Sterile Processing Manager

About the Role

At Instrumentum, the Director of Sterile Processing is a steady and confident leader who sees the full picture and stays grounded when the pace picks up. This role requires someone who is detail-oriented, who doesn’t just react to problems but anticipates them — someone who brings structure to complexity and calm to pressure. This role isn’t about managing a shift – it’s about orchestrating an entire sterile processing operation across multiple shifts, teams, and challenges. You’ll lead our SPD Coordinators and take full ownership of the department’s performance: the people, the processes, the quality, and the outcomes. You’ll be the anchor – clear-eyed, solution-oriented, and always five steps ahead. We’re looking for someone who thrives in complexity, finds clarity in structure, and leads with both accountability and care. You see the whole board. You bring people together to meet a higher standard – because you know this work is too important to get wrong.

Responsibilities

• Department Leadership
  • Lead the entire Sterile Processing Department, including all Coordinators and Technicians across multiple shifts
  • Establish and uphold department-wide goals, quality standards, and performance benchmarks
  • Build a culture of excellence, safety, and professionalism across the team
• Operations & Compliance Oversight
  • Ensure full compliance with AAMI, CDC, CMS, and other regulatory and accreditation standards
  • Oversee department audits, policies, inspections, and action plans
  • Standardize workflows and drive operational consistency across shifts
• Team Management & Development
  • Train and coach SPD Coordinators; serve as their primary point of escalation and development
  • Monitor team performance and partner with HR on evaluations, corrective actions, and recognition
  • Provide ongoing education and leadership development support
• Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement
  • Implement quality control systems and track metrics related to accuracy, throughput, and turnaround times
  • Lead root-cause investigations and corrective measures in response to quality issues or process deviations
  • Collaborate with cross-functional partners to drive continuous improvement
• Cross-Departmental Collaboration
  • Act as the SPD liaison to Logistics and Transportation teams, Facility Leadership, and external partners
  • Ensure the timely and accurate availability of sterilized instrumentation for all customer surgical schedules
  • Represent the SPD in leadership meetings and company initiatives

What You Will Deliver

• A high-functioning, compliant, and responsive SPD operation across all shifts
• Well-trained, engaged Coordinators and technicians who are aligned and supported
• Operational excellence, evidenced by consistent quality and efficient throughput
• A culture that attracts, retains, and develops top-tier sterile processing talent

Requirements

• Certification in sterile processing (CRCST or equivalent required)
• At least 5 years of sterile processing experience, including 3+ years in a management role
• Strong knowledge of industry regulations, infection control practices, and audit readiness
• Proven ability to lead large teams across multiple shifts and drive measurable results
• Excellent communication, team-building, and decision-making skills
• Experience in high-volume, high-acuity surgical environments preferred

Benefits

• A compelling vision and mission, and the collective pursuit of excellence
• A great environment: fun to work with and building an awesome team
• Generous benefits and growth opportunity with a well-positioned, fast-growing company

Schedule

This is an on-site position at our Modesto, California location. Occasional travel may be necessary to share best practices and meet with vendors and partners.