Clinical Laboratory Manager

JOB OVERVIEW

The Laboratory Manager is responsible for managing all aspects of their respective laboratory departments in a high-complexity, high-throughput production environment, which includes Instrumentation (LCMS), Confirmation, and Validations. This role will manage day-to-day operations, identify opportunities for process improvement and operational efficiencies, reinforce standards of practice, provide leadership support to department Supervisors, monitor production and technical metrics/goals, and partner with other leaders on new projects or initiatives. In addition, this person will establish effective communication plans, hold and participate in various meetings, and be accountable for compliance with regulations, policies, and SOPs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Manage the day-to-day operations of all assigned laboratory departments
• Provide consistent leadership, guidance, problem-solving, follow-through, and support to direct reports, which may include department Supervisors and/or individual contributors
• Ensure all departments meet established metrics, prioritize patient care, and provide laboratory services that exceed industry standards and customer expectations
• Identify opportunities and take steps to increase efficiency and productivity with instruments, processes, and workflows, minimizing downtime while maintaining optimum conditions
• Collaborate with department leaders, Quality Manager, Director of Laboratory Operations, and Lab Director to formulate and implement technical metrics/goals
• Ensure adherence to CLIA standards and regulations
• Ensure adherence to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and BSL-2 safety standards (where applicable)
• Ensure adherence to budgets, schedules, and timelines; planning and communicating proactively when adjustments need to be made
• Ensure adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Policies; develop/expand current SOPs as needed
• Establish, improve, and implement procedures and processes by identifying and addressing issues and risks in assigned laboratory departments, including Instrumentation (LCMS), Confirmation, and Validations
• Ensure accurate testing of patient specimens following established SOPs
• Serve as the primary resource for escalated problem-solving across all assigned laboratory departments, including Instrumentation (LCMS), Confirmation, and Validations
• Utilize a teaching/coaching approach when troubleshooting issues alongside lab employees for continuous learning and development opportunities
• Identify, troubleshoot, and analyze issues or trends related to instrument operation, instrument repair, calibrations, quality controls, workflow, patient data, etc.
• Guide departmental planning for future growth or new initiatives
• Prioritize timelines for projects and new initiatives, utilizing project management skills/tools
• Manage reporting, monitoring, resources, and laboratory personnel
• Participate in the hiring and onboarding process across all assigned laboratory departments, including Instrumentation (LCMS), Confirmation, and Validations
• Conduct competency assessments and/or performance reviews for direct reports
• Develop and/or implement an effective employee training program for new hires
• Utilize proven employee management solutions to improve productivity and efficiency
• Delegate projects, tasks, and initiatives effectively and fairly
• Establish effective communication plans with each department
• Facilitate effective communication across internal departments and to external departments
• Hold monthly meetings for ongoing coaching and feedback for direct reports
• Work closely with Supervisors and/or team members to provide effective solutions to support business needs and quality objectives
• Collaborate with other leaders to evaluate current instrumentation, equipment, and consumables regularly
• Collaborate with other leaders to ensure proper communication is established between departments and projects are on track and will not hinder daily operations
• Schedule and lead meetings within each department to share goals, performance metrics, upcoming initiatives/projects, solicit feedback, etc.
• Participate in lab-wide meetings to present information to other departments
• Ensure appropriate records are maintained for performance indicators, certifications, repairs, service calls, and maintenance for lab instruments and equipment
• Maintain laboratory instruments/equipment by reviewing performance specifications, ensuring quality standards, editing operating procedures as needed, arranging service/repair, etc., specifically LC-MS/MS instruments
• Maintain laboratory information system (LIS) by identifying information or workflow needs/issues, recommending improvements, establishing priorities, testing functionality, updating training, etc.
• Participate in new assay implementation, new instrument evaluation, and/or method development for LC-MS/MS instruments with lab-developed tests
• Maintain laboratory supplies inventory, anticipate needed supplies, place and expedite orders for supplies
• Exemplify and encourage positive communication and interactions within the lab to inspire collaboration and teamwork
• Lead by example and demonstrate the Ethos Core Values consistently
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, identifying ongoing leadership development, etc.
• Other duties as assigned