What are the responsibilities and job description for the Laboratory Operations Director position at Access Medical Laboratories?
Access Medical Laboratories is the nation’s premier specialty diagnostic laboratory. We offer a broad menu of testing from blood, saliva, and urine samples. Tests are performed at our 25,000 square -foot ultra - automated facility in Jupiter Florida. By providing blood testing within 24hrs we are able to deliver the most up to date information with speed, mobility, and convenience.
Company culture is the foundation of Access Medical Laboratories. We continue to attract mission-driven and goal-oriented professionals to our organization, where each individual and team is recognized for their accomplishments. We place a significant amount of value on teamwork and mentorship, enabling each individual to consistently grow and develop. At Access, each team member has a sense of belonging, family, and community. We enjoy coming to work every day in an environment where people feel empowered, understanding that each team member plays a significant role in providing peace of mind to patients nationally.
Job Summary:
We are seeking an experienced Laboratory Operations Director to oversee the daily operations of our lab and ensure the successful coordination of Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology, and LC/MS departments. In this role, you will be responsible for optimizing workflows, fostering cross-departmental communication, and cultivating a collaborative, engaged workplace culture. You will work closely with the Lab Director and QA Director to maintain high-quality standards, meet turnaround time (TAT) goals, and support the ongoing development of lab processes. If you're a strategic leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and excels in operational problem-solving, we want to hear from you.
Job Responsibilities:
Leadership and Staff Management
- Supervise and lead laboratory teams, including scientists, technicians, and support staff.
- Set performance goals, manage team performance, and facilitate training and development.
- Recruit, hire, and onboard lab staff as needed.
- Foster a collaborative environment, ensuring clear communication and teamwork among lab staff.
- Address team dynamics, resolve conflicts, and implement strategies to maintain a positive work environment.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and high performance.
Operational Management
- Oversee the daily operations of all laboratory departments to ensure timely delivery of results while maintaining the highest quality standards.
- Monitor workflows and implement solutions to optimize processes, resource utilization, and overall operational success.
- Facilitate regular cross-departmental meetings to address challenges, share best practices, and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
- Collaborate with the Lab Director and QA Director to implement and standardize lab processes for efficiency and compliance.
- Develop strategies to scale operations in response to increasing lab volume while maintaining efficiency and quality.
Budgeting and Financial Oversight
- Develop and manage lab budgets, ensuring cost-effective operations while maintaining quality.
- Monitor spending and ensure that laboratory expenses remain within allocated budgets.
- Identify opportunities to optimize lab costs and improve resource utilization.
Regulatory Compliance and Safety
- Ensure that the lab operates in compliance with all relevant regulatory standards (e.g., FDA, ISO, OSHA).
- Oversee safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and emergency procedures.
- Maintain systems for quality control and ensure that the lab meets required certifications and standards
Equipment and Facility Management
- Oversee the maintenance, calibration, and repair of laboratory equipment.
- Ensure that the laboratory environment is properly maintained, organized, and meets operational needs.
- Oversee procurement of lab equipment and consumables, ensuring they align with operational requirements and budget constraints.
Process Improvement and Innovation
- Continuously review and optimize laboratory processes to enhance productivity and reduce inefficiencies.
- Stay current on technological advancements and industry trends to improve lab operations.
- Implement new methodologies or technologies that can increase lab output or quality.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives, focusing on workflow efficiency and overall lab performance.
Collaboration with Other Departments
- Foster effective communication and collaboration between departments to enhance team synergy and overall lab performance.
- Act as a liaison between lab teams and leadership to ensure that operational goals support broader organizational objectives.
- Work closely with R&D, product development, or clinical teams to align lab operations with broader company goals.
Reporting and Documentation
- Ensure that lab activities, results, and processes are accurately documented and stored for future reference or audits.
- Prepare reports and presentations for upper management, stakeholders, or regulatory bodies.
- Track lab performance metrics and provide regular updates to senior leadership.
Strategic Planning
- Collaborate in the development of long-term strategies for lab growth, expansion, or restructuring.
- Assess lab capacity and determine whether it meets current and future needs.
Customer and Client Engagement (if applicable)
- Communicate with clients (internal or external) to understand project requirements and ensure customer satisfaction.
- Address any concerns regarding lab outputs or timelines.
Qualifications & Skills:
- Education: A Master’s degree is preferred, but a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field may be acceptable with extensive experience.
- Certification: ASCP/AAB MT Certification is required.
- Experience:
- 8 years of proven leadership experience in a laboratory setting.
- Demonstrated ability to drive operational improvements and lead high-performing teams.
- Expertise in laboratory operations, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.
- Skills:
- Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience in project management, strategic planning, and process optimization.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Ability to manage budgets and control costs effectively.
- Knowledge of laboratory regulations, safety standards, and industry best practices.
- Proficiency in data analysis and performance tracking to improve lab effectiveness.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
Ability to Relocate:
- Jupiter, FL 33458: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person