Central Sterilizing Services Operations Manager - Integrated Services Center

The University of Iowa; Iowa City (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Iowa seeks a Central Sterilizing Services Operations Manager to lead 24/7 CSS sterile processing, including on-site management at the Integrated Services Center in Coralville. You will supervise staff, manage budgets, and ensure quality, safety, and accreditation standards across departments.

Responsibilities include HR guidance, staff development, strategic planning, and continuous process improvement, with collaboration across clinical and hospital partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• CBSPD or CRCST certification for duration of employment.
• Minimum 5 years experience in a medical field with sterile processing.
• Minimum 2 years in a supervisory role with direct reports.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Guide management during HR procedures and communicate issues to HR and CSS leadership.
• Coach and develop CSS Supervisors and staff through performance management.
• Develop staffing models to meet clinical demands and drive staff satisfaction.
• Assist in budget development and monitor financial targets.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, FDA, DOT, AAMI, AORN and accrediting standards.
• Lead continuous quality and process improvement in sterile processing operations.
• Collaborate on CSS strategic goals and equipment budgets.
• Oversee CSS education expectations and training.

Skills

HR management

Budgeting

Regulatory compliance

Leadership

Quality improvement

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

CBSPD certification

CRCST certification

Tools

ELMS familiarity

Job description

Central Sterilizing Services Operations Manager - Integrated Services Center

This position reports to the CSS Director of Operations. Knowledge of sterile instrument reprocessing to include knowledge of regulatory requirements and Joint Commission standards and elements of performance will be required.

The responsibilities of the Operations Manager position include management and guidance of an organization that maintains 24/7 CSS sterile processing operations. This includes expectations to be accessible and on location during department emergencies. Locations managed may include Medical Center University and the Integrated Services Center in Coralville.

Responsibilities include oversight and training of sterile processing supervisory staff and support for their positions as needed. CSS capital planning and fiscal responsibility to the annual approved budget will be expected. The operations manager will be expected to respond in a timely manner to defects (proactive and retroactive) with well-rounded corrective action responses to support high quality instrument reprocessing and continuous process improvement. Responsibilities also include human resources support and consistent performance management oversight.

Human Resources Management

• Guide management during HR procedures and communicate any issues to HR and CSS leadership.
• Guide, coach, assign, and develop CSS Supervisors and team members through performance management (evaluative feedback counseling) to assure outcomes are achieved and staffing procedures are responsive and consistent.
• Assist in the development of a staffing model needed to meet the dynamic clinical demands of the organization.
• Develop and monitor staff satisfaction initiatives to facilitate staff retention within the department.

Financial and Data Management and Analysis

• Prepare and/or assist in budget development; provide projections and recommendations.
• Manage productivity data and monitor budget to meet targets.

Compliance with Internal Policies and External Regulations for Safe and Effective Care Delivery and Health Profession Education

• Develop knowledge and compliance to regulations and standards such as OSHA, EPA, FDA, DOT, AAMI, AORN, etc. and participate in industry standards discussion and development.
• Remain informed and collaborate with UI Health Care Accreditation Services, clinic partners, and Infection Prevention and Control to ensure system-wide compliance to accreditation agencies such as The Joint Commission.
• Knowledge and dedication to best practices related to employee and environmental safety.
• Identify, communicate, and address operational and service delivery variances through action plans.

Continuous Quality and Process Improvement

• Remain current with knowledge of central sterilization services reprocessing.
• Manage effective and smooth operations in a sterile processing department by utilizing various management principles and techniques.
• Ability to apply organization's performance management system, practices, and tools to developing and improving individual, team, and organizational performance.
• Ability to form and manage effective teams.
• Develop operational & quality management systems.
• In collaboration with organization leadership, identify instrumentation needs associated with targeted growth in services in order to provide quality patient care.

Planning and Goal Management

• Collaborate with department and organization leadership to establish short- and long-term strategic goals for the CSS department.
• Develop and execute action plans for unit that support strategic and operational goals.
• Provide progress reports to department director or director of clinical functions.
• Advocate for departmental operational and customer service needs with organization leaders and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary leaders regarding CSS process improvements and equipment budgets.
• Develop and lead internal communication methods and channels to ensure clear, consistent, and regular communication of departmental priorities, standards, and expectations.

Education Program

• Maintain oversight and establish clear CSS education expectations.

A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Must possess and maintain certification from the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) or the CRCST from the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) for the duration of employment.

A minimum of 5 years related experience working in a medical field that includes a sterile processing component.

Minimum 2 years of experience in a supervisory role with direct reports.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Demonstration of commitment to principles of service excellence.

Excellent organization skills; detailed oriented.

Demonstrated effective interpersonal relationships with nursing staff, medical staff, SPD department, interdisciplinary teams, and other hospital departments.

Professional job-related experience fostering or promoting a welcoming and respectful work/academic environment.

Must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License and satisfactory driving record per UI Fleet Services’ driving requirements.

Desired Qualifications:

Familiarity with UI Health Care supervisory functions such as ELMS and performance reviews.

Experience managing in a union environment.

Experience managing agency team members.

Additional Information

• Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
• Schedule: Full-time

Contact Information

• Contact Name: Rachel Tortora

Equal opportunity employer

The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.

Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, [phone] or [e-mail] . For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543 .