What are the responsibilities and job description for the VP of Operations position at Lighthouse Lab Services?
Location: Tampa, FL
Schedule: Full-Time, On-Site
Compensation: Competitive base salary performance bonus; equity opportunity available
Position Overview
Lighthouse Lab Services is partnering with a growing clinical diagnostic laboratory in Tampa, FL, to identify a Vice President of Operations / Chief Operating Officer (COO). This executive will oversee daily laboratory operations across anatomic pathology, molecular infectious disease, and pharmacogenomics, ensuring operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and high-quality patient care.
Reporting directly to the CEO, the successful candidate will lead multidisciplinary teams, optimize laboratory workflows, manage operational budgets, and support the expansion of testing capabilities. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced laboratory leader to help scale operations and drive strategic growth in a dynamic clinical diagnostics environment.
Key Responsibilities
Oversee daily laboratory operations across anatomic pathology, molecular diagnostics, and pharmacogenomics, including pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical workflows.
Establish and monitor turnaround-time goals, operational KPIs, and performance improvement initiatives.
Ensure ongoing compliance with CLIA, CAP, HIPAA, OSHA, and applicable state laboratory regulations.
Lead quality management initiatives, including SOPs, proficiency testing, corrective actions, and inspection readiness.
Manage operational budgets, vendor relationships, staffing models, and cost-per-test performance.
Partner with laboratory directors, pathologists, and technical leaders to maintain testing quality and operational efficiency.
Oversee specimen logistics, accessioning, courier services, client services, and laboratory information systems.
Collaborate with revenue cycle and commercial teams to improve billing accuracy, reduce operationally driven denials, and support client onboarding.
Recruit, develop, and retain laboratory managers, supervisors, technologists, and support staff.
Lead assay launches, validation and verification activities, capacity planning, and expansion of the laboratory's test menu.
Evaluate opportunities to implement automation, digital pathology, and advanced molecular technologies.
Partner with executive leadership on strategic growth, new service lines, and operational scalability.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, Biology, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related scientific field.
10 years of progressive clinical laboratory operations experience, including at least 5 years in senior leadership at the Director level or above.
Direct experience leading operations within a CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited clinical laboratory.
Demonstrated experience with successful CAP inspections and CLIA surveys.
Operational leadership experience in at least two of the following areas: anatomic pathology/histology, molecular infectious disease/PCR, or pharmacogenomics/genetic testing.
Experience managing budgets or P&L responsibilities, with demonstrated improvements in productivity, turnaround times, and operational costs.
Working knowledge of laboratory reimbursement, CPT coding, medical necessity, and healthcare compliance requirements.
Experience with laboratory information systems (LIS), instrument interfaces, and EMR/EHR connectivity.
Proven ability to build and lead multidisciplinary teams in a growing laboratory environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with next-generation sequencing (NGS), advanced molecular technologies, or genetic testing.
Advanced degree such as an MS, MBA, MHA, or PhD.
ASCP certification or equivalent professional certification.
Experience with laboratory start-ups, laboratory build-outs, new CLIA/CAP certifications, or post-acquisition integrations.
Lean, Six Sigma, or other process-improvement training.
Familiarity with laboratory automation, digital pathology, and multi-state laboratory licensure.
Compensation and Benefits
Competitive executive base salary
Performance-based annual bonus
Potential equity participation
Medical, dental, and vision insurance, when available
401(k) retirement plan, when available
Paid time off and holidays
Professional development opportunities
About us:
At Lighthouse Lab Services, we offer solutions to help start, grow, and run clinical laboratories. Our recruiting team has over 22 years of proven success placing job seekers in positions ranging from entry-level Medical Technologists to seasoned Laboratory Directors. We recruit nationwide, for permanent and travel positions with clients ranging from small hospitals to large reference laboratories.
It is the policy of Lighthouse Lab Services to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Lighthouse Lab Services is committed to working and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including persons with disabilities.
If at any time during the application process, you need accommodation, please contact recruiting@lighthouselabservices.com for assistance.
Lighthouse Lab Services | 844-974-1929 | lighthouselabservices.com
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