Manager Specimen Handling

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:

The Manager, Specimen Handling represents the Department, which operates 24/7, to Senior Management, other Spectra Departments and Regulatory Agencies. The Manager, Specimen Handling is responsible for the day-to-day administrative management of the Department’s operation and personnel on (3) three shifts, and must be accessible to the Laboratory to provide on-site, telephone or electronic consultation.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage the tactical execution of short- and long-term objectives through the coordination of activities with a direct responsibility for results, including costs, methods, and staffing.
• Provide leadership, coaching and development plans for all direct reports to maintain an engaged and productive workforce; partnering with Human Resources on employee matters.
• Ensures quality standards and daily production deadlines are met by allocating human resources to meet the needs of the work flow and work load, within the time and budget objectives of the Department and Company.
• Establishes and maintains a Quality Control Program for the Processing Department, ensuring that the highest standards are met from initial receipt of the specimen, through data entry, and to the laboratories.
• Routinely monitors and evaluates LIS systems in Specimen Processing to ensure optimum performance.
• Facilitates communication between staff, middle-management, and senior management by:
  • Conducting employee performance appraisals, Resolving human resources issues, Developing performance improvement plans as needed, Implementing progressive discipline, effectively interpreting and implementing organizational policies and procedures, informed employee selection.
• Acts as a resource and liaison for Specimen Processing to resolve technical and client-related issues regarding protocol, equipment, budget, billing, distribution, and systems interface with the following departments: Customer Service, IT, Quality Systems, Finance, Warehouse & Distribution.
• Develops work flows and procedures for Specimen Processing using the ISO process. Ensures all employees are in-serviced and trained.
• Ensures employee compliance with safety and other regulatory requirements, e.g. OSHA, Fire Safety, Business Practice Compliance, etc.
• Maintains an “Inspection Ready” status for CAP, NYS, A2LA, FDA and any other applicable Regulatory Agencies.  Maintain up-to-date SOPs, 
• Maintains Procedure Manuals within the Document Management System (Includes Administrative Manuals, Safety Manuals).
• Monitors purchasing and inventory of all our supplies, to ensure efficient materials usage and cost containment.
• The selection, evaluation and implementation Front End Automation in the Department.  Includes the verification and establishment of the precision and accuracy of each instrument and test system, as well as vendor interface, viability studies, presenting cost analysis reports, etc.
• Develops and conduct investigational studies/experiments, test evaluations, and a variety of process improvement projects.  Should have good documentation, reporting and presentation skills.
• Active participation in the budget process.  Monitors and explains budget variances, formulating budgets, capital equipment acquisition, cost analysis, etc.

• Interacts with internal departments and external customers; particularly in problem resolution.  Acts as an advisor to subordinate(s) to meet schedules and/or resolve technical problems.  Responsible for hiring, coaching and counseling employees, including performance reviews, disciplinary action and terminations.
• Provide technical guidance.
• Assist with various projects as assigned.

• Other duties as assigned.

Additional responsibilities may include focus on one or more departments or locations. See applicable addendum for department or location specific functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

• The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 
• Flexibility to change schedule and hours as needed.
• Ability to work in a high volume production environment
• Accessibility by phone and/or email for emergencies.

SUPERVISION:

• May be responsible for the direct supervision of various levels of Leads and Supervisors.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s Degree required; Advanced Degree desirable

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIRED SKILLS:

• 6 – 8 years’ related experience.
• 3 years’ supervisory or project/program management experience preferred.
• Knowledge of good laboratory practices and Regulatory requirements (CAP, CLIA, OSHA, ISO, FDA, etc).
• Strong general management and interpersonal skills (planning, organization, project management, training, etc).
• Excellent personnel management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.
• Good written and oral communication skills (documentation, record keeping, presentations, etc).
• Knowledge of financial and materials management.
• Budgeting experience including creation and management.
• Negotiation skills with vendors.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of Department Equipment.
• PC proficiency.

EO/AA Employer: Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

Fresenius Medical Care North America maintains a drug-free workplace in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.