Production Manager Sterile Services – NHS Band 6 Job in Lancaster
Royal Lancaster Infirmary | Lancaster, Lancashire | Band 6 | Permanent | Full-Time
Skilled Worker sponsorship: Applications welcomed
If you have experience managing healthcare services, leading teams, planning resources and maintaining high service standards, this NHS opportunity in Lancaster could be worth considering.
East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust is recruiting a Production Manager Sterile Services to join the accredited Sterile Services Department at Royal Lancaster Infirmary.
This is a permanent, full-time Band 6 position with a salary of £39,959 to £48,117 per year, pro rata.
Importantly for international applicants, the advert states that applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside other applications.
The closing date is 23 September 2026.
Job Overview
The Production Manager Sterile Services will have responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Sterile Services Department.
The successful candidate will help ensure that personnel, equipment, facilities and other resources are effectively organised to meet the current and future requirements of the Trust and other stakeholders.
The role focuses on the decontamination and sterilisation of surgical equipment, as well as the provision of sterile procedure packs for Endoscopy and the NHS Trust.
Experience of working within an accredited Sterile Services unit is preferable. However, the employer states that training will be provided to the right candidate.
Job Details
| Job Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Job title | Production Manager Sterile Services |
| Employer | East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust |
| Location | Royal Lancaster Infirmary, Lancaster |
| Postcode | LA1 4RP |
| Job type | Permanent |
| Working pattern | Full-time |
| Pay scheme | Agenda for Change |
| NHS Band | Band 6 |
| Salary | £39,959 – £48,117 per year, pro rata |
| Date posted | 9 September 2026 |
| Closing date | 23 September 2026 |
| Reference | 435-1LSC-UHMBT-109-26 |
| Sponsorship | Skilled Worker sponsorship applicants welcomed |
About the Production Manager Sterile Services Role
The Production Manager will be responsible for managing the Sterile Services Department and ensuring that its operations support the needs of the NHS Trust and its stakeholders.
The department plays an important role in healthcare by ensuring that surgical instruments and equipment are appropriately decontaminated and sterilised before use.
The successful applicant will therefore contribute to the safe and effective operation of sterile services and help ensure that required sterile equipment and procedure packs are available to clinical services.
Working hours will be discussed at interview.
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Join WhatsApp ChannelMain Responsibilities
The main responsibility of the post is the day-to-day management of the Sterile Services Department.
The successful candidate will be expected to ensure that staff and resources are organised effectively to meet the present and future requirements of the Trust.
Key areas of responsibility include:
- Managing the day-to-day operation of the Sterile Services Department.
- Organising personnel and departmental resources.
- Supporting the effective decontamination of surgical instruments.
- Supporting the sterilisation of surgical equipment.
- Ensuring sterile procedure packs are provided to Endoscopy and the NHS Trust.
- Working towards high service standards.
- Managing resources to meet current and future service requirements.
- Supporting service planning and development.
- Leading and developing teams.
- Managing projects and delivering agreed objectives.
- Using data and information to support service management and decision-making.
- Working with relevant stakeholders to support effective service delivery.
The full job description and person specification should be reviewed before applying.
Experience Requirements
The employer states that experience of working within an accredited Sterile Services unit is preferable.
However, this is not presented as an absolute requirement because the advert specifically states that training will be offered to the right candidate.
Applicants should therefore carefully assess their transferable management, healthcare-service and operational experience against the full person specification.
The essential experience requirement listed in the advert is a:
- Track record of achieving high service standards and delivering objectives.
Essential Skills and Experience
Candidates are expected to demonstrate relevant management, planning and leadership capabilities.
The essential skills include:
- Effective business planning to meet future national and local strategic requirements.
- Experience of successfully leading and developing teams.
- Previous line management responsibility.
- Skills in product and service design.
- Experience involving data management.
- Ability to manage and deliver project objectives.
- A track record of achieving high service standards.
- Ability to deliver agreed objectives.
These requirements make the position particularly relevant to applicants with experience in healthcare operations, service management, team leadership, business planning, quality-focused environments or related operational roles.
Desirable Experience
A thorough understanding of current decontamination practices and processes is listed as desirable.
Applicants with direct experience in sterile services, decontamination, sterilisation or related healthcare operational environments may therefore have an advantage.
However, candidates should note that the advert also confirms that training will be provided to the right candidate.
NHS Band 6 Salary
The position is advertised at NHS Agenda for Change Band 6.
The salary range is:
£39,959 to £48,117 per year, pro rata.
The role is permanent and full-time.
The exact working hours are to be discussed at interview.
Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship
Important for international applicants: the NHS advert explicitly confirms that applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome.
The advert states that these applications will be considered alongside other applications.
This means applicants who currently require Skilled Worker sponsorship should not automatically exclude themselves from consideration based solely on their need for sponsorship.
However, sponsorship eligibility remains subject to the relevant UK immigration rules and the employer’s assessment of the individual application.
Applicants should carefully check the latest UK immigration requirements before applying.
Who Could Apply?
This vacancy may be particularly relevant to candidates with backgrounds in:
- Sterile Services management
- Decontamination services
- Healthcare operations
- NHS service management
- Clinical support services
- Healthcare production environments
- Operational management
- Team leadership
- Business planning
- Service development
- Project management
- Data management
- Quality and service improvement
Experience in an accredited Sterile Services environment is preferable, but the employer confirms that training will be offered to the right candidate.
Important Information for Overseas Applicants
International applicants should carefully review the sponsorship information contained in the official vacancy.
The employer confirms that candidates requiring current Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome to apply.
The advert also highlights a criminal-record certificate requirement for certain Skilled Worker applicants applying for entry clearance.
Applicants who have lived in one or more countries for the required periods may need to provide criminal record certificates in accordance with UK immigration requirements.
Adult dependants over 18 may also be subject to relevant requirements.
Candidates should check the current official UK government guidance before submitting an application.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This position is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.
The successful applicant will therefore be required to undergo the appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Applicants should take this requirement into consideration when applying.
About the Employer
The vacancy is advertised by East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust.
The advert highlights a healthcare environment offering:
- A vibrant, diverse and inclusive healthcare community.
- Modern facilities and technology.
- Opportunities for continuous professional development.
- A culture that values and recognises staff contributions.
- Flexible working considerations.
- Commitment to disability inclusion.
The wider healthcare network includes major hospital and community healthcare facilities serving the Morecambe Bay area.
These include:
- Furness General Hospital in Barrow.
- Royal Lancaster Infirmary in Lancaster.
- Westmorland General Hospital in Kendal.
- Millom Hospital and GP Practice.
- Queen Victoria Hospital in Morecambe.
- Ulverston Community Health Centre.
The main hospitals provide a range of general hospital, emergency, planned care, diagnostic, therapy, outpatient, day-case and inpatient services.
Why This NHS Opportunity Could Be Attractive
This vacancy offers several features that may appeal to experienced healthcare and operational professionals.
Permanent employment: The position is advertised as a permanent role rather than a temporary appointment.
Band 6: The position sits at NHS Agenda for Change Band 6.
Management responsibility: The role involves day-to-day management of the Sterile Services Department and leadership of staff.
Professional development: The employer highlights opportunities for continuous professional development.
Training available: Previous Sterile Services experience is preferable, but training is available to the right candidate.
Sponsorship applicants welcomed: The advert explicitly states that applicants requiring current Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome.
Application Process
Candidates interested in this vacancy should review the complete official job description and person specification before applying.
Applications should be submitted through the official NHS Jobs application system.
The employer’s advert contains the official application facility and supporting information.
When completing an application, candidates should clearly demonstrate how their experience matches the essential criteria, particularly:
- Leadership.
- Team management.
- Business planning.
- Service delivery.
- Data management.
- Project management.
- Achieving service objectives.
- Maintaining high service standards.
Applicants with relevant sterile services or decontamination experience should also clearly explain this in their application.
Closing Date
23 September 2026
Candidates should avoid leaving their application until the final day.
The vacancy was posted on 9 September 2026, giving applicants time to review the requirements and prepare a strong application.
Job Location
Royal Lancaster Infirmary
Ashton Road
Lancaster
LA1 4RP
United Kingdom
The role is based at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary.
Employer Contact
For questions about the vacancy, the advert lists:
Quality & Operational Manager
Gary Barker
Email: gary.barker@mbht.nhs.uk
Telephone: 01524 551346
Candidates should use the official vacancy information for any application-related enquiries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a permanent NHS job?
Yes. The vacancy is advertised as a permanent, full-time position.
What NHS Band is the role?
The position is Band 6 under the NHS Agenda for Change pay scheme.
How much does the job pay?
The advertised salary is £39,959 to £48,117 per year, pro rata.
Does this job offer Skilled Worker sponsorship?
The advert states that 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.
Do I need previous Sterile Services experience?
Experience working in an accredited Sterile Services unit is preferable, but the employer states that training will be offered to the right candidate.
Is the job full-time?
Yes. The vacancy is advertised as full-time. The exact working hours will be discussed at interview.
Where is the job based?
The position is based at Royal Lancaster Infirmary, Ashton Road, Lancaster, LA1 4RP.
When does the vacancy close?
The closing date is 23 September 2026.
Is DBS clearance required?
Yes. The vacancy is subject to the relevant DBS disclosure requirements.
How to Apply
If you meet the requirements and are interested in this opportunity, you can apply through the official NHS Jobs vacancy.
Applicants requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship should pay particular attention to the sponsorship information and ensure they meet the relevant UK immigration requirements before applying.
Final Reminder for Applicants
This is a Band 6 NHS management opportunity in Lancaster involving responsibility for Sterile Services operations, team leadership, resource management, decontamination and sterilisation processes.
The employer specifically welcomes applications from candidates who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship, while also stating that previous accredited Sterile Services experience is preferable rather than mandatory, with training available for the right candidate.
Closing date: 23 September 2026.
Always review the official vacancy, job description and person specification before submitting an application.
Source and Disclaimer
Source: NHS Jobs / East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust
This article is provided for job-information and career-awareness purposes. Vacancy details, salary information, eligibility requirements, closing dates and sponsorship arrangements can change. Applicants should always verify the latest information on the official NHS Jobs vacancy before applying.
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