Pathology IT Operations Manager (XN08)

Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

Leeds Teaching Hospitals is looking to employ a Pathology IT Operations Manager to join our senior team. The individual will head up the delivery of a number of system implementations, and oversee the operational management of the current clinical systems used within Pathology. The individual will provide leadership in a multidisciplinary environment within the CSU, the Trust, and engagement with our WYAAT partners. The individual will also be responsible for the delivery of the quality management and assurance of our clinical systems.

This is an exciting time to join the team, as we are looking to engage in a significant programme of work to update and evolve our clinical systems.

If you would like further information on this position, please contact Steve Stephenson - 0113 3922340 or stephen.stephenson@nhs.net.

Main duties of the job

The purpose of the post of Pathology IT Operations Manager is:

To provide essential, consistent and expert oversight and management of all the Laboratory Information Management Systems and associated applications across the CSU.

The post-holder will lead and manage the day to day operation ofdesign and implementation of new developments in Pathology Clinical Systems to support service evolution and improvements.

Having expert technical knowledge this post will bring operational administration and project management function to the Pathology IT team along with managing the relationship between the CSU and Trust IT in the coordination of operational & service developments.

To manage the Pathology IT team including line management, mentoring and development.

To coordinate the production and development of robust documentation to support effective service management, business continuity & Disaster Recovery processes, regulatory compliance and governance.

To create a single point of contact and communication for all IT service management issues.

To be accountable for the quality of Service and performance; ensuring future demand from growth and projects is understood and factored into capacity plans for all associated systems

About us

Leeds Teaching Hospitals is committed to our process of redeploying 'at risk' members of our existing workforce to new roles. As such, all our job adverts are subject to this policy and we reserve the right to close, delay or remove adverts while this process is completed. If you do experience a delay in the shortlisting stage of the recruitment cycle, please bear with us while this process is completed, and contact the named contact if you have any questions.

Date posted

23 April 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8a

Salary

£50,952 to £57,349 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

C9298-PATH-315

Job locations

Leeds General Infirmary

Great George Street

Leeds

LS1 3EX


Job description

Job responsibilities

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Day to day management, support and oversight of all Laboratory Information Management Systems, applications and infrastructure across the Pathology CSU.

Responsible for the efficient management, planning & deployment of IM&T resource

To monitor capacity and resource utilisation, and maintain systems in a manner that ensures future expansion, development and growth are considered and planned for, flagging any areas of concern.

Awareness of and alignment to Trust and legislative IG frameworks e.g. the Information Governance Toolkit requirements associated legislation and protocols.

To develop, plan, implement and manage both short and long term strategic IM&T policy advances and change cross the CSU, and at a regional level with our WYAAT partners

To ensure that System Suppliers adhere to Service Management best practice processes

To work closely with system suppliers and stakeholders to agree a framework for the systems development practice through the development and operation of procedures to ensure that applications and subsequent fixes/enhancements are fully tested before becoming operational.

Liaise with system suppliers, NHS organisations, and LTHT CSUs to ensure that agreed KPI and SLAs are met

To provide specialist advice and guidance to developers and other IMT professionals

The post holder should be able to communicate with both IM&T and non-IM&T staff at a high level of complexity on subjects within their area of responsibility. This communication may include sensitive or contentious information and there may be barriers to understanding or acceptance that will require the use of interpersonal and negotiation skills.

To work with users, internal resolver teams, Trust IT and third party suppliers to diagnose and resolve service problems.

To keep abreast of and be guided by developments and policy in healthcare informatics, interpreting and advising managers as and when required

Line management responsibility of team members including performance and professional development, dealing with disciplinary, grievance and other HR policy related situations. This may involve the imparting of unwelcome news at times.

To have quality management oversight for the adherence to regulatory and accreditation bodies for standards relevant to the clinical systems within Pathology.

To be actively involved in the implementation and administrative support processes of any future systems procured by the Trust

To use specialist knowledge for developing specifications (output based specifications) where a need for an IM&T solution is identified. This will involve significant analytical work.

To develop, test, and maintain robust backup and disaster recovery policies and ensure, as far as possible, that data can be recovered and systems re-established in the event of failure.

Other duties as commensurate with the grade and role as agreed with line manager

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

PROJECTS (Lead and Support)

The postholder will be required to oversee and manage IM&T projects ensuring that the deliverables are produced to the required quality, within a specified timeframe, within budget and that the project organisation is consistent with the complexity of the project.

Because of the nature of their work, the postholder must be able to plan and organise a number of complex activities or programmes, which require the formulation and/or adjustment of plans.

The post holder is expected to be a specialist technical representative on projects up to Directorate level. They may be expected to feed input into Trust level projects on service management issues.

BUDGETS

The post holder will, where required, be expected to manage budgets, authorise payments and make recommendations to their line manager on expenditure in areas for which they are responsible.

DECISION MAKING

The following list shows examples of decisions that the post holder would make a decision on their own initiative.

Resolution of hardware and software problems on the systems and applications for which he/she is responsible across the Trust.

Reaction to operational or strategic changes in Informatics processes that have acute effects on the smooth running of the systems in his/her area of activity.

Modification of information gathering processes in response to the needs of unplanned activities of departments, or unforeseen incidents.

Recommendation of prioritisation and allocation of IT resources in response to the changing needs of the service.

Undertake & make recommendations on the findings investigations and associated Root Cause Analysis.

TRAINING

The post holder will be responsible for liaising with the IT users and the CSU to ensure that training materials and Users are kept up to date with regards to new Version release functionality changes etc.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

The post holder is responsible for researching potentially useful technology, and testing and appraisal, prior to recommendation or rollout of the technology. The post holder will also be responsible for liaising with the software suppliers to understand and impact assess any future roadmap developments for that particular system.

Be responsible for tracking developments within IT good practice frameworks such as ITIL or other service management processes.

LEEDS IMPROVEMENT METHOD

Pathology follows the values outlined in the Leeds Improvement Method by looking to reduce waste with our processes and an on-going cycle of service improvements.

The Pathology IT Operations Manager will ensure that the aims of the Leeds Improvement method are applied to eliminate waste.

WEST YORKSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF ACUTE TRUSTS (WYAAT)

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is part of the West Yorkshire Association of Acute Trusts (WYAAT), a collaborative of the NHS hospital trusts from across West Yorkshire and Harrogate working together to provide the best possible care for our patients.

By bringing together the wide range of skills and expertise across West Yorkshire and Harrogate we are working differently, innovating and driving forward change to deliver the highest quality care. By working for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust this is your opportunity to be a part of that change.

WYAAT is the acute sector arm of the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership, one of the largest integrated care systems in the country. The Partnerships ambition is for everyone to have the best possible health and wellbeing, and the work of WYAAT, and each individual trust, supports that ambition.

INFECTION CONTROL

The jobholder must comply at all times with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Infection Control policies, in particular by practising Universal Infection Control Precautions. Hand hygiene must be performed before and after contact with patients and their environment.

HEALTH AND SAFETY / RISK MANAGEMENT

All staff are responsible for working with their colleagues to maintain and improve the quality of services provided to our patients and other service users. This includes complying at all times with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Policies, including Health and Safety policies, in particular by following agreed security and safer working procedures, and reporting incidents using the Trust Incident Reporting system

EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY

The jobholder must comply with all policies and procedures designed to ensure equality of employment and that services are delivered in ways that meet the individual needs of patients and their families. No person whether they are staff, patient or visitor should receive less favourable treatment because of their gender, ethnic origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion etc.

TRAINING AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The jobholder must take responsibility in agreement with his/her line manager for his/her own personal development by ensuring that Continuous Professional Development remains a priority. The jobholder will undertake all mandatory training required for the role.

COMMUNICATION & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

External

System suppliers

Hardware and software suppliers

Colleagues in other organisations who use the same applications

Colleagues both regional and city wide working on the development of integrated digital systems

Internal

Trust Informatics Team

Project Managers

Service Delivery Team Managers

Technical Services Manager

Trust Computer Services Managers

Informatics staff

Laboratory and Clinical staff

General and Business Managers

Finance Managers

Procurement Department

SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Because of the nature of the post, there will be a requirement to use VDU equipment more or less continuously on most days.

Safe manual handling techniques must be adhered to, as much of the equipment is both bulky and heavy.

The postholder will be required, where necessary, to attend regular meetings with System Suppliers and personnel from other Trusts who use the same systems.

i) PHYSICAL EFFORT:

The post requires developed physical skills - advanced keyboard use; where accuracy is important in the inputting and manipulation of data, the design, programming and implementation of software applications.

There may be an occasional requirement to move computers and other light IM&T equipment (<6Kg).

There is normally no requirement to lift people.

ii) MENTAL EFFORT:

There is a frequent requirement for prolonged concentration in this post in the design, programming, and maintenance and testing of software and hardware solutions and reports.

The postholder is not required to drive a vehicle, but he may be required to work at any of the major sites in the Corporate Informatics Directorate.

Job description

Job responsibilities

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Day to day management, support and oversight of all Laboratory Information Management Systems, applications and infrastructure across the Pathology CSU.

Responsible for the efficient management, planning & deployment of IM&T resource

To monitor capacity and resource utilisation, and maintain systems in a manner that ensures future expansion, development and growth are considered and planned for, flagging any areas of concern.

Awareness of and alignment to Trust and legislative IG frameworks e.g. the Information Governance Toolkit requirements associated legislation and protocols.

To develop, plan, implement and manage both short and long term strategic IM&T policy advances and change cross the CSU, and at a regional level with our WYAAT partners

To ensure that System Suppliers adhere to Service Management best practice processes

To work closely with system suppliers and stakeholders to agree a framework for the systems development practice through the development and operation of procedures to ensure that applications and subsequent fixes/enhancements are fully tested before becoming operational.

Liaise with system suppliers, NHS organisations, and LTHT CSUs to ensure that agreed KPI and SLAs are met

To provide specialist advice and guidance to developers and other IMT professionals

The post holder should be able to communicate with both IM&T and non-IM&T staff at a high level of complexity on subjects within their area of responsibility. This communication may include sensitive or contentious information and there may be barriers to understanding or acceptance that will require the use of interpersonal and negotiation skills.

To work with users, internal resolver teams, Trust IT and third party suppliers to diagnose and resolve service problems.

To keep abreast of and be guided by developments and policy in healthcare informatics, interpreting and advising managers as and when required

Line management responsibility of team members including performance and professional development, dealing with disciplinary, grievance and other HR policy related situations. This may involve the imparting of unwelcome news at times.

To have quality management oversight for the adherence to regulatory and accreditation bodies for standards relevant to the clinical systems within Pathology.

To be actively involved in the implementation and administrative support processes of any future systems procured by the Trust

To use specialist knowledge for developing specifications (output based specifications) where a need for an IM&T solution is identified. This will involve significant analytical work.

To develop, test, and maintain robust backup and disaster recovery policies and ensure, as far as possible, that data can be recovered and systems re-established in the event of failure.

Other duties as commensurate with the grade and role as agreed with line manager

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

PROJECTS (Lead and Support)

The postholder will be required to oversee and manage IM&T projects ensuring that the deliverables are produced to the required quality, within a specified timeframe, within budget and that the project organisation is consistent with the complexity of the project.

Because of the nature of their work, the postholder must be able to plan and organise a number of complex activities or programmes, which require the formulation and/or adjustment of plans.

The post holder is expected to be a specialist technical representative on projects up to Directorate level. They may be expected to feed input into Trust level projects on service management issues.

BUDGETS

The post holder will, where required, be expected to manage budgets, authorise payments and make recommendations to their line manager on expenditure in areas for which they are responsible.

DECISION MAKING

The following list shows examples of decisions that the post holder would make a decision on their own initiative.

Resolution of hardware and software problems on the systems and applications for which he/she is responsible across the Trust.

Reaction to operational or strategic changes in Informatics processes that have acute effects on the smooth running of the systems in his/her area of activity.

Modification of information gathering processes in response to the needs of unplanned activities of departments, or unforeseen incidents.

Recommendation of prioritisation and allocation of IT resources in response to the changing needs of the service.

Undertake & make recommendations on the findings investigations and associated Root Cause Analysis.

TRAINING

The post holder will be responsible for liaising with the IT users and the CSU to ensure that training materials and Users are kept up to date with regards to new Version release functionality changes etc.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

The post holder is responsible for researching potentially useful technology, and testing and appraisal, prior to recommendation or rollout of the technology. The post holder will also be responsible for liaising with the software suppliers to understand and impact assess any future roadmap developments for that particular system.

Be responsible for tracking developments within IT good practice frameworks such as ITIL or other service management processes.

LEEDS IMPROVEMENT METHOD

Pathology follows the values outlined in the Leeds Improvement Method by looking to reduce waste with our processes and an on-going cycle of service improvements.

The Pathology IT Operations Manager will ensure that the aims of the Leeds Improvement method are applied to eliminate waste.

WEST YORKSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF ACUTE TRUSTS (WYAAT)

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is part of the West Yorkshire Association of Acute Trusts (WYAAT), a collaborative of the NHS hospital trusts from across West Yorkshire and Harrogate working together to provide the best possible care for our patients.

By bringing together the wide range of skills and expertise across West Yorkshire and Harrogate we are working differently, innovating and driving forward change to deliver the highest quality care. By working for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust this is your opportunity to be a part of that change.

WYAAT is the acute sector arm of the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership, one of the largest integrated care systems in the country. The Partnerships ambition is for everyone to have the best possible health and wellbeing, and the work of WYAAT, and each individual trust, supports that ambition.

INFECTION CONTROL

The jobholder must comply at all times with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Infection Control policies, in particular by practising Universal Infection Control Precautions. Hand hygiene must be performed before and after contact with patients and their environment.

HEALTH AND SAFETY / RISK MANAGEMENT

All staff are responsible for working with their colleagues to maintain and improve the quality of services provided to our patients and other service users. This includes complying at all times with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Policies, including Health and Safety policies, in particular by following agreed security and safer working procedures, and reporting incidents using the Trust Incident Reporting system

EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY

The jobholder must comply with all policies and procedures designed to ensure equality of employment and that services are delivered in ways that meet the individual needs of patients and their families. No person whether they are staff, patient or visitor should receive less favourable treatment because of their gender, ethnic origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion etc.

TRAINING AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The jobholder must take responsibility in agreement with his/her line manager for his/her own personal development by ensuring that Continuous Professional Development remains a priority. The jobholder will undertake all mandatory training required for the role.

COMMUNICATION & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

External

System suppliers

Hardware and software suppliers

Colleagues in other organisations who use the same applications

Colleagues both regional and city wide working on the development of integrated digital systems

Internal

Trust Informatics Team

Project Managers

Service Delivery Team Managers

Technical Services Manager

Trust Computer Services Managers

Informatics staff

Laboratory and Clinical staff

General and Business Managers

Finance Managers

Procurement Department

SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Because of the nature of the post, there will be a requirement to use VDU equipment more or less continuously on most days.

Safe manual handling techniques must be adhered to, as much of the equipment is both bulky and heavy.

The postholder will be required, where necessary, to attend regular meetings with System Suppliers and personnel from other Trusts who use the same systems.

i) PHYSICAL EFFORT:

The post requires developed physical skills - advanced keyboard use; where accuracy is important in the inputting and manipulation of data, the design, programming and implementation of software applications.

There may be an occasional requirement to move computers and other light IM&T equipment (<6Kg).

There is normally no requirement to lift people.

ii) MENTAL EFFORT:

There is a frequent requirement for prolonged concentration in this post in the design, programming, and maintenance and testing of software and hardware solutions and reports.

The postholder is not required to drive a vehicle, but he may be required to work at any of the major sites in the Corporate Informatics Directorate.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Masters or equivalent in Biomedical Sciences and in depth knowledge & experience of IM&T or Masters or equivalent in IM&T and in depth knowledge and experience of Biomedical Sciences

Desirable

  • Extensive laboratory experience
  • Prince 2 foundation qualification or equivalent
  • Experience of service improvement and change management

practical skills and Additional Requirements

Essential

  • Ability to make judgements involving complex facts or situations, which require the analysis, interpretation and comparison of a range of options.
  • To develop and communicate operational strategy with regard to systems, database configuration and architecture
  • Accurate keyboard skills
  • To plan and manage workload independently
  • Development, monitoring and coordination of complex project plans including resource

Experience

Essential

  • System management experience in multiple environments at Senior level within an informatics &/or laboratory environment
  • Senior level experience working in and liaising with other health and IT professionals
  • Experience of working in large and complex organisations

Desirable

  • Previous experience of NHS
  • Knowledge of the NHS Strategy & long term Plan
  • Two years experience of providing specialist advise & leadership on a range of complex IT &/or laboratory issues and technologies. This includes configuration, implementation and performance

Skills & behaviours

Essential

  • Ability to work as part of a team or independently
  • Flexible, positive attitude to work.
  • Demonstrate leadership & management skills
  • Excellent communication skills
  • To be able to communicate complex issues effectively to users using non-technical language
  • Good problem solving skills to resolve issues and bugs efficiently
  • To work within and/or lead a multidisciplinary team to configure and optimise solutions
  • To be able to effectively plan & prioritise workload
  • Innovative
  • Understanding of budget management
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Masters or equivalent in Biomedical Sciences and in depth knowledge & experience of IM&T or Masters or equivalent in IM&T and in depth knowledge and experience of Biomedical Sciences

Desirable

  • Extensive laboratory experience
  • Prince 2 foundation qualification or equivalent
  • Experience of service improvement and change management

practical skills and Additional Requirements

Essential

  • Ability to make judgements involving complex facts or situations, which require the analysis, interpretation and comparison of a range of options.
  • To develop and communicate operational strategy with regard to systems, database configuration and architecture
  • Accurate keyboard skills
  • To plan and manage workload independently
  • Development, monitoring and coordination of complex project plans including resource

Experience

Essential

  • System management experience in multiple environments at Senior level within an informatics &/or laboratory environment
  • Senior level experience working in and liaising with other health and IT professionals
  • Experience of working in large and complex organisations

Desirable

  • Previous experience of NHS
  • Knowledge of the NHS Strategy & long term Plan
  • Two years experience of providing specialist advise & leadership on a range of complex IT &/or laboratory issues and technologies. This includes configuration, implementation and performance

Skills & behaviours

Essential

  • Ability to work as part of a team or independently
  • Flexible, positive attitude to work.
  • Demonstrate leadership & management skills
  • Excellent communication skills
  • To be able to communicate complex issues effectively to users using non-technical language
  • Good problem solving skills to resolve issues and bugs efficiently
  • To work within and/or lead a multidisciplinary team to configure and optimise solutions
  • To be able to effectively plan & prioritise workload
  • Innovative
  • Understanding of budget management

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

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.

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).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

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).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Address

Leeds General Infirmary

Great George Street

Leeds

LS1 3EX


Employer's website

https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Address

Leeds General Infirmary

Great George Street

Leeds

LS1 3EX


Employer's website

https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


For questions about the job, contact:

Head of Profession

Steve Stephenson

stephen.stephenson@nhs.net

Date posted

23 April 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8a

Salary

£50,952 to £57,349 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

C9298-PATH-315

Job locations

Leeds General Infirmary

Great George Street

Leeds

LS1 3EX


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

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