NHS Blood and Transplant

Project & Operational Support lead

The closing date is 10 August 2025

Job summary

NHSBT has a vision to ensure that every patient gets the donation that they need. Our people are at the heart of delivering that vision and we are looking for a Project & Operational Support Lead with a track record of leading cross organisational Logistics and multiple supplier contract related change programmes. You will join the organisation at a time of great opportunity, taking decisions and implementing major changes that will further improve the life-saving services we provide. You will be responsible for leading and supporting cross-functional teams, working with a range of stakeholders to deliver our transformational programmes. The first is to develop a key set of recommendations on the multiple third party transport contracts that support our organisations in delivery and collection of the extensive range of products and components. You will then lead the implementation of these recommendations. You will be expected travel on a regular basis for this programme. You will be accountable for creating the foundations that enable lasting change working in collaboration with our Logistics function, Commercial team, Cross Directorate stakeholders, Suppliers, Team representatives, staff networks, senior leaders, and board members. This includes operating a programme governance that supports transparent decision making with credible plans, a viable business case, and that have the buy-in of our people. You will be accountable to the programme Senior Responsible Owner.

Main duties of the job

The primary role is to be the Operational lead for major projects or initiatives, managing a number of specialist areas and to provide expert, proactive and professional leadership on service and product implementation within the Blood Supply chain. Lead major operational projects, initiatives or work areas Provide leadership, vision and direction to develop the Operational strategy across the Blood Supply Department. Lead on the implementation of a range of programmes/changes, standardisation initiatives, new ways of working, introduction of new technology, service and product development and improved performance across Blood Supply. Collaborate with senior management teams to identify operational improvements for the complete Blood supply chain Lead and develop a number of specialist departments or initiatives. Providing advice on standards and specifications for systems, processes, consumables and equipment and providing operational expertise for evaluation, procurement processes and projects. Maintaining a thorough working knowledge of practices, procurement, licensing and regulatory requirements in all areas associated with Blood Supply. To deputise for Assistant Director Blood Supply required. You will be required to travel and spend time away from home, which will involve working irregular hours and overnight stays when required, with prior notice

About us

It takes all types of people to deliver the kind of service that saves and improves lives. At NHS Blood and Transplant, youll 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.

Details

Date posted

30 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8c

Salary

£76,965 to £88,682 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

2 years

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

007068

Job locations

England

England

England

BS34 7QH


NHS Blood and Transplant

New Street

Birmingham

B2 4DU


NHS Blood and Transplant

75 Cranmer Terrace

London

SW17 0RB


NHS Blood and Transplant

Northway

Filton

Bristol

BS34 7QH


NHS Blood and Transplant

Charcot Road,

London

NW9 5BG


NHS Blood and Transplant

Plymouth Grove

Manchester

M13 9LL


NHS Blood and Transplant

Capitol Way, Dodworth

Barnsley

South Yorkshire

S75 3FG


Job description

Job responsibilities

Please view the attached recruitment profile which is a summary of the detailed Job Description and Person Specification.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please view the attached recruitment profile which is a summary of the detailed Job Description and Person Specification.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Degree at Masters level for example MBA or equivalent relevant experience gained in a senior operational Leadership role. Supplemented by specialist training
  • Evidence of training in Lean methodology
  • Willingness to work irregular hours and to travel extensively, including overnight stays when required (with appropriate prior notice) to meet the requirements of the post.
  • Experience of championing diversity and inclusion and promoting actions to make improvements as well as experience of creating diverse and inclusive teams that are motivated and inspired to work together to achieve a common objective.
  • Possess a valid driving licence allowing the holder to drive in the UK.
  • Demonstrates commitment to own continued professional development (CPD)

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of leading cross organisational Logistics and multiple supplier contract projects/programmes will be an advantage.
  • Experience of leading Plasma Distribution projects/programmes will be an advantage.
  • In depth knowledge of Blood Supply processes and operational knowledge of Blood Supply, or within a supply chain organisation.
  • Extensive relevant experience in team leadership, management and development
  • Experience of delivering change within time, financial or quality frameworks
  • Experience of leading complex programmes of work
  • Experience of managing budgets.
  • Experience of target setting, staff motivation and change management.
  • Experience of working with information technology using Microsoft Office packages (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams and PowerPoint)
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Degree at Masters level for example MBA or equivalent relevant experience gained in a senior operational Leadership role. Supplemented by specialist training
  • Evidence of training in Lean methodology
  • Willingness to work irregular hours and to travel extensively, including overnight stays when required (with appropriate prior notice) to meet the requirements of the post.
  • Experience of championing diversity and inclusion and promoting actions to make improvements as well as experience of creating diverse and inclusive teams that are motivated and inspired to work together to achieve a common objective.
  • Possess a valid driving licence allowing the holder to drive in the UK.
  • Demonstrates commitment to own continued professional development (CPD)

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of leading cross organisational Logistics and multiple supplier contract projects/programmes will be an advantage.
  • Experience of leading Plasma Distribution projects/programmes will be an advantage.
  • In depth knowledge of Blood Supply processes and operational knowledge of Blood Supply, or within a supply chain organisation.
  • Extensive relevant experience in team leadership, management and development
  • Experience of delivering change within time, financial or quality frameworks
  • Experience of leading complex programmes of work
  • Experience of managing budgets.
  • Experience of target setting, staff motivation and change management.
  • Experience of working with information technology using Microsoft Office packages (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams and PowerPoint)

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.

Employer details

Employer name

NHS Blood and Transplant

Address

England

England

England

BS34 7QH


Employer's website

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

Employer details

Employer name

NHS Blood and Transplant

Address

England

England

England

BS34 7QH


Employer's website

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

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Assistant Director Logistics (Transport )

Paul Taylor

Vicky.Jones@nhsbt.nhs.uk

Details

Date posted

30 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8c

Salary

£76,965 to £88,682 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

2 years

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

007068

Job locations

England

England

England

BS34 7QH


NHS Blood and Transplant

New Street

Birmingham

B2 4DU


NHS Blood and Transplant

75 Cranmer Terrace

London

SW17 0RB


NHS Blood and Transplant

Northway

Filton

Bristol

BS34 7QH


NHS Blood and Transplant

Charcot Road,

London

NW9 5BG


NHS Blood and Transplant

Plymouth Grove

Manchester

M13 9LL


NHS Blood and Transplant

Capitol Way, Dodworth

Barnsley

South Yorkshire

S75 3FG


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

NHS Blood and Transplant's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)