Head of Technical Programme - GENOMICS

Job summary
A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Head of Technical Programme to join the North West Genomic Laboratory Hub (NW GLH) at Manchester Foundation Trust (MFT) and be part of one of the largest Acute Trusts in the UK, employing over 20,000 staff.

The NW GLH is a highly regarded, UKAS accredited, NHS clinical service provider of Genomics to a population of 7.2 million people in the North west of England, as well as a wide range of national and international specialist referrals.

The NW GLH is currently undergoing a significant transformational change program and is in the process of implementing a Whole Genome Sequencing service as well as multiple ancillary projects to support the national genomics service reorganisation.

We are looking for individuals with an enthusiastic and flexible attitude who can lead, manage and develop our technical teams. You will have highly specialised knowledge of genomic techniques, experience of managing teams and demonstrate excellent communication and organisational skills.

Main duties of the job
Working alongside the Technical Programme Director the role will involve strategic and operational management of the Technical Programme, ensuring the effective delivery of technical services. The role provides leadership for staff management, including recruitment, performance, workforce planning, and employee relations, while overseeing departmental resources, infrastructure and procurement. They will be responsible for driving continuous service improvement through innovation, efficiency, and cost improvement initiatives, while supporting the development and implementation of the service's strategic objectives, business planning, and future growth. The role also involves evaluating new service opportunities and working closely with senior scientific and managerial colleagues to maintain a high-quality, sustainable genomic medicine service.

The NW GLH operates a 6 day delivery model and therefore new applicants should be aware that any future postholder will be required to work a pattern to support this; which could include occasional Saturday and Bank Holiday working.

About us
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) is a leading centre of clinical excellence, renowned for pioneering patient care, advanced medical research, and a collaborative multi-speciality environment. We are the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester is the largest health academic campus in Europe - a great place to progress your career.

With over 30,000 employees, a turnover exceeding £3 billion, and 10 hospital and community services, join our team to help us deliver outstanding healthcare to our diverse communities.We offer an engaging and supportive environment, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology. Research and Innovation are at the heart of our work, offering opportunities to lead research that shapes the future of medicine, working alongside experts, advancing clinical practice, and improving patient outcomes.

At MFT, we foster a culture where every colleague is valued and empowered to thrive. Your expertise is recognised, your ambitions are supported, and your impact is felt at every level. Whether you want to develop your clinical skills, pursue research interests, or seek leadership opportunities, MFT provides the ideal environment to achieve your medical or professional aspirations.If you are dedicated to driving clinical innovation and delivering compassionate patient care, join us to shape tomorrow's healthcare; where clinical excellence, innovation, and your career will thrive.

Details
Date posted
17 August 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 8a
Salary
£57,528 to £64,750 a year
per annum, pro rata
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
349-SPH-8167257-RL4
Job locations
St Mary's Hospital
Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9WL
United Kingdom

Job responsibilities
To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need for this role, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Supporting Documents heading.

Explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place
To help you feel confident, prepared and fully informed before you apply, we invite you to explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place . This welcoming onestop hub gives you a real sense of who we are what we stand for, how we reward and support you, and the many ways we care for you as you care for others. Youll also find practical hints and tips for submitting a great application, along with the essential information you need to know before you apply.

To access Inside MFT Your Candidate Place, simply click on the relevant PDF document under the Supporting Documents section and once opened, you can where either scan QR code or click on the link provided.

Closing vacancy listings early
We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.To help us manage applications fairly and give each one the time it deserves, our adverts may close early if we receive a high level of interest. Early applications are therefore encouraged.

Diversity Matters MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application
Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOUfor our patients, our communities, and each other.As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your applicationespecially personal statements and responses to role-specific questionsis written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.

Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Science degree at MSc Level
• Registration with the Voluntary Registration Council
• Management training
• Active participation in CPD

Desirable

• Completed interview and appraisal training

Previous Experience
Essential

• Experience in clinical diagnostic genetics.
• Experience in managing a technical workforce
• Ability to contribute to development and evaluation of services
• Sound knowledge of Health & Safety issues

Desirable

• Experience of report writing

Skills
Essential

• Excellent organisational and supervisory skills in particular ability to lead team of technical staff.
• Ability to deal with difficult situations.
• Computer literacy

Desirable

• Involvement in Quality and/or laboratory accreditation
• Experience of training others

Certificate of Sponsorship
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. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

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. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details
Employer name
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Address
St Mary's Hospital
Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9WL
United Kingdom
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Technical Programme Director
Nicola Hargreaves
View email address on meeveem.com

Supporting documents
Privacy notice
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)

MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve.