Immunohematology Reference Lab Manager (BB/SBB)

The American Red Cross offers a unique opportunity to be part of the world’s largest humanitarian network, where your career makes a meaningful impact on millions of lives every year.

About the role

We are seeking a transformational Immunohematology Reference Lab (IRL) Manager to lead daily laboratory operations while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. This role is critical in shaping a high-performing team environment, strengthening engagement, and ensuring excellence in patient care and service delivery. The ideal candidate is a technically strong, visible, hands-on leader who can rebuild trust, motivate teams, and elevate performance.

Responsibilities

• Manage laboratory staff including staff resource planning, hiring, training, coaching, evaluating, and disciplining to ensure a well-qualified team and operational success.
• Provide guidance, in conjunction with the Medical Director, to ensure appropriate patient care.
• Oversee planning processes and establish long-range goals for laboratory supervisory staff.
• Manage the budgetary process and approve reagent and equipment purchases.
• Serve as a resource for supervisors on complex technical issues.
• Ensure IRL participation in the American Rare Donor Program and Diagnostics Manufacturing Division.
• Coordinate the installation of new or revised tests and procedures, ensuring appropriate quality control in accordance with SOPs, CFR, and OSHA regulations.
• Ensure compliance with all state and federal regulations, AABB/ASHI standards, ARCBS directives, and regional policies, fostering a quality-driven environment.
• Ensure laboratory training is completed in compliance with established guidelines.
• Perform and interpret basic and complex donor and/or patient testing procedures, complete required quality control, and resolve testing irregularities.
• Write, organize, and maintain departmental procedure manuals.
• Perform manufacturing duties, including labeling and verification of special blood products adhering to good manufacturing practices (GMP).
• Ensure the accuracy of computer and physical blood component inventories.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a Biological Science or related field.
• Must be CA CLS, CIS, or BB; ability to obtain a CA CLSSBB highly preferred.
• Minimum 6 years of directly related laboratory experience.
• At least 2 years in high-complexity immunohematology testing.
• 3–5 years of leadership/management experience within an IRL or comparable hospital setting strongly preferred.
• Ideal candidate will have 3–5+ years of IRL-specific experience.

Skills

• Proven ability to lead through change and rebuild team culture.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Demonstrated customer focus with a commitment to service excellence.
• Ability to influence, engage, and align teams toward shared goals.
• Effective presentation skills for diverse audiences.
• Active listener who values diverse perspectives.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and remove obstacles.
• Collaborative team player with a solutions-oriented mindset.

This position will be expected to travel nationally.

Pay

The target salary for this position is $155,000/year. Note that American Red Cross salaries are aligned to the specific geographic location in which the work is primarily performed. Other factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include your specific skills, years of experience, and comparison to other employees already in this role.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision plans.
• Health Spending Accounts & Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Starting at 15 days a year, based on job type and tenure.
• Holidays: 11 paid holidays (six core holidays and five floating holidays).
• 401K with up to 6% match.
• Paid Family Leave.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Disability and Insurance: Short-term and Long-term.
• Service Awards and recognition.