Issuing Officer

Introduction

• Provide strategic input to ensure that Issuing Laboratories / Blood Banks operate to the best standards using latest technology. Investigate and make recommendations on implementation of new methods and processes.
• Ensure that processes in all Blood Banks within SANBS are standardized, staff are competent and that all the accreditation requirements are met. Provide technical expertise to the Senior Manager: Processing and Issuing and Zone Technical Managers to assist the line managers to maintain high standards at an operational level.

Job description

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS KPAS

KPA 1: Development of Business Plans for Projects as well as Operational Plans

KPI

• Identify critical high-level projects / evaluations that will be undertaken during the year.
• Develop the business plans taking into consideration costs, resources required, need for ethical approval and timelines.
• Contribute to the development of the broader Issuing Department Business Plan.
• Identify risks to the area of operations. Develop action plans to minimise the likelihood / impact.
• Rank the strategic threats and prepare relevant documents for submissions to the Senior Manager: Processing and Issuing.
• Develop operational and project budget for area of responsibility.

KPA 2: Accomplishment of Operational Objective for Area of Responsibility

KPI

• Keep informed of local and international developments.
• Consult with international experts and commercial companies to identify new technology / tests that will add value to the SANBS blood banks increasing efficiency and product quality.
• Design appropriate protocols for the evaluation of new technologies and systems.
• Prepare detailed budgets for the evaluations.
• Assign tasks to blood banks.
• Prepare reports for presentation to the Senior Manager: Processing and Issuing.
• Make recommendations on whether changes should be effected.
• Assess impact on making such changes with regard to financial quality and operational issues.
• Drawing up of any new documentation, manuals, protocols and procedures.
• Present quarterly reports on technological developments and progress to Senior Manager: Processing and Issuing.
• Coordinate the introduction of new technologies and systems nationally.
• Present papers / posters at congresses, as required.
• Ensure Blood Banks are suitably and equitably equipped.
• Initiate / arrange annual Issuing department meetings / seminars with Zone staff to discuss Issuing related matters and identify / discuss forthcoming projects.
• Manage the staffing models of the Blood Banks and update these models based on workload.
• Provide input to Zone Managers and Senior Manager: Processing and Issuing when additional staff are requested.
• Provide advice on the opening or closing of Blood Banks.
• Ensure consistency in staffing across the zones.
• Implement information system procedures, electronic and manual, for collecting and collating issuing function score card information for submissions to Senior Manager: Processing and Issuing and Chief Operations Officer COO.

KPA 3: Project Management

KPI

• Identify and gain approval for specific projects.
• Develop project plans together with appropriate budgets.
• Allocate resources to project team.
• Ensure agreed deadlines are met and projects completed.
• Report on completed projects.
• Implement into routine if applicable.

KPA 4: Provision of Technical Expertise to the Blood Banks

KPI

• Provide expert technical advice in respect of blood banking and cross-matching to facilitate the resolution of technical problems in the laboratories.
• Provide comprehensive data on efficiency of processes with regards to cost and quality of product.
• Provide advance training for Blood Bank Managers BBM, as well as Supervisors, on new techniques and processes.
• Design training material in conjunction with the Vocational Training department that can be used to train staff.

KPA 5: Accomplishment of Financial Objectives in the Area of Responsibility

KPI

• Prepare detailed cost benefit analysis when introduction of new systems are being motivated for.
• ompare costs associated with purchase of new equipment capital costs, maintenance costs as well as best options to use leasing, purchase, rental. Make recommendation to Senior Manager:
• Processing and Issuing.
• Consolidating, analysing and submitting quarterly financial reports to Senior Manager: Processing and Issuing.
• Ensure that projects and evaluations are completed within budget.

KPA 6: Support and Monitor Process Function for SHEQ Compliance

KPI

• Take responsibility for managing the writing and standardization of SOPs nationally. This includes reviewing all SOPs, and coordinating the writing of new SOPs.
• Ensure that all SOPs are current and implemented nationally.
• Ensure that Blood Banks operate in accordance with regulations and Standards of Practice.
• Monitor the quality control and proficiency testing programs and take appropriate action where systems or techniques may require nationwide change.
• Monitor and manage timeous closing out of all process function non-conformances and reports status on deadlines and monthly.
• Produce reports on above programs and submit to Blood Banks on a regular basis.
• Analyse data on a regular basis and make high-level recommendations on the need for reengineering of techniques / processes if trends indicate deterioration in quality.

​​​​​​​ KPA 7: Implementation and Compliance, Monitoring or Risk Management System for Processing Function

KPI

• Identify risks, in collaboration with Senior Manager: Processing and Issuing pertaining to the Issuing function.
• Specify appropriate controls and tasks for mitigation of risk.
• Communicate risk management information to BBM, relevant stakeholders and task owners.
• Ensure compliance to Risk Management Program by BBM.
• Maintain Issuing risk management database.
• Submit monthly risk management report to Senior Manager: Processing and Issuing.

COMPETENCY SUMMARY

Cognitive

• Analytical Thinking and Attention to Detail
• Change Management
• Holistic / Big Picture Thinking
• Judgement and Decision Making
• Problem Solving
• Planning, Organising and Monitoring

Personal

• Ethical behaviour
• Excellence Orientation
• Flexibility / Adaptability
• Resilience and Stress Management
• Drive and Belief in the Cause
• Professional Image and Visibility

Interpersonal

• Customer Service Orientation
• Conflict Management
• Engaging Diversity
• Organisational Awareness
• Relationship Building
• Communication
• Knowledge Sharing

Prof. technical

• Building and Living the Brand
• Business and Financial Acumen
• Process Engineering / Systems Competence

Technical Skills/ Competence

• Computer
• Literacy SAP, Microsoft Office.
• Best Practice
• Thinking

Leadership

• Motivating People
• Participative Leadership
• People Development
• Practical Execution Management
• Strategic Leadership

Minimum requirements

Education

• HPCSA registered Medical Technologist.

Experience and knowledge requirements

• 5 years post qualification experience in Blood Transfusion environment at Management level.
• 3 years' experience of supervising / managing within the Issuing division.

Special Circumstances

• Working after hours as and when required.
• National travel required with extended stay-overs.
• International travel as required.
• Driver's licence EB

Other knowledge and skills

• Understanding of National Health Act.
• Standards of Practice for Blood Transfusion in SA.
• AABB Technical standards.
• Council of Europe standards.
• Relevant SANBS policies and procedures.

Apply by: 19 August 2026