Lab Director

The Lab Operations Director is responsible for the strategic leadership, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence of the laboratory. This role ensures that laboratory services are delivered at the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency in alignment with organizational goals and applicable federal, state, and accrediting agency requirements. The Lab Director oversees the laboratory management team and personnel, leads quality assurance and performance improvement initiatives, and serves as a key advisor to senior leadership on laboratory-related issues.

Summary of Essential Job Functions

The key responsibilities of the Lab Manager include but not limited to:

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Oversight

• Provide visionary leadership and long-term strategic planning for all laboratory operations.
• Lead the development and implementation of laboratory policies, procedures, and systems to improve efficiency, quality, and service delivery.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to align laboratory services with broader organizational goals and clinical priorities.
• Develop and manage the laboratory budget, including staffing, capital expenditures, and operational costs.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, methodologies, and industry trends to maintain cutting-edge capabilities.

Personnel Management

• Supervise and mentor Lab Managers and senior lab staff; oversee all aspects of staff development, training, credentialing, and performance management.
• Lead workforce planning and recruitment initiatives to ensure adequate staffing and staff competency.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing laboratory team culture.
• Conduct annual performance evaluations and professional development planning for all direct reports.

Operational

• Serve as the point of contact for inspections, audits, and communications with regulatory and accrediting bodies.
• Oversee laboratory quality management systems, including internal audits, incident investigations, corrective action planning, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
• Maintain accurate and complete laboratory records in accordance with all applicable laws and standards.
• Direct daily operations of the laboratory staff, ensuring that all testing and specimen handling is conducted accurately and efficiently.
• Oversee maintenance and calibration schedules for laboratory instrumentation and equipment, ensuring minimal downtime and adherence to manufacturer specifications.
• Ensure appropriate safety practices are enforced in the laboratory at all times.
• Manage and oversee procurement of supplies, inventory controls, and vendor relationships.
• Develop and implement comprehensive training programs for laboratory personnel to ensure ongoing compliance and technical competence.
• Facilitate and/or lead in-service training, workshops, and conferences related to laboratory best practices and emerging trends.

 

Regulatory

• Ensure compliance with all federal and state regulatory bodies, as well as accrediting agencies
• Complies with all federal, state, and local regulatory agency requirements

Marketing and Outreach

• Participate in community and public relations activities as assigned.

Professional Development

• Responsible for the achievement of assigned specific annual goals and objectives
• Demonstrates the belief that addiction is a brain disease, not a moral failing
• Demonstrates hope, respect, and caring in all interactions with patients and fellow Team Members
• Establishes and maintains positive relationships in the workplace
• Can work independently and under pressure while handling multiple tasks simultaneously
• Makes decisions and uses good judgment with confidential and sensitive issues
• Deals appropriately with others in stressful or other undesirable situations

Training

• Participate in and provide in-service trainings as required by federal, state, local, and accrediting agencies
• Attend conferences, meetings and training programs as directed
• Participate in and/or schedule and attend regular in-service trainings

Other

• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment

Minimum Requirements

The Lab Operations Director will preferably hold a high school diploma and be knowledge in the field of behavioral health. The Lab Manager will display the following abilities below.

 Qualifications

The Lab Operations Director must have the following qualifi