Manager, Core Laboratory Operations

Schedule: Monday-Friday 0800-1700 with on-call and other shifts as needed

Location: Woodward

Salaried

Job Summary

Responsible for the overall direction and management of the division operations (technical performance, personnel, education, training and administrative functions) of assigned technical operations; coordination of activities with other areas of the organization and with internal and external customers to ensure that financial and quality standards are met. Work closely with Director, Core Laboratory Operations, appropriate Tricore/Hospital Administration and technical operation Management Dyads regarding decisions on matters relating to patient care, technical performance, quality and finances. Participate in the dyad with the Directors of Clinical and Anatomic Pathology for assigned departments.

Essential Functions

• Department management and staff oversight:
• Responsible for the overall supervision of assigned department management staff.
• Ensure that appropriate application, interview, and selection processes are established and followed in the division, including, but not limited to interviews with peers and supervisors/tech specialists. Personally interview final candidates for key positions and work with Human Capital Management and assigned management dyads in making final selections.
• Oversee effective completion of quarterly performance evaluations and approve compensation process for assigned departments.
• At least quarterly, communicate with direct reports regarding their performance and counsel them as needed. Let direct reports know when they are and are not meeting job expectations. Provide guidance to direct reports on how to improve performance.
• Ensure supervisors are conducting staff coaching, recognition, counseling as needed. Oversee and conduct employee coaching, counseling, and disciplinary actions as needed or appropriate.
• Manage dismissal actions utilizing Human Capital Management for advice and seeking approval from the appropriate leadership regarding the proposed action.
• Ensure that appropriate staff recognition programs are in place.
• Be available to assist staff with questions and problem solving.
• Maintain appropriate channels of communication within the division.
• Provide information to staff regarding career ladder opportunities, job expectation, relevant information concerning workload, workflow, process and procedure changes and general information regarding the department and the organization.
• Listen effectively and with the purpose of understanding employee concerns, questions, ideas, and opinions. Actively solicit staff input and feedback.
• Coordinate and conduct department/divisional meetings on a regular basis.
• Ensure that departmental staff meetings and adequate communication occurs in assigned departments.
• Education and Training:
• Ensure standardized orientation, training programs, and competency programs for assigned departments for new and existing employees are established, maintained, and monitored according to regulatory guidelines.
• Ensure appropriate training programs are in place and executed for all levels of students assigned for rotations in departments.
• Oversee client training and educational programs/meetings.
• Assist with problem resolution for external clients as needed.
• Consults with physicians, clients and sponsors regarding appropriate testing, test results and interpretations.
• Financial:
• Coordinate preparation and justification of assigned department budgets. Review and submit proposed budget to Director, Core Laboratory Operations.
• Review and justify monthly variances to financial budget.
• Ensure cost accounting is completed for new tests and reviewed annually for all tests.
• Approve submitted capital requests and vendor payments/invoices for assigned departments prior to submission for final approval.
• Work with Director, Core Laboratory Operations to negotiate contracts that maximize TRL and TLSC benefits.
• Quality Assurance (QA)/Compliance:
• Participate in quality assurance programs to ensure that quality standards are met.
• Demonstrate ability to consistently improve quality standards through implementation of appropriate action plans approved by the management dyad and Director, Core Laboratory Operations.
• Evaluate the needs and expectations of the “customers” of the area annually and implement new quality programs designed to ensure that the quality of services meet or exceed customers’ expectations.
• Prepare QA reports as appropriate.
• Lead, facilitate and/or participate in Quality Management and other process improvement teams as appropriate. f. In conjunction with the management dyads, develop, revise, and implement department goals and objectives. Ensure that all goals and objectives are appropriately aligned with company strategic goals. Establishes priorities in consultation with management dyad and Director, Core Laboratory Operations.
• Actively support and implement company and department procedures, policies, and strategies to support the corporate vision.
• Assures regulatory and accreditation compliance by working with management dyad and Director, Core Laboratory Operations.
• Ensure patient, employee, and organizational confidentiality.
• Workflow/Efficiency
• Oversee workflow and productivity for all assigned departments.
• Develop, revise, and implement appropriate work systems within the department that are designed to meet the needs of the organization as well as the needs of internal and external customers. Identify opportunities for new or improved service to both internal and external customers and implement new or improved services as appropriate.
• Responsible for ensuring that the department operates efficiently. Look for ways to get maximum benefit from all resources. Continually assess department staffing levels and needs including scheduling strategies and full time vs. part time ratios when employees leave, examine current staffing levels and needs and determine appropriate replacement needs. Continually assess department resources and needs. Initiate requests for additional resources as appropriate, including cost justifications. Develop and monitor standards for measuring cost effectiveness.
• Provide backup or coordinate fill in for department staff during times of unusually high workload or other special circumstances.
• Customer Service and Communication:
• Maintain effective communication and coordination with other departments within the organization.
• Serve as a liaison to the external communication process to keep customers informed of testing and service changes. Assures that all relevant customer needs are met. Coordinate the scheduling of tests with the management dyad to meet customer expectations.
• Technical
• Maintain an up-to-date understanding of new requirements and technology through continuing education.
• Coordinate with the Director, Core Laboratory Operations, Medical/Scientific Directors and department leadership groups to ensure that test menus and services are consistent with the sound patient care, client expectations and financial expectations.
• Ensure quality control is performed, documented and acceptable prior to patient testing.
• Ensure technical performance of the laboratory is acceptable including but not limited to calibrations, validations, quality control establishment, instrument maintenance and temperature control.
• Ensure proficiency testing is performed, evaluated and corrective actions taken as appropriate in a timely manner.
  
  

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified.

MINIMUM EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Technology, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, or relevant degree.
  
  

Minimum Experience

• Six years clinical laboratory or specialty experience with at least one year of management/supervisory experience.
  
  

Other Requirements

• ASCP certification or equivalent.
• Maintain valid driver’s license and insurable by TriCore’s automobile insurance company.
  
  

Preferences

Master’s degree.

Immunization Requirements

Prove immunity to Hepatitis B or be immunized or sign a waiver refusing hepatitis immunization. Provide documentation of a PPD test conducted not more than 90 days prior to date of hire or have a PPD test conducted.

General Requirements

• Effective time management skills.
• Attend all managerial meetings and other meetings or workgroups as assigned.
• Maintain working relationships with vendors.
• Participate in the development and implementation of TriCore strategic initiatives.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and to work in a high productivity/ high stress environment.
• Ability to deal with difficult and sensitive situations.
• Problem solving skills, reasoning ability and good independent judgment.
• Follow company safety and personnel policies.
• Strong supervisory and management skills including interviewing, leadership and team building skills. Ability to work effectively in a team environment and to develop and maintain a climate of open communication and teamwork within the department.
• Ability to listen effectively to staff concerns, ideas and questions and to deal effectively with conflict situations. 11.Ability to develop and maintain morale of department staff.
• Ability to provide effective feedback to department staff regarding relevant information, changes and regarding their own performance.
• Able to provide constructive criticism in a timely and appropriate manner and to provide feedback regarding positive performance.
• Actively solicits feedback from staff as appropriate.
• Strong communication/interpersonal skills with both internal and external customers.
• Strong PC skills.
• Must maintain an up-to-date knowledge of laboratory medicine through self-study and continuing education.