Job summary
The post holder will be responsible for the day to day operational running of the mortuaries across all sites at the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.

As the Deputy for the mortuaries services the post holder will work autonomously, liaising with all members of the multi-disciplinary team involved in care of the deceased.

The post holder is responsible for all aspects of after death care and will ensure that services promote dignified care of the deceased at all times.

The post holder will maintain standards according to relevant legislation, HTA and ISO guidance and will provide specialized training for relevant staff in after death care and post-mortem assistance.

The post holder will deputize for the Mortuary Services Manager and Adult Bereavement Lead acting as a role model and mentor to junior staff, ensuring that professional standards are maintained. The post holder will encourage close team working and foster cross site working links to ensure consistency in procedures and practice and assisting in developing a robust contingency and business continuity plan. In conjunction with the Mortuary Services Manager and Adult Bereavement Lead the post holder will represent mortuary services in Greater Manchester mass fatality planning.

Main duties of the job

• Responsibility for Patient care
• Responsibilities for Human Resources
• Responsibilities for Physical and Financial Resources
• Communication and Leadership
• Policy and Service Development
• Clinical Governance
• Research and Audit
• Education and Development
• Analysis and Data Management

About us
Join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and become part of a 30,000 plus strong team, delivering exceptional care to over 1 million people every year. As the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe, we are forward-thinking, committed to clinical excellence and driven to deliver innovation, and continuous improvement.

Whether you're beginning your career or taking the next step, MFT offers a stimulating and supportive environment where your contribution truly matters. Our Hive Electronic Patient Record system enables safer, smarter, and more efficient ways of working - empowering you to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients. You'll be part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary community, working alongside professionals from a wide range of clinical backgrounds. Together, we push boundaries, share knowledge, and deliver care that transforms lives.

At MFT, you'll find a workplace where everyone is respected, supported, and encouraged to thrive. We offer clear clinical pathways for professional development, helping you grow your skills and achieve your ambitions. Your journey at MFT is more than a job - it's an opportunity to make a lasting impact. We'll support you as you shape the future of healthcare, one patient at a time.

Details

• Date posted: 14 October 2026
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: Band 7
• Salary: £49,387 to £56,515 a year per annum
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full-time
• Reference number: 349-CSS-8349158-RL3E

Closing date: 21 October 2026

Person Specification
Qualifications

• Essential: Holds a recognised RSPH Anatomical Pathology Technology Certificate and Diploma (Level 3 and 4) qualification or has equivalent experience.
• Essential: Educated to Bachelor's degree level or equivalent knowledge in related field.
• Desirable: Leadership qualification
• Desirable: Professional qualification in health, social or equivalent

Knowledge

• Essential: Technical and scientific knowledge of mortuary policy and procedure.
• Essential: Knowledge of HTA/HTARI classification
• Essential: Knowledge and experience of working within a Quality Management System.
• Desirable: Knowledge of medical Terminology
• Desirable: Knowledge of end of life care.

Training and experience

• Essential: Recent extensive experience working in a busy mortuary environment.
• Essential: Experience in assisting with high risk post mortems. Experienced in specialist techniques.
• Essential: Critical analytic skills and experience for developing and reporting departmental KPI's and quality reports
• Desirable: Experience in both an adult and paediatric setting
• Desirable: Experience in assisting with forensic post mortems
• Desirable: Knowledge of radiological procedures

Skills and abilities

• Essential: Ability to work independently using initiative and organisational skills
• Essential: Ability to communicate professionally and effectively in highly sensitive situations with relatives of the deceased and others via telephone, and face to face.
• Essential: Ability to undertake strenuous manual handling activities such as moving deceased patients.
• Essential: Computer literate with good key board skills and experience in using Microsoft Office applications and Laboratory Information Systems. Strong autonomous analytic and judgement skills
• Essential: Ability to interpret and accurately process data and information as required. Ability to follow established written standard operating procedures.
• Essential: Ability to work in a team based environment.
• Essential: Ability to supervise staff and prioritise workload.
• Essential: Proactive and self-motivated with the ability to deputise for the Mortuary Services Manager and Adult Bereavement Lead
• Desirable: Experienced user of Q-Pulse quality management software or equivalent

Special requirements of the post

• Essential: Ability to deal with daily exposure to, unpleasant odours, bodily fluid and emotionally challenging situations.
• Essential: Ability to work safely and effectively under pressure
• Essential: Capacity to work between multiple sites across the organisation depending on service needs and operational demands of the post.
• Essential: Be available to support staff out of hours if required.
• Essential: Demonstrates a sensitive, caring and considerate nature.
• Essential: Approachable and supportive to all levels of staff and service users in a non-judgemental and discreet manner.

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.

Employer contact
Cellular Pathology General Manager: John Hayes, John.hayes@mft.nhs.uk, 01617010157

Employer website: https://mft.nhs.uk/careers/

Diversity matters: MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination. All individuals are encouraged to apply.