant. Leading two expert teams within Manufacturing Development, the Equipment Specialist Team and the Projects and Operational Support Team (POST), you will drive improvements in equipment management, support manufacturing modernisation through the development of real-time monitoring solutions, and ensure the development and maintenance of best practice processes across blood component manufacturing. Working closely with the Head of Manufacturing and Product Development, you will influence strategic decision-making, lead service improvement initiatives and collaborate with a wide range of clinical, scientific and operational stakeholders. This is an exciting opportunity to deliver innovation, develop specialist expertise and help ensure NHSBT remains at the forefront of blood component manufacturing and development.
Main Duties of the Job
- Support and deputise for the Head of Manufacturing and Product Development on matters relating to blood component manufacturing, innovation and development.
- Lead service innovation, process improvement and the implementation of new manufacturing technologies and systems.
- Manage and deliver complex national programmes that support manufacturing development and service transformation.
- Lead the development and implementation of policies, procedures and best practices for blood component manufacturing.
- Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support collaboration, innovation and successful delivery of change.
- Lead and develop a team of subject matter experts, creating an inclusive environment that supports learning, performance and continuous improvement.
- Translate research, emerging technologies and new products into operational practice across manufacturing services.
- Lead strategic procurement activities for manufacturing equipment, systems and consumables.
- Ensure all development activity meets relevant regulatory, governance and quality requirements.
- Represent NHSBT internally and externally, promoting innovation, sharing expertise and contributing to the advancement of blood component development.
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About You
Experience and Knowledge
- Significant leadership experience within NHSBT or a comparable pharmaceutical, diagnostic, scientific or manufacturing environment.
- Strong project and programme management skills, with experience delivering complex change and innovation initiatives.
- Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across a range of audiences.
- In-depth knowledge of transfusion science, product development lifecycles and pharmaceutical manufacturing principles.
- Experience of leading teams through change, developing staff and managing complex operational or scientific challenges.
Qualifications And Training
- Master's level degree in a clinical field or relevant science, or equivalent knowledge and experience demonstrated at Master's level.
- HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientist.
- Basic management qualification or evidence of management training.
- Membership of a relevant professional body.
- Evidence of continuing 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.
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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 Sunday 9th August 2026.
The assessment process for this role will include a single interview.
Interviews are anticipated to be held on Wednesday 19th or Thursday 20th August 2026 – subject to confirmation.
For informal enquiries please contact –
Name: Gillian Grafton
Job Title: Head of Manufacturing & Product Development
Contact Details: Email – gillian.grafton@nhsbt.nhs.uk
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