Manager of Sterile Processing

Job Summary

The Manager, Sterile Services oversees the daily operations of the sterile processing department, ensuring the delivery of sterile supplies, equipment, and instruments to support safe and efficient patient care. This role involves managing staff, directing instrument reprocessing activities, maintaining regulatory compliance, and collaborating with key stakeholders to optimize operations and meet the needs of surgical and procedural teams.

Essential Functions

• Manages the daily operations of the sterile processing department, ensuring the decontamination, sterilization, and distribution of surgical instruments, supplies, and equipment.
• Oversees labor management, including determining staffing levels, assigning work, and managing schedules to ensure adequate coverage.
• Develops and implements policies, procedures, and quality assurance initiatives to maintain compliance with regulatory standards and promote best practices in sterile processing.
• Collaborates with surgical teams, operating room staff, and other stakeholders to ensure the availability of instruments, supplies, and equipment needed for procedures.
• Manages surgical instrument inventory, maintenance schedules, and repair processes, coordinating with external vendors as needed.
• Prepares and monitors department budgets, overseeing expenditures and identifying cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality standards.
• Leads in-service education programs and staff training initiatives to ensure team members maintain competency and stay informed of industry advancements.
• Supervises staff, including hiring, performance evaluations, promotions, and disciplinary actions, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
• Ensures timely production and distribution of surgical case carts and other critical supplies to meet clinical demand.
• Monitors compliance with expiration-date control systems, testing product reliability, and maintaining accurate records for quality assurance and traceability.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.
  
  

Leadership Responsibilities

• Supervision and Staff Management
• Provides leadership, mentorship and professional development opportunities for departmental staff.
• Schedules employees to ensure effective use of resources. Consults with Director on staffing issues.
• Conducts performance evaluations, sets goals and provides feedback to staff on their performance and development.
• Strategic Planning and Financial Oversight
• Develops and manages departmental budget ensuring cost effective operations while maintaining high quality service.
• Monitors expenditures, ensuring cost-effective delivery of services.
• Evaluates and implements new technologies to enhance operational efficiency.
• Develops and implements departmental policies and procedures and protocols to optimize quality and overall efficiencies.
• Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance
• Ensures compliance with all relevant regulatory bodies. May oversee the accreditation process with relevant agencies ensuring that services meet or exceed industry standards.
• Participates in audits, inspections and accreditation processes as applicable.
• Follows established quality control practices to ensure accuracy, consistency and safety.
• Collaboration and Communication
• Works closely with leadership teams to coordinate and improve service delivery.
• Stays up-to-date with industry advancements, new technologies, and regulatory changes.
• Staff Responsibilities
• May work in a staff role, when required. Ensures that duties and responsibilities are fulfilled while meeting all competencies established for that job.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in relevant field required or
• Four (4) plus years of direct experience in lieu of a Bachelor's degree required
• Master's Degree preferred
• 2-4 years of experience in closely related field with Bachelor's degree required
• 2-4 years of previous leadership experience preferred
  
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and manage cross-functional relationships.
• Foster a positive work environment that promotes teamwork, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Communicate effectively with leadership, team members, and stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively with others, delegate responsibilities, and independently manage tasks while meeting established deadlines.
• Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• In depth knowledge of industry best practices and regulatory compliance (if applicable).
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency with Google and Microsoft platforms, healthcare software systems, and data analysis tools.
  
  

Licenses and Certifications

• CRCST - Certified and Registered Central Service Technician required
• BCLS - Basic Life Support required