Health Services Manager

UW Medicine - Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology (DLMP) in Renton, WA is seeking a Health Services Manager to oversee and manage the operations of the Microbiology laboratory at the Renton Central Lab.

About the role

The Health Services Manager (HSM) will plan, organize, and supervise all areas of the Microbiology laboratory, ensuring maximum operational efficiencies and compliance with established performance and productivity metrics. The role involves managing lab preanalytical and analytical automation, manual and specialized testing, and rapid and molecular testing. The HSM will collaborate with colleagues both inside and outside the department, participate in process improvement projects, and lead staff development and engagement.

Responsibilities

• Core Technical, Administrative, and Operations (55%)
  • Provides technical and administrative management and leadership to the Microbiology Laboratory.
  • Sets goals for the laboratory in conjunction with faculty and the DIDD Assistant Director; participates in division goals and policies.
  • Manages change and fosters innovation in laboratory functions using technological advances.
  • Consults with and informs leadership of activities, needs, and problems; ensures proper and efficient operations.
  • Oversees the development of educational tools/programs for training, competency, and QA/QI.
  • Develops optimized laboratory utilization algorithms and collaborates with clinical and research units.
  • Implements departmental and divisional policies and ensures clarity and understanding among staff.
  • Evaluates and recommends equipment needs; manages selection and contract negotiations.
  • Ensures compliance with all federal, state, and accrediting requirements.
  • Acts as liaison for the laboratory with other healthcare personnel.
  • Resolves service-related problems with other divisions or departments.
  • Directs and reviews quality control standards, proficiency testing, and preventive maintenance programs.
  • Manages clinical laboratory rotations for students and trainees; may prepare and present lecture material.
  • Collaborates with other Laboratory Division Supervisors/Managers on joint concerns.
  • Prepares presentations for staff, students, and professional meetings.
  • Maintains current knowledge of relevant literature and scientific advances.
  • Maintains working knowledge of Laboratory Information System (LIS), bioinformatic pipelines, and laboratory workflow software.
• Manage Staffing (20%)
  • Ensures technical staff remain proficient and competent; coordinates continuing education and in-service training.
  • Oversees development of training procedures and checklists.
  • Interviews, hires, orients, and trains new employees; maintains documentation of training and competencies.
  • Delegates responsibilities and tasks to optimize staff time and skills.
  • Assesses and adjusts laboratory staff based on workload, turnover, and budget; plans schedules and rotations.
  • Reviews and evaluates employee performance; provides feedback and recommends disciplinary action as needed.
  • Ensures staff awareness of compliance and safety policies.
• Regulatory and Compliance (15%)
  • Ensures compliance with regulations and accrediting bodies for all Microbiology laboratories.
  • Leads evaluation of departmental practices and process improvement initiatives.
  • Oversees quality tracking, benchmarking, and metrics reports to maintain and improve testing quality.
  • Maintains and reviews quality control standards to meet CAP and other regulatory requirements.
  • Maintains “inspection ready” performance for all Microbiology areas.
• IT Responsibilities (10%)
  • Partners with the Analytics and Laboratory Information System team to implement changes and improvements.
  • Ensures automation works as intended; collaborates with vendors for updates and data display.
  • Uses LIS and laboratory pipeline dashboard to ensure consistency in performance.
  • Ensures downstream computer systems display reports in a user-friendly format.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science or related field.
• Medical Laboratory Scientist certification with the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or equivalent certifying organization.
• Six (6) years of progressively responsible clinical technologist experience, including three (3) years in a leadership or supervisory capacity.
• Experience with wet bench procedures, instrumentation, quality management/assurance, and CAP proficiency and accreditation guidelines.
• Track record of effective management of teams and staff to meet goals and deadlines.
• Track record of effective Change Management.
• Extensive knowledge and expertise in clinical laboratory test/system validations and data management.
• Demonstrated experience with laboratory process improvements.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in medical laboratory science or equivalent field (desired).
• Substantial and comprehensive knowledge and experience in Clinical Microbiology operations.
• Five (5) or more years of Microbiology Manager level experience.
• Experience in hospital, academic medical center, or reference laboratory setting.
• Experience with Lean Management, laboratory process improvement, and Six Sigma certification/training.
• Experience identifying inefficiencies in processes, workflows, and throughput; implementation of process improvements.
• Experience with WASP or Kiestra Lab Automation lines in a high-volume lab setting.

About UW Medicine

UW Medicine is Washington’s only health system that includes a top-rated medical school and an internationally recognized research center. Its mission is to improve the health of the public by advancing medical knowledge, providing outstanding primary and specialty care, and preparing tomorrow’s physicians, scientists, and other health professionals. UW Medicine values collaboration, integrity, compassion, and respect for every patient, family, student, and colleague.

Schedule

• 100% FTE
• Day shift (schedule to be discussed with the hiring manager)