Blood Sciences Section Manager – Haematology with certificate of sponsorship to the UK
Important Visa Information
This vacancy is eligible for a Certificate of Sponsorship for international candidates seeking to work in the UK. However, applicants must verify their eligibility with the employer before applying. The certificate of sponsorship does not guarantee visa approval, and candidates should ensure they meet all UK immigration requirements.
Job Summary
Hywel Dda University Health Board is seeking a committed, proactive, and suitably qualified HCPC-registered Specialist Biomedical Scientist with experience in Haematology for the position of Haematology Section Manager within the Blood Sciences Department at Withybush General Hospital, Haverfordwest. This is an excellent opportunity for international candidates looking to relocate to the UK with sponsorship support.
About the Role
The appointed candidate will take a leading role in managing the Haematology and Coagulation sections of the Blood Sciences Laboratory, overseeing the day-to-day operational delivery of these essential services. They will provide expert advice to service users, evaluate new methodologies, and actively contribute to the development, growth, and optimisation of the service in collaboration with the Health Board Service Manager and Consultant Clinical staff.
Modern Laboratory Environment
The modernised Blood Sciences Laboratory delivers a comprehensive acute and routine service in Haematology, Coagulation, Blood Transfusion, Biochemistry, and an extensive POCT service. The laboratory is equipped with advanced technology including Siemens Advia 2120i Haematology analysers, the Cellavision Digital Morphology System, Werfen TOPS Coagulation analysers, and associated Haematology systems.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will deliver professional, technical, and managerial leadership to all Haematology staff, taking responsibility for training, competency assessment, and the monitoring of work practices in accordance with United Kingdom Accreditation Services (UKAS) Limited standards. They will also share responsibility for managing staff absence and annual leave. Participation in the out-of-hours rota for Haematology, Coagulation, and Blood Transfusion will form part of the role.
Qualifications Required
Applicants should be educated to MSc level or possess equivalent experience, hold an IBMS Specialist Diploma in Haematology, and demonstrate up-to-date knowledge of developments within the discipline. Evidence of relevant CPD in line with HCPC requirements is essential. Candidates must also have post-registration clinical and technical experience at Specialist Biomedical Scientist level.
Essential Criteria
All applicants must be HCPC Registered Biomedical Scientists with a BSc or equivalent qualification in Biomedical Science. They should possess an IBMS Specialist Diploma or equivalent experience, along with MSc level education or equivalent experience and specialist knowledge in a broad range of areas within the discipline. In-depth knowledge of external quality assurance schemes, data integrity, confidentiality, audit procedures, and ongoing CPD is required.
Desirable Qualifications
Management or supervisory qualifications, Higher Specialist Diplomas, training qualifications, and knowledge of ISO standards and requirements would be advantageous. Experience of protocol or procedure development, working with a wide variety of analysers/techniques, and experience in incident investigation and root cause analysis are also desirable.
Employer Information
Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties. With over 13,000 staff, the organisation provides primary, community, in-hospital, mental health, and learning disabilities services. The health board works in partnership with three local authorities, as well as public, private, and third sector colleagues.
Working Environment
The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism, thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. While the ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help employees meet these requirements during their employment.
International Candidate Support
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants applying for entry clearance into the UK have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
Professional Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For overseas candidates, this means obtaining HCPC registration before or as part of the visa application process. The employer will provide guidance on this requirement as part of the sponsorship process.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, and a submission for Disclosure will be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. This is a standard requirement for all NHS positions.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please visit the NHS Jobs website and search for reference number 100-HS028-1025-C. The application process requires completion of an online application form where you should demonstrate how you meet the person specification criteria.
Application Checklist for International Candidates
Before applying, international candidates should verify their eligibility for UK work permits, prepare evidence of qualifications and professional registration, ensure they have criminal record certificates from any country where they have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years, and confirm they can meet the English language requirements.
Interview Process
Interviews for this position will take place on 13/04/2026. Shortlisted candidates will be notified in advance of the interview date and format. The interview process may include technical assessments, presentation, and panel interviews with representatives from the laboratory and senior management.
Benefits Package
The successful candidate will receive a competitive salary of £48,527 to £55,532 per annum (pro rata if part-time), along with standard NHS benefits including pension scheme, annual leave, and opportunities for professional development and career progression within the organisation.
Contact Information
For questions about the job, please contact Emma Williams (Blood Sciences Laboratory Manager WGH) at emma.williams63@wales.nhs.uk or by phone at 01437773270. All inquiries regarding the application process and visa sponsorship should be directed through this contact.
Application Deadline
The closing date for applications is 06 April 2026. Late applications cannot be accepted. All supporting documents should be submitted with your application, including proof of qualifications, professional registration, and evidence of English language proficiency if applicable.
Supporting Documents
Applicants should download and review the Job Description and Person Specification document before applying. The Occupational Health Form may be required at a later stage in the recruitment process. These documents are available on the NHS Jobs website alongside the vacancy advertisement.
Equal Opportunities
Hywel Dda University Health Board is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references and pre-employment checks.
Further Information
For more information about Hywel Dda University Health Board, please visit their website at https://hduhb.nhs.wales/. The privacy notice for recruitment processes can be found at https://nwssp.nhs.wales/ourservices/employment-services/employment-services-documents/service-privacy-notices-gdpr/nwssp-recruitment-services-privacy-notice/.