Sterile Processing Program Manager

Job Summary:
The Sterile Processing Program Manager provides oversight and coordination of contracted sterile processing and equipment/instrument maintenance services. This role ensures effective monitoring of KPIs, supports system wide standardization, and facilitates communication between Surgery Leadership, clinicians, and contracted vendors. The position also analyzes financial, clinical, operational, and statistical data to support performance improvement initiatives and organizational decision making.

Key Responsibilities

• Contracted Services Oversight
• Coordinate and monitor contracted sterile processing and equipment/instrument maintenance services.
• Oversee KPI performance and ensure compliance with service expectations.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Surgery Leadership and contracted vendors.
• Clinical Resource Coordination
• Support indirect care of surgical patients by facilitating service reviews between Erlanger surgery departments and contracted sterile processing vendors.
• Present performance findings and service review outcomes to Leadership to support operational and strategic decisions.

Vendor & Leadership Communication

• Provide system wide communication, in service consultation and education to ensure high quality service delivery.
• Promote standardization across perioperative services and maintain strong relationships with vendor partners.

Data Analysis & Performance Improvement

• Analyze financial, clinical, operational, and statistical data to support performance improvement (PI) initiatives.
• Develop summary conclusions and recommendations based on multi source data.
• Make financial recommendations that support system goals and cost saving opportunities.

Collaboration & Impact

• Work collaboratively with clinicians, Leadership, and external vendor partners to advance perioperative goals.
• Support organizational initiatives that enhance patient care quality, operational efficiency and financial stewardship.
• Perform additional duties as assigned in alignment with perioperative operations and leadership direction.

Education:
Required:
One of the following: RN, Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), or Certified Registered Central Sterile Technician (CRCST)
Obtain CHL within first year of employment

Preferred:
AS degree or higher
Certified Healthcare Leadership certification (CHL) through IAHCSMM

Experience:
Required:
5 years of operational and financial management experience as an RN, CST, or CRCST within a Sterile Processing Department.

Preferred:
3 - 5 years Operating Room experience

Position Requirement(s): License/Certification/Registration
Required:

• If RN, must hold current licensure to practice nursing in the State of Tennessee and must hold current CRCST Certification
• If Certified Surgical Technician, must also hold current CRCST Certification
• If Central Sterile Technician, must hold current CRCST Certification

Preferred:
CHL-Certified Healthcare Leader in Sterile Processing

Department Position Summary:
Responsible for coordinating contracted services and overseeing key performance indicators (KPIs) related to Sterile Processing and equipment/instrument maintenance. This role serves as a resource to perioperative staff and conducts rounding across all operating room departments to support appropriate allocation of instruments, supplies, and equipment. The program manager addresses instrument, supply, and equipment issues in collaboration with OR Leadership and departmental teams.

Leads the implementation of system wide cost containment initiatives within Surgical Services and facilitates monthly performance and operations meetings between Erlanger and contracted sterile processing and equipment/instrument maintenance vendors. Presents performance outcomes and recommendations to Leadership to support informed decision making. Conducts internal audits to ensure compliance, quality, and operational efficiency.

Acts as the primary liaison between Surgery Leadership and contracted vendors, supporting system wide standardization efforts, communication, in service consultation, and staff education. Ensures high quality service delivery that promotes exceptional patient care and identifies cost saving opportunities.

Clinical competency is assessed annually through multiple evaluation methods, with a focus on the population specific needs of the patients and departments served.