Head of Clinical – Diagnostics

Job Title                     Head of Clinical – Diagnostics

Function:                   Commercial

Location:                    Wakefield/Hybrid

Contract type:           Permanent

Salary:                        £75,512 with potential to rise to £88,837 over 3 years

Closing Date:            Friday 21^st November 2025

NHS Supply Chain currently has an opportunity for a Head of Clinical to join our team during an exciting period of transformation, working to make it easier for the NHS to put patients first and to deliver against our strategic objectives.

We are seeking a strategic and experienced Head of Clinical – Diagnostics who will be responsible for delivering against NHSSC and National clinical and quality standards for customer engagement, specification development, and product testing/evaluation within a Category. Assuring the clinical quality and safety of products and activity within a Category.

The role will ensure adequate customer or physician partner support on clinical matters, and company products are properly supported with data on clinical research in a manner that satisfies regulatory authorities and optimises business opportunities. Specialist Clinician or Industry product specialist with significant demonstrable and relevant experience working within the specific category product/s areas for a significant part of their career. The role will lead a team of Clinical engagement and Implementation managers within the Commercial Categories.

Every day you will …

• Manage the provision of a significant medical affairs specialty within the organisation. Working alongside marketing to formulate publication plans and provide medical and technical support to internal teams and externally to customers, healthcare professionals, professional associations, patient support groups, and educational foundations.
• Develop internal marketing plans and work collaboratively with other departments to improve internal relationships in a large organisation and to build an understanding of regulation and registration requirements
• Monitor and manage a wide range of activities of a significant team, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements by liaising with all internal risk management functions while supporting the development and implementation of the organisation’s compliance policy.
• Identify and communicate the actions needed to implement the function’s strategy and business plan within the business area or department; explain the relationship to the broader organisation’s mission, vision, and values; motivate people to commit to these tenets and do extraordinary things to achieve local business goals.
• Provide specialist advice on the interpretation and application of policies and procedures, resolving complex or contentious queries and issues and enabling others to take appropriate actions

What can we offer you?

We want to reward you for your passion, enthusiasm, and hard work so we offer much more than a competitive salary: 

• Hybrid working opportunities, giving you the flexibility to work collaboratively in the office and remotely.  
• We recognise our employees’ hard work and contributions with annual bonus schemes, long service, and VIP colleagues awards. 
• 27 days holiday plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase an additional 5 days.
• We are dedicated to your development, through in-house training, support, and access to external qualifications to maximise your potential.
• A focus on your well-being offering 1 day of paid well-being leave and free access to the 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Generous pension scheme (with us contributing 12% when you contribute 6%)
• Access to our Flexible Benefits Scheme, where you can choose from a variety of benefits such as Life Insurance, Critical Illness Cover, Income Protection, Health Cash Plan, Dental Insurance, and additional pension contributions that suit you.
• 2 days of paid volunteering leave allowing you to give back to your community. 
• Access to many discounts from the Blue Light Card to NHS Discounts. 

NHS Supply Chain, who are we?

Our role is to support the NHS to save lives and improve health. We are a part of the NHS family, and our role is to source, deliver and supply healthcare products, services and food for NHS trusts and healthcare organisations across England and Wales.

We serve every NHS Trust and operate a national network of distribution centres, managing relationships with more than a thousand suppliers and delivering more than 8,000,000 orders each year to more than 17,000 locations. Doing all of this on behalf of the NHS gives NHS staff more time to focus on their main priority of providing excellent patient care. 

What skills will help you thrive in this role?

• A minimum of five years’ experience working in a Clinical background within a complex healthcare organisation either in a hospital or primary care setting.
• Clinical expertise to lead the Clinical Strategy and provide support to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Previous leadership experience and performance management experience.
• An expert in industry led practices within a Clinical setting with an in-depth knowledge of diagnostics and relevant clinical pathways.
• Strong understanding of UK and international regulatory frameworks (e.g., MHRA, NICE, ISO standards)
• Clinical governance and quality assurance understanding.
• Clinical/industry experience in any of the following areas – Imaging, Diagnostics Services, Pathology, Theatres, Renal Services, Ambulance Sector.

Want to develop your career with the NHS Supply Chain? Then apply below or reach out for an informal discussion about the role in confidence by emailing us at Careers@supplychain.nhs.uk 

Our Inclusive Commitment

At NHS Supply Chain, we are committed to building an inclusive environment where difference is not only valued, but celebrated, giving everyone the opportunity to thrive in their career. Developing our people is key to our success, so if this role sounds like the right next step in your career but your experience doesn’t match perfectly with the job advert, we encourage you to still apply.

Struggling to complete our application form, and require additional support? Reach out to our Talent Acquisition team at careers@supplychain.nhs.uk who will be happy to help you with alternative ways to apply.

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