Operations Director, Clinical Laboratory Operations - Clinical Laboratory Administration - Tri State Area (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut) - Full Time/Day Shift

The Director will drive achievement of key performance indicators (KPIs), maintain effective staffing models, and ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and accreditation requirements. This role requires a strong operational leader who can foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, customer service, and employee engagement while supporting the laboratory’s strategic and financial objectives.

Essential Responsibilities

Operational Leadership and Performance Management

• Direct and oversee all aspects of laboratory operations to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant delivery of laboratory services.
• Establish, monitor, and achieve operational key performance indicators (KPIs), including turnaround time (TAT), productivity, quality metrics, customer satisfaction, specimen integrity, and financial performance.
• Utilize performance dashboards and data analytics to identify trends, bottlenecks, and opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Implement process improvement initiatives and Lean methodologies to optimize workflow and enhance operational efficiency.
• Develop and execute action plans to address performance gaps and ensure service level commitments are consistently achieved.
• Partner with laboratory leadership, physicians, and cross-functional stakeholders to support organizational goals and strategic initiatives.

Turnaround Time and Service Metrics

• Maintain accountability for meeting established turnaround time goals across all laboratory departments and testing platforms.
• Monitor and manage daily, weekly, and monthly performance metrics, including:
  • Turnaround time compliance
  • STAT testing performance
  • Pending and aged workload
  • Instrument downtime
  • Specimen rejection rates
  • Quality indicators and customer complaints
  • Productivity and labor utilization
  • Overtime and vacancy rates
  • Reportable result timeliness
  • Service and client satisfaction metrics
• Ensure appropriate escalation processes are in place to proactively address service disruptions and minimize impact to patients and clients.
• Lead root cause analyses and corrective action initiatives to improve performance and sustain operational targets.

Workforce Planning and Talent Management

• Develop, maintain, and optimize staffing models to ensure appropriate coverage and alignment with testing volumes and workload demand.
• Monitor labor productivity, overtime utilization, absenteeism, and vacancy rates to ensure efficient resource management.
• Utilize forecasting tools and operational data to support workforce planning and resource allocation.
• Recruit, mentor, coach, and develop laboratory leaders and staff while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Promote employee engagement and support succession planning initiatives.

Inventory Management and Supply Chain Oversight

• Provide oversight for inventory management and supply chain activities to ensure uninterrupted laboratory operations.
• Establish inventory control processes and monitor key indicators related to supply utilization, stock levels, and waste reduction.
• Collaborate with procurement and vendor partners to maintain appropriate par levels and ensure timely acquisition of reagents, consumables, and laboratory supplies.
• Evaluate inventory trends and implement strategies to reduce expired materials and optimize cost management.
• Develop contingency plans to mitigate supply shortages and operational disruptions.

Technology and Laboratory Systems

• Provide operational leadership for laboratory instrumentation, automation systems, and technology platforms to maximize reliability and efficiency.
• Partner with Information Technology and Laboratory Information System (LIS) teams to support system implementations, upgrades, interfaces, and workflow enhancements.
• Lead the evaluation and adoption of new technologies and automation solutions to improve productivity, quality, and turnaround times.