Position Summary
The Instrument & Materials Management Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the procurement, inventory management, receiving, storage, processing, sterilization, and distribution of surgical instruments, supplies, and equipment within the surgery center. This role ensures adequate inventory levels, maintains compliance with sterilization and infection control standards, coordinates vendor relationships, manages equipment records and preventive maintenance programs, and supports efficient clinical operations. Works collaboratively with physicians, clinical staff, vendors, patients, and families to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations. Manages sterilization and materials management processes and employees.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Inventory and Materials Management:
- Monitor, purchase, receive, stock, and distribute medical supplies and equipment.
- Maintain appropriate inventory levels while controlling costs and minimizing waste.
- Review surgical schedules to anticipate supply and instrument demands.
- Place orders timely and track deliveries, backorders, and shortages.
- Verify orders received and resolve discrepancies, incorrect charges, and invoice issues.
- Review invoices against packing slips and purchase orders for accuracy.
- Maintain vendor relationships and evaluate new products, pricing changes, and service agreements.
- Supervise receiving and storage areas to ensure security and organization.
- Maintain records for warranties, preventive maintenance contracts, equipment tracking, linen supplies, and biohazardous waste management.
Instrument Processing and Sterilization:
- Clean, inspect, lubricate, disinfect, assemble, package, and sterilize surgical instruments and equipment according to established standards.
- Perform biological monitoring, air removal testing, and sterilization quality assurance processes.
- Maintain accurate sterilization records and documentation.
- Identify damaged or malfunctioning instruments and coordinate repairs or replacements.
- Ensure proper handling, storage, and rotation of sterile supplies.
- Support operating room turnover by reprocessing instruments efficiently and maintaining case readiness.
Equipment & Facility Support
- Monitor equipment performance and report malfunctions promptly.
- Maintain preventive maintenance logs and repair records.
- Ensure all processing and inventory equipment is used properly and safely.
- Maintain an organized, clean, and compliant work environment.
Customer Service & Collaboration
- Communicate professionally and effectively with physicians, staff, vendors, and external partners.
- Collaborate with clinical leadership regarding special procedures, supply requirements, and equipment needs.
- Promote teamwork and assist with cross-training initiatives.
- Support orientation and training of new staff members when appropriate.
Compliance, Safety & Quality
- Adhere to infection control standards, OSHA requirements, and facility policies.
- Demonstrate knowledge of sterilization principles, aseptic technique, and standard precautions.
- Participate in performance improvement and quality assurance activities.
- Report safety concerns, hazards, equipment issues, and policy violations.
- Maintain confidentiality of patient and employee information.
- Support emergency preparedness, life safety, hazardous materials, and fire safety initiatives.
Qualifications
- Current CST certification preferred through NBSTSA
- Graduate of an accredited surgical technology program preferred
- Minimum of two years of experience in sterile processing, instrument reprocessing, materials management, healthcare purchasing, or a related healthcare setting preferred.
- Experience in ambulatory surgery center, hospital, or perioperative environment strongly preferred.
- Training in Materials Management, Sterile Processing, or Supply Chain Management preferred.
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
- Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) or equivalent certification preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of surgical instruments, sterilization practices, infection prevention, and inventory control.
- Understanding of purchasing processes, vendor management, and supply chain operations.
- Ability to use inventory and materials management software systems.
- Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Ability to interpret policies, procedures, operating instructions, and technical information.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and inventory management systems
Work Environment/Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
- Primarily indoor healthcare environment.
- Exposure to sterilization equipment, cleaning chemicals, sharp instruments, bloodborne pathogens, and infectious materials.
- Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection as necessary.
- Frequent standing, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing, and reaching.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and move carts or equipment with assistance.
- Manual dexterity required for handling instruments and operating sterilization equipment.
- Visual acuity and hearing sufficient for equipment operation, documentation, and communication.
A successful candidate combines sterile processing expertise with strong inventory and purchasing skills. They are highly organized, detail-oriented, safety-focused, and capable of balancing supply chain responsibilities with hands-on instrument management to support excellent patient care and operational efficiency
Tri-State Orthopaedic Surgeons, INC is an equal opportunity employer
