Laboratory Manager
Position Overview: The Laboratory Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations and consistent performance of the laboratory. This leadership role drives operational excellence, maintaining the consistent, high-quality operation of the laboratory and ensuring that established service levels are upheld across all testing, reporting, and turnaround benchmarks. The Laboratory Manager oversees staffing, performance management, interdepartmental coordination, and day-to-day workflows, ensuring operational stability, equipment reliability, and continuous quality assurance across the organization. Working closely with the VP of Operations, Scientific Director, and Quality Assurance team, the Laboratory Manager ensures ongoing compliance with laboratory standards, safety protocols, and industry certifications, preserving existing standards of accuracy, efficiency, and service reliability. Success in this role is measured by consistency, minimal service disruption, and sustained client/patient satisfaction at current operational levels.
Key Responsibilities:
Operational Leadership & Strategy Execution
- Manage Day-to-Day Operations: Oversee the daily activities across all laboratory departments. Ensure that all objectives and performance goals are met and communicated clearly to all team members. Ensure daily work is complete for all lab processes, minimizing daily carry over.
- Strategic Execution: Align the laboratory's goals with the broader company strategy, driving key initiatives to maintain operational excellence and consistent service delivery.
- Performance Management: Track, assign, and evaluate weekly performance goals for lab teams. Hold individuals accountable for the completion of key tasks and deliverables.
- Resource Management: Monitor and manage the capacity of materials, personnel, and equipment to support consistent operational needs. Proactively recommend adjustments to maintain smooth operations.
Team Development & Staff Management
- Staffing & Development: Ensure the right staffing levels to meet operational needs. Prepare justification for increased or decreased manpower needs. Oversee recruitment, training, and performance monitoring, fostering a culture of consistency and continuous improvement.
- Cross-Training & Compliance: Lead new employee training and cross-training initiatives to ensure compliance with lab rules, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and regulatory guidelines.
- Leadership & Coaching: Provide mentorship and feedback to laboratory managers and team leads, helping them develop their skills and drive team performance.
Process Improvement & Compliance
- Operational Excellence: Continuously evaluate and optimize internal processes to reduce bottlenecks and inefficiencies.
- Quality Assurance: Work closely with the Scientific Director and Quality Assurance teams to maintain lab certifications (CLIA, CAP, etc.) and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.
- Audits and Inspections: Actively participates in all internal inspections and is a technical resource and participant for external audits and inspections.
- Safety & Maintenance: Ensure laboratory safety standards are maintained and that all necessary maintenance and repairs are promptly addressed, creating a safe and organized work environment.
- Method Validation and Implementation: In conjunction with the Scientific Director and research staff, ensure all methods and validations are completed in a timely manner and meet certification and compliance standards.
Client & Cross-Department Collaboration
- Client Services Support: Act as the primary contact for client services, addressing questions, concerns, and issues to ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Collaboration with Other Teams: Work closely with operational teams from multiple locations, Human Resources, Finance, IT, and other departments to ensure seamless operational coordination and resource allocation.
Reporting & Continuous Improvement
- Data Analysis & Reporting: Generate weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports to track operational trends, identify issues, and propose actionable solutions.
- Budget Management: Assist in the preparation and management of the laboratory’s budget, ensuring adherence to financial guidelines and making cost-effective recommendations.
- Corrective Action & Continuous Improvement: Take lead on Corrective and Preventative Action (CAPA) events, audits, and performance reviews to ensure compliance and drive continuous improvement.
Additional Responsibilities:
- Protected Health Information: Ensure staff maintain all accountability and protection of Protected Health Information (PHI).
- IT & System Support: Act as the IT liaison for laboratory systems, including software testing, upgrades, and troubleshooting for equipment-related issues.
- Inventory & Materials Management: Maintain optimal levels of laboratory inventory, ensuring materials are available as needed and validating new suppliers to ensure quality and reliability.
- Equipment Maintenance: Ensures all equipment maintenance schedules are adhered to and maintains relationships with service vendors, communicating and escalating delays in vendor services.
- Documentation & Audits: Oversee documentation of discrepancies, errors, and audit results, taking prompt corrective action where necessary.
- Employee Engagement & Retention: Address employee concerns, resolve complaints, and ensure a positive, collaborative workplace culture.
Qualifications:
Education & Experience:
- Education: Bachelor's degree in a hard science (Chemistry preferred).
- Experience: 5+ years of management experience, including experience in a high-volume, high-compliance environment. Proven leadership in driving operational success and team performance.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Lab Operations: In-depth knowledge of laboratory operations and the ability to independently manage and perform all functions within the laboratory.
- Leadership Skills: Strong leadership qualities, including goal setting, team management, and motivation to foster a positive workplace culture.
- Performance Management: Experience in driving performance excellence through effective team management and continuous improvement.
- Problem-Solving & Decision-Making: Strong analytical skills with a demonstrated ability to solve complex operational challenges.
- Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication, with the ability to engage effectively at all organizational levels.
- Time Management & Organizational Skills: Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Technical Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and comfortable using laboratory management software.
Physical & Environmental Requirements:
- Physical Requirements: Ability to move around the lab, perform standing tasks, and occasionally lift light to moderate weights.
- Work Environment: Work in a laboratory setting with potential exposure to laboratory chemicals, equipment, and other operational conditions. #LAB123
