Director Laboratory Operations

Under the direction of the VP, Clinical Services, the Director, Laboratory Operations will coordinate and oversee a wide variety of administrative, personnel and technical activities to ensure efficient operation of the Hospital Laboratory. Initiates new procedures as well as to study, refine and modify established methods and techniques. Serves as a resource to the Leadership Team.  As the Lab Leader, develops strong interactive relationships across all medical center departments and assesses lab performance.   Periodically (i.e., monthly) surveys feedback from key areas (i.e. ED, ICU, ORs, Nursing) as part of Lab QA indicators and maintains close relations.  Addresses complaints regarding laboratory functions and works with the Leadership team as well as staff to resolve identified problems. Provides direction and supervision to the Laboratory Operations Manager, Section supervisors, and Technologists. If the laboratory director reapportions performance of his responsibilities, he/she remains responsible for ensuring that all duties are properly performed.

• Oversees the operation of the Laboratory including Core Lab, Blood Bank, Histology, Microbiology, Phlebotomy and Point of Care.

• Appropriately delegates duties and tasks to the Lab Operations Manager and Supervisors.  Delegation may include (but is not limited to) quality indicators, metric assessment, development and implementation. The Director also delegates section level fiscal management and supplies.  Delegation ensures redundancy of knowledge and allows the Director adequate time to be an ambassador throughout the hospital for laboratory issues and improvement. 

• Strong emphasis on quality management and strategic thinking in Laboratory Management is important. This role acts as the administrative resource for the laboratory team. Ensures all staff in managerial roles (Laboratory Operations Manager and Supervisors) are knowledgeable in quality assessment, metrics and quality indicators and their use in operational efficiency adjustments/changes. 

• Works with the Laboratory Operations Manager to ensure ongoing departmental monitoring to improve quality, workflow, staff productivity, and employee satisfaction and is responsible for the mentoring, coaching and development of direct reports.

• Compares and administers departmental budgets, coordinate objectives and goals designed to improve the fiscal and organizations operation of the laboratory
• Responsible for daily operations of all sections of the laboratory including oversight of quality control, instrument maintenance, scheduling of personnel, policy interpretation and counseling, inventory and reference laboratory testing.
• Is specifically responsible for all projects assigned by leadership, completes projects assigned, reports and evaluations within the requested time frame.

• Maintains a high quality work environment necessary for excellent patient care by ensuring the standards set forth by agencies of laboratory accreditation and licensure are met.  Interfaces with local, state and governmental agencies as pertains to all clinical laboratory operational, regulatory and accreditation issues.  Ensures compliance. 

• Maintain professional working relationships with all other departments through proper communication techniques.
• Resolves problems by consulting with pathologists and other laboratory managers as necessary.
• Coordinates regularly scheduled team meetings with department supervisors, leads and staff; establishes other communication pathways and reviews for effectiveness
• Maintains medical laboratory productivity by monitoring workload of functional areas; identifying peak and slack periods; making operational or staffing adjustments.

• Must meet current CAP requirements for a laboratory supervisor
• Bachelor’s degree in medical technology, or in a physical, chemical, biological, or clinical laboratory science required
• Master’s Degree (MBA, MHA) preferred
• ASCP certification or equivalent required
• Minimum six (6) years in high complexity testing in CLIA/CAP environment
• Minimum of six (6) years clinical laboratory experience which is inclusive of three (3) years of laboratory supervisory experience

• Decision making substantiated by in depth knowledge of laboratory procedures, principles and instruments

• Comprehensive knowledge of procedures, policies and equipment

• Strong interpersonal skills to interface with physicians and other departments

• Ability to identify and analyze problems, feasible effective solutions and implement optimum courses of action

• Ability to work independently and complete projects in a timely manner

• Ability to write clear and concise procedures and policies

• Skillful knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, Laboratory Information Systems and Hospital Health Care Management Systems

• Demonstrated experience in quality systems, project management, and regulatory compliance with CAP, CLIA, JC, OSHA, EPA Accrediting Agency standards

• Ability to function independently and as a member of a large team; motivate personnel to achieve excellence; work with multiple leadership and staffing levels to achieve quality management goals

• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to investigate, analyze information/data and draw conclusions. Ability to develop and present educational and training programs

• Demonstrated experience developing and maintaining positive professional relationships with physicians, employees, peers and organizational leaders

• Ability to effectively manage small to medium scale projects utilizing introductory project management methodologies

• Requires a high level of organizational and time management skills

CentraState Healthcare System, a partner of Atlantic Health System, is a fully accredited, not-for-profit, community-based health system that provides comprehensive health services in the central New Jersey region. In addition to offering a full range of leading-edge diagnostic and treatment options, CentraState serves as a valuable health partner focused on the latest ways to prevent disease, promote healthy behaviors, and help people of all ages live life well. Based in Freehold, CentraState is comprised of a 284-bed acute-care hospital, a vibrant health and wellness campus, three award-winning senior living communities, a charitable foundation, and convenient satellite health pavilions offering primary care and specialty physician practices, along with access to outpatient services, such as lab and physical therapy. The system also offers a family medicine residency and geriatric fellowship training program in affiliation with Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Among its many honors and accreditations, CentraState is one of less than two percent of hospitals nationwide to earn Magnet® designation for nursing excellence four times and was designated a Great Place to Work-Certified™ Company by Great Place to Work® for the second consecutive year.

When you bring your talent to CentraState, you are joining a trailblazing healthcare facility, committed to providing high-quality, patient-focused care. Join us in making incredible strides in health care, and making a difference in our community. We believe in enriching the lives of our employees through work/life balance initiatives, tuition assistance, career advancement opportunities and much more.

Find out why our employees love their jobs and being part of the CentraState family!

What We Offer:

• Highly competitive compensation
• Excellent benefits package and rewards program
• 403(b) retirement plan with company match
• 401(a) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Life Insurance 
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Profit Sharing Program
• Growth Opportunity and Workforce Development Initiatives
• Continuing Education / Onsite Training
• A warm, welcoming company culture based upon mutual respect and a collaborative goal of providing excellent patient care
• Concierge Services with Work & Family Benefits
• Magnet recognized healthcare facility

At CentraState Healthcare System, we welcome and promote the diversity of our employee family!  Each unique person contributes to the overall success of this organization. Our inclusive culture fosters an environment of professionalism and respect for personal differences.

CentraState Healthcare System, is an equal employment opportunity employer and federal contractor or subcontractor and, therefore, abides by applicable laws to protect applicants and employees from discrimination in hiring, promotion, discharge, pay, fringe benefits, job training, classification, referral, and other aspects of employment.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual or affectional orientation, national origin or nationality, citizenship status, disability, age, genetics, protected veteran status, ancestry, marital status.