Manager, Core Laboratory

Relocation assistance: Up to $15,000

Pay Range: $110,572.80/yr. to $172,764.80/yr.

The Core Laboratory Manager provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Clinical Pathology section at Hillsboro Medical Center, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission and objectives. Working in partnership with the Administrative and Medical Directors, the incumbent manages the department’s human and physical resources in accordance with hospital and corporate policies. This role is responsible for maintaining high clinical standards and ensuring all laboratory operations consistently meet rigorous quality and accreditation requirements.  Leads the development and implementation of policies and procedures that streamline workflows, while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Develops and maintains a positive work environment that promotes HMC values.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

Function Management. Manages daily operations of assigned departments/functions. Functional management responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Oversees daily Core Lab activities, formulating and implementing standardized policies to ensure optimal workflow, high-quality testing, and consistent service delivery.
• Models professional communication and develops comprehensive training programs to ensure staff proficiency in technical operations and customer service.
• Coordinates with Facilities and Environmental Services for department maintenance while providing essential technical support for LIS, billing, and client interfaces.
• Oversees contracted services to ensure contractual obligations are fulfilled and appropriate service levels are maintained.
• Ensures adherence to DNV, CAP, and CMS standards by overseeing quality assessments, professional certifications, and the timely resolution of any audit deficiencies.
• Manages technical billing, charge reconciliation, and capital budgeting while leveraging statistical reporting to ensure accurate data extraction and fiscal responsibility.
• Collaborates with clinical and medical staff to develop customer service programs and new testing procedures, ensuring the lab remains competitive and responsive to patient care needs.
• Oversees the functionality and maintenance of equipment and laboratory space, ensuring all physical assets meet operational requirements and accreditation standards.
• Leads change management initiatives and aligns departmental goals with broader organizational needs through inclusive decision-making and adaptive systems thinking.
• Monitors and manages operational performance. Develops and maintains appropriate department metrics and measures. Monitors and manages patient/customer satisfaction. Actively engages in performance improvement and quality initiatives. Provides timely, accurate reports and communications regarding department operations and performance.
• Builds and maintains effective working relationships. Serves as a liaison across disciplines. Participates as an active member of various committees; leads work groups, projects and committees as assigned.  
• Maintains professional skills, subject matter expertise, and awareness of regulatory changes, compliance issues, innovations and developments, through research and training/continuing education opportunities.
• Ensures regulatory compliance. Maintains programs and records in good order, as required for efficient and effective operations. 
• Performs bench duties as needed. These will be supplemental and primarily focused on regulatory competency maintenance and emergency assistance rather than routine, regularly scheduled work.

People Management. Provides leadership oversight and direct supervision for assigned staff to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality services. Executes leadership and supervision tasks in an accurate, equitable, timely and effective manner to meet service and performance expectations. People management tasks include, but are not limited to:

• Manages employees from selection and hiring through offboarding/separation. Coaches, mentors, and supports supervisors and subordinate staff. Establishes clear expectations and fosters an environment that supports effective communication through effective use of formal and informal discussion, 1:1’s, huddles, and staff meetings.
• Proactively monitors and manages employee satisfaction and engagement, turnover, training and development, and performance. Responds to employee concerns and/or union grievances.
• Acts as the first line of mediation for conflicts between staff and/or patients and staff; addresses difficult situations in a timely and effective manner.

Financial Management: Leads department financial processes and related activities. Financial management responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Monitors and manages department financial performance using appropriate metrics and measures.
• Responsible for understanding, monitoring, and managing assigned budgets. Seeks opportunities to increase volumes, enhance revenues and reduce expenses. Works closely and proactively with senior leader(s) to plan and develop operational and capital budgets and to address any financial challenges that may arise.
• Acts as the decision maker at the department level, within the scope of approved budgets and operational plans. Analyzes data and uses sound judgement in making independent decisions.

Performs other related duties and special projects, as assigned.

Education & Experience

REQUIRED: 

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Medical Terminology, Chemistry, Biological Science or a related field.
• Five (5) years of job-related experience.
• Two (2) years of experience directly supervising others

Licenses & Certifications

REQUIRED:          

• MLS(ASCP), MT(ASCP) or equivalent

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Regulatory & Laboratory Standards: Comprehensive understanding of DNV, CAP, and CMS regulations, including laboratory compliance, billing, coding, and accreditation requirements.
• Quality Management Systems: Extensive knowledge of Quality Control (QC), Quality Assurance (QA), and Daily Management System (DMS) principles and processes.
• Technical Systems: Proficiency in Laboratory Information Systems (LIS), Electronic Medical Records (EMR), and the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Business Operations: Knowledge of basic financial principles, including budgeting, capital asset management, and departmental recordkeeping.

Skill in:

• Professional Communication: Advanced verbal and written communication, including the skill to adapt messaging for diverse audiences and stakeholders.
• Operational Management: Efficient multitasking, time management, and prioritization to oversee complex workflows and daily lab activities.
• Technical Execution: Data extraction, statistical reporting, and the ability to troubleshoot billing or charge reconciliation issues.
• Interpersonal Relations: Building and maintaining productive relationships with leadership, medical staff, and external partners.

Ability to:

• Lead & Develop Others: Motivate a team, support professional growth, and provide clear direction through inclusive decision-making and change management.
• Apply Systems Thinking: Understand how departmental parts work together to improve overall performance and align section goals with the larger organization.
• Exercise Independent Judgment: Work with minimal supervision to analyze problems critically and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Maintain Professionalism: Demonstrate empathy, patience, and composure in sensitive or stressful situations while maintaining a solution-oriented focus.
• Work occasional evenings or weekends.

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