Specimen Reception Supervisor

Overview

Central Specimen Reception Supervisor at St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The closing date is 10 February 2026.

An opportunity has arisen for a Central Specimen Reception Supervisor in this busy but friendly team, where you will play a key role in conjunction with two other supervisors, managing the day to day organisation and running of specimen reception. Applications are invited from experienced and motivated individuals to join our team where you will receive some training for the post.

Staff in Specimen Reception are the first line of contact for patients and visitors to the laboratory. They support pre-analytical services for the clinical blood sciences laboratory while also carrying out other general clerical and administrative duties, including taking enquiries both in person and via the telephone.

Previous applicants need not apply

This post is based at St George's University Hospital Clinical Blood Sciences Laboratory (CBS) however the post holder may be required to work at any of the South West London Pathology sites as and when necessary.

You will demonstrate excellent supervisory skills within a large team and have previous lab experience. A good standard of general education and English proficiency is essential as you will be communicating with staff and the public. You must be willing and able to work flexible hours including mornings, evenings, weekends and public holidays as required. You will be responsible for assisting in the provision of an effective front line service, supervising the Pathology Specimen Reception area, taking responsibility for day to day functions of specimen reception including planning, supervising and scheduling Pathology Reception staff.

You will also be responsible for ensuring stock levels are maintained and embed yourself in our quality and training systems. The role also requires digital literacy, with the ability to interact with different bespoke software packages including Health Rostering and other HR systems.

South West London Pathology (SWLP) is an NHS partnership providing a highly dependable, clinically assured and cost effective diagnostic pathology service. SWLP is a pathology partnership between Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust which provides a single, integrated pathology service for hospitals and GPs across South West London and beyond.

The Clinical Blood Sciences (CBS) Laboratory in SWLP operates a 24hr shift system providing cover to a busy A&E and acute services across SWLP. The central specimen reception area handles all samples received by the laboratory and the spoke sites.

Please see the attached supporting job description and person specification document, which contains more information about the role and requirements. Please ensure your application refers to the job description and person specification.

• NVQ3 or equivalent experience in relevant discipline
• Previous experience in a supervisory role
• Foundation degree with a scientific background
• Certification in team leadership or supervision

• Proven experience of working in a diagnostic pathology department
• Experience of working with a laboratory computer system and other IT related pathology systems
• Experience of Quality Management Systems

• Ability to plan and prioritise allocated staffing and resources in area of work
• Ability to work, establish and maintain teams
• Able to communicate information accurately, using different pathways
• Able to write and follow agreed methodologies or protocols
• Ability to work under pressure
• Awareness of health & safety issues
• Excellent communication skills in written and verbal English
• Ability to prioritise and deal with simultaneous interactions

• Able to perform physical work

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.

St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

£33,094 to £36,195 a year per annum pro-rata Incl HCAS (Inner London)