Manager, Laboratory

Join Our Team as a Laboratory Manager at UPMC Mercy Hospital!

Are you ready to lead and inspire a dynamic healthcare team? UPMC Mercy is seeking a dedicated Laboratory Manager to oversee and support critical diagnostic departments including Chemistry, Hematology, Coagulation, Urinalysis, Specimen Processing, and Reference Testing. In this key leadership role, you will manage daily operations, champion quality and efficiency initiatives, and ensure strict compliance with all regulatory standards. While this position has no scheduled weekend or holiday shifts, occasional off-hours escalations may require your attention.

You will directly supervise a diverse team of laboratory professionals, including specimen processors, laboratory support technicians, MLT/MLS staff, one supervisor, and four team leads. The ideal candidate will combine strong technical expertise with proven leadership skills and a passion for delivering exceptional laboratory services.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain positive client relations to assure that physician and patient needs are satisfied and that physician office staff complies with regulatory requirements.
• Establishes consistent process for compliance with any mandated proficiency testing for pathologists and technologists; ensures that tests are performed properly and efficiently at all stages from specimen collection through results reporting including repeat testing, modifications, corrections and consultations.
• Assists the Laboratory Director with the maintenance and improvement of quality control, quality assurance and proficiency testing programs.
• Remains abreast of developments in the field of management and laboratory science while pursuing a program of self-development.
• Responsible for the development of short-term and long-range goals and objectives for all assigned divisions. Develops plans to reach agreed on goals.
• Ensures adequate orientation and training for subordinate staff and maintains necessary documentation for regulatory and accrediting agencies.
• Monitors and measures key performance areas of the Laboratory. Recommends ways to promote continuous quality improvements in testing, customer service, and employee satisfaction.
• Manages capital budget and operating budget at each testing site. Participates in the budgeting process for the Laboratory Service Center as appropriate.
• Represents the Laboratory by sitting on appropriate hospital or community committees.
• On behalf of the Laboratory Director, participates in the preparation, approval, editing and maintenance of all policy and procedure manuals. Ensures that division personnel comply with all applicable policies, procedures, laws and regulations.
• Ensures proper maintenance and use of instrumentation and required testing documentation.
• Provides general supervision of division staff with regards to both personnel and operational management, adjusting work load assignments as well as delegating administrative functions where feasible.
• Ensures that there are provisions for personnel to further their knowledge and skills through participation in appropriate internal and external educational activities.
• Interviews and hires staff in conjunction with Administrative / Operations Director, the Laboratory Director and department support personnel as defined by position requirements.
• Establishes performance standards, completes performance review evaluations and recommends salary increases of all subordinates.
• Initiates coaching and/or approves department disciplinary actions for subordinate staff when appropriate.
• Collaborates with CPLIS and APLIS to ensure that the operation and development of the Laboratory Information System (LIS) provides the necessary support for Clinical Pathology operations
• Reviews and investigates any complaints concerning the Laboratory or its personnel and takes appropriate corrective actions. Promptly follows the mandatory reporting procedures for any incident, non-compliant activity or serious event that did affect or potentially could have affected the clinical care of any patient, the safety of employees, or the integrity of the lab.
• Evaluates and implements staffing patterns, technology and procedures to efficiently accomplish the goals of the department, including the integration of divisions, building teamwork and cross training employees where required.
• Ensures that personnel are properly qualified and trained to perform all necessary testing.
• Maintains and promotes a safe laboratory environment ensuring that applicable departmental, Hospital and regulatory safety and universal precaution requirements are achieved.
• Conducts purchasing of supplies and equipment and ensures proper inventory management to minimize waste and prevent shortages.
• Facilitates the development and implementation of new tests and/or methodologies in the division maximizing automation and test integration. Works with medical staff to determine appropriate testing patterns and proper utilization.
• Facilitates IRB approved research protocols.
• Ensures compliance with all regulatory standards.
• Ensures that operations comply with the requirements of all regulatory and certifying agencies and maintains accreditation where needed.