Lab Manager, Microbiology

Position Summary:

Under the general direction of the Administrative Director and in collaboration with the Chief of Laboratory Medicine and Section Medical Director, the Laboratory Manager leads and manages the quality and compliance standards within the Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine. This role is responsible for overseeing a sub-specialty section of the laboratory, including but not limited to Blood Bank and Transfusion Services, Central Receiving Area, Chemistry, Hematology, and Phlebotomy. The Laboratory Manager ensures that all operations meet or exceed the standards required for accreditation by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), The Joint Commission (TJC), and other regulatory agencies. This position requires strong leadership, a commitment to quality, and a focus on continuous improvement in laboratory services.

Essential Responsibilities:

Leadership:

• Manage and lead a sub-specialty section of the laboratory, ensuring efficient and effective operations.
  
• Provide 24/7 call coverage and support the department’s strategic planning initiatives.
  
• Maintain a high standard of technical excellence to optimize the quality of laboratory services, including equipment maintenance and evaluation of new technologies.
  
• Foster a culture of innovation, promoting new programs and resolving issues within the laboratory.
  
• Value and respond to customer feedback, taking corrective actions to improve services.
  
• Exhibit sound judgment in decision-making, fostering a cooperative environment within and outside the department.
  

Fiscal Responsibility:

• Take full fiscal responsibility for the section, including budget preparation and management, staffing expenses, and revenue optimization.
  
• Monitor and audit billing codes, ensuring accuracy and compliance with financial goals.
  
• Collaborate with the Supply Chain department to manage equipment maintenance and service agreements.
  

Quality, Compliance, and Safety:

• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory agencies, including CAP, TJC, OSHA, and others.
  
• Oversee the collection, analysis, and dissemination of quality and compliance data, coordinating with the Quality and Compliance Coordinator for monthly reviews.
  
• Participate in hospital-wide Quality Assurance Programs and ensure adherence to infection control and safety procedures.
  
• Maintain updated Policy and Procedure Manuals in compliance with regulatory requirements, ensuring annual reviews and revisions are documented.
  

Technical Expertise:

• Provide expert guidance on laboratory operations, including analytic instrumentation, clinical correlation, and system performance.
  
• Evaluate and implement new methodologies and technologies to enhance laboratory services.
  
• Regularly review equipment maintenance logs to ensure all instruments are in optimal working order.
  

Human Resources:

• Oversee the recruitment, orientation, and ongoing training of laboratory staff, ensuring compliance with departmental standards.
  
• Manage the performance management process, providing feedback and conducting annual evaluations.
  
• Support cross-training programs and intersectional cooperation to optimize staff utilization.
  
• Document staff attendance for payroll purposes and ensure adherence to hospital time management policies.
  

Communication:

• Communicate effectively with staff through regular meetings, summarizing discussions and action items.
  
• Collaborate with the Administrative Director, Medical Chief, and other managers to achieve common departmental goals.
  
• Implement a customer service program, responding to feedback and making improvements as necessary.
  
• Maintain open lines of communication with medical and nursing staff to ensure high-quality service delivery.
  

Requirements

Education:

• Graduate of an accredited program in Laboratory Science or a related field.
  
• Advanced certifications or degrees are preferred.
  

Experience:

• Minimum of two years of management experience in a laboratory setting, with a strong background in clinical laboratory operations.
  
• Demonstrated experience in managing quality and compliance programs within a laboratory environment.
  

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop a team.
  
• In-depth knowledge of regulatory requirements, including CAP, TJC, and other relevant agencies.
  
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
  
• Proven ability to manage budgets, optimize resources, and enhance revenue.
  
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.