Assistant Manager - Blood Production Operations

Gulf Coast Blood; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Gulf Coast Blood in Houston, TX, seeks an Assistant Manager - Component Production to lead daily component manufacturing operations, align with quality and regulatory standards, and maintain a safe, compliant lab environment.

You will mentor staff, drive continuous improvement with lean practices, coordinate resources, and serve as acting department head when the Manager is away. This role emphasizes teamwork and regulatory readiness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific discipline is required.
• Strong leadership and supervisory experience in regulatory environments.
• Knowledge of FDA, AABB, CLIA, CAP, cGMP standards is preferred.
• Experience managing quality systems and regulator inspections is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support the day-to-day management of Component Production operations to meet production goals and quality standards.
• Act as department leader in the absence of the Component Production Manager and oversee staffing and workflow.
• Lead investigations related to deviations and CAPA, and support internal and external audits.
• Promote safety, compliance, continuous improvement, and staff development.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

Quality systems

Process improvement

Communication

Team supervision

Education

Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, Biology, Chemistry, Life Sciences or related scientific discipline

Job description

Position Title: Assistant Manager - Component Production

Job Summary

The Assistant Manager, Component Production is responsible for supporting the operational leadership of the Component Production department to ensure the safe, timely, and compliant manufacture of blood components. This position partners closely with the Component Production Manager to oversee daily operations, lead staff, maintain regulatory compliance, drive operational excellence, and promote a culture of quality, safety, and continuous improvement. The Assistant Manager serves as the acting department leader in the absence of the Manager and provides leadership in workforce management, quality systems, process improvement, regulatory readiness, and employee development.

Essential Responsibilities

Operational Leadership - 35%

• Support the day-to-day management of Component Production operations to ensure production goals, quality standards, and customer service expectations are achieved.
• Assume full operational responsibility for the department in the absence of the Component Production Manager.
• Monitor workflow, staffing levels, productivity, and turnaround times to optimize operational performance.
• Coordinate daily operational priorities and allocate resources effectively to meet business demands.
• Collaborate with cross-functional departments to ensure efficient production and service delivery.

Quality & Regulatory Compliance - 25%

• Ensure compliance with all applicable FDA, AABB, CLIA, OSHA, cGMP, CAP, and organizational standards.
• Monitor adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and quality system requirements.
• Lead investigations related to deviations, non-conformances, corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), and error management.
• Support internal audits, external inspections, and accreditation assessments.
• Maintain inspection readiness through continuous monitoring and process improvement.

People Leadership - 20%

• Supervise, coach, and develop laboratory staff to achieve departmental objectives.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, engagement, and continuous learning.
• Monitor employee performance through regular coaching, feedback, and performance evaluations.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, orientation, competency assessments, scheduling, and workforce planning.
• Address employee relations matters in partnership with People & Culture.
• Promote employee retention through career development and engagement initiatives.

Training & Competency - 8%

• Oversee new employee onboarding, training, and competency assessment programs.
• Ensure all employees maintain required certifications and annual competencies.
• Identify knowledge gaps and implement training initiatives that improve operational effectiveness.

Continuous Improvement - 7%

• Identify opportunities to improve quality, efficiency, productivity, and cost effectiveness.
• Utilize Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies where appropriate.
• Participate in process redesign and workflow optimization initiatives.
• Monitor operational metrics and implement corrective actions to improve performance.

Safety & Risk Management - 5%

• Promote a safe laboratory environment by ensuring compliance with all safety policies and procedures.
• Support emergency preparedness activities.
• Ensure appropriate corrective action is taken for safety incidents and near misses.
• Promote a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, Biology, Chemistry, Life Sciences or related scientific discipline

Experience

• Minimum five (5) years of progressive laboratory or blood component manufacturing experience.
• Minimum four (4) years of supervisory or leadership experience.
• Experience working within FDA-regulated or highly regulated healthcare environments.
• Experience managing quality systems and regulatory inspections preferred.
• Demonstrated advanced knowledge of blood component processing and manufacturing operations.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and critical-thinking abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current HIPAA certification.
• Familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) or structured laboratory improvement programs.
• Knowledge of FDA regulations, AABB Standards, FACT Standards, cGMP, CAPA, RC and quality management systems.
• Experience working in a cleanroom or controlled manufacturing environment.

Key Competencies

• Blood Component manufacturing
• Leadership and Influence
• Training and Mentorship
• Operational Coordination
• Quality and Regulatory Compliance
• Problem Solving and Decision Making
• Process Improvement
• Communication and Collaboration
• Accountability
• Customer Focus

Supervisory Responsibility

• Assists the Manager in executing supervisory responsibilities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable laws.
• Responsibilities include participating in interviewing and onboarding employees, planning and assigning work, and supporting daily direction of staff activities.
• Assists in performance management processes, including coaching, feedback, performance evaluations, and corrective action support.
• Supports resolution of employee relations matters, operational issues, and workplace concerns in collaboration with the Manager.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Work Environment

This position operates within laboratory, manufacturing, cleanroom, and biologics processing environments.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive laboratory activities.
• Ability to lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in laboratory, manufacturing, and refrigerated environments.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Travel

n/a

Schedule

The role may require shift work, weekends, holidays, and participation in emergency or critical product processing activities as needed. Must be available and willing to work such overtime and/or weekends and holidays as Gulf Coast Blood determines are necessary or desirable to meet its business needs.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT

Gulf Coast Blood is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants for positions are considered without regard to race/ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, military status, protected veteran status, disability status, genetic testing results, or any other basis or characteristic prohibited by applicable law, statute, regulation or Executive Order.