Director of Lab Services

About the Role

The Director of Laboratory Services oversees all daily laboratory and compliance functions of the Bon Secours Mercy Health assigned region laboratory locations. With direction from the Executive Director Laboratory Services, Regional COO, and respective Lab Medical Directors, this role assumes responsibility for developing long-term strategic and operational plans for all laboratory modalities across all sites. The Director manages human, financial, and capital resources, collaborates with nurse managers, physicians, and staff to implement and evaluate patient care standards, controls expenses and productivity, and drives net revenue growth for laboratory services.

This position ensures proper education, training, and development of staff, oversees quality improvement activities, and monitors job performance and competency. All duties are performed in alignment with Mercy Health’s mission and core values: Excellence, Human Dignity, Justice, Compassion, Sacredness of Life, and Service.

Responsibilities

• Provides visionary leadership and strategic oversight to ensure achievement of the BSMH mission and values, including exemplary patient and customer experience.
• Manages human, capital, and supply expenses for the laboratory in alignment with BSMH’s strategic plan.
• Leads regional outreach growth and competitiveness, ensuring effective 24-hour hospital and outreach operations to grow net revenue.
• Utilizes resources consistent with stewardship values and organizational objectives, identifying success factors and strategies for achievement.
• Monitors and evaluates quality of care in collaboration with medical directors, managers, and BSMH’s quality improvement program, taking corrective action as needed.
• Develops, recommends, and administers department operating and capital expense budgets, ensuring operations stay within budget and implementing cost-effective measures.
• Recommends acquisition, use, and organization of resources to ensure efficient laboratory services and meets financial goals.
• Ensures a safe working environment compliant with all safety standards and disaster plans.
• Promotes and initiates performance improvement activities, providing reports and action plans to meet regulatory standards (e.g., Joint Commission, CAP).

Requirements

• MLS (Medical Lab Scientist) or MLT (Medical Laboratory Technician) certification by a nationally recognized agency (preferably ASCP) (required).
• Bachelor’s degree (required); Master’s in Healthcare Administration or related field (preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in a leadership position within a laboratory tech environment (required).

Patient Population

• Neonates (0-4 weeks)
• Infants (1-12 months)
• Pediatrics (1-12 years)
• Adolescents (13-17 years)
• Adults (18-64 years)
• Geriatrics (65 years and older)

Working Conditions

• Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads.
• Exposure to high noise levels, bright lights, hazardous substances, or body fluids.
• Potential exposure to human blood and other infectious materials.
• Constant interruptions and required car travel to off-site locations, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.
• Occasional nights and/or weekends depending on departmental priorities.

Physical Requirements

• Lifting/carrying up to 50 lbs. (1-33% frequency).
• Pushing/pulling up to 50 lbs. (1-33% frequency).
• Stooping, kneeling, bending (1-33% frequency).
• Sitting, walking, and standing (34-66% frequency).
• Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination), repetitive arm/hand movements, and finger dexterity.
• Ability to hear alarms/telephone/audio recordings and perform shift work.
• Color vision, depth perception, and acuity (near and far).
• Exposure to latex, toxic/caustic chemicals, moving mechanical parts, dust/fumes, electrical shock, x-ray/electromagnetic energy, high-pitched noises, and gaseous risks.

Skills

• Keyboarding, Microsoft Office, telephone skills, and office machine operations.
• Proficiency with lab information systems and ability to train staff.
• Process improvement, budgeting, and active listening.
• Service orientation, verbal/written communication, coordination, and problem-solving.
• Customer service, leadership, mentoring, organization, and time management.
• Hiring and onboarding.

Benefits

• Competitive pay, incentives, and referral bonuses.
• 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible).
• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage with HSA/FSA options.
• Life insurance, mental health resources, and discounts.
• Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, and backup care for children and elders.
• Tuition assistance, professional development, and continuing education support.

Benefits may vary based on market and employment status.