Operations Director - Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

POSITION SUMMARY:

With the Chair, Chiefs of Laboratory Medicine and Anatomic Pathology, and Medical Directors the Operations Director ensures access to and delivery of high quality pathology & laboratory services consistent with patient/physician demand, in a safe, efficient and cost effective manner. 

Under the general supervision of the Senior Vice President and in collaboration with the Chair and Clinical Chiefs of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and relevant Medical Directors, the Operations Director provides leadership for continuous laboratory service and quality improvement, innovation and staff empowerment, accomplished through effective internal and external customer relations.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: the disciplines of Surgical Pathology, Intra-operative Consultation, Cytology, Aspiration Service, Immunohistochemistry, Ultrastructural studies, Image Analysis and Morphometry, Molecular Pathology, Decedent Affairs Office (including Autopsy Services), Amyloid Pathology, Hemoglobin Diagnostic Reference Laboratory, Transfusion Medicine and Tissue Dispensary, Clinical Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology, Point of Care Testing and support services including Phlebotomy, Central Receiving, Administration, Outreach Services, Quality and Compliance Oversight including all associated laboratory and office space (approximately 60,000 gross sq ft) and 3.5 million billable tests.

Also provides management and leadership support to multiple off site areas. Management responsibilities for approximately 190 FTEs in Laboratory Medicine and 30 FTEs in Anatomic Pathology.  Budget responsibility include approximately $37 million operating budget and capital budget of ~$1-5 million.

Position: Operations Director   

Department: Pathology and Laboratory Medicine   

Schedule: Full Time

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

Quality, Patient and Employee Safety

Ensures the delivery of quality patient and ancillary services in accordance with applicable policies, procedures and professional standards.  Ensures through leadership and management initiative via Managers and Technical Supervisors and other Senior Management Team members, and through operations and quality support to the hospital and its customers, staff and management personnel.

Manages all activities so that quality services are provided in an efficient manner that meets all applicable regulatory requirements.

Ensures patient and employee safety are held in the highest regard.

Works through Managers and Technical Supervisors and in conjunction with Medical Leadership to ensure proper departmental coverage and proper department operational requirements are satisfied.

Ensures Managers and Technical Supervisors support hospital missions and departmental policy and procedures.

Under the guidance of the Chair and Chiefs of Anatomic Pathology and Laboratory Medicine maintains an effective quality assurance program.

Maintains departmental productivity measurements and reports status on a monthly basis to immediate supervisor.

Works collaboratively with Information Technology to develop the IT strategy, implement new technology and maintain current IT systems.

Works collaboratively with other department directors/staff to ensure high quality patient care.

Innovates new procedures and redesigns work practices to increase progress and eliminate rework/no-value added activities.

Plans the use of department space and equipment to both maximize utilization of square footage.

Improves the quality of laboratory testing at all times by ensuring through the Managers and Technical Supervisors that qualitative techniques, processing, developing and labeling duties are performed adequately and efficiently at all times.

Investigates and responds appropriately to all complaints and/ or compliments and takes effective corrective action when necessary.  Demonstrates the ability to identify and resolve interpersonal or professional conflicts when dealing with members of the organization.  Works with all unions as required by contracts while maintaining all hospital requirements and services.

Demonstrates tact, courtesy, professionalism and a positive attitude in all aspects of communication.  Consistently works with all visitors and patients and refers them to appropriate sources for assistance as part of the organization’s commitment to quality services.

Oversees all communication within assigned areas as well as throughout the organization to ensure that information is shared for effective operations.

Ensures programs and policies are in place to provide a safe work