Interim Lab Manager

On Deck Healthcare; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

On Deck Healthcare is seeking an experienced Interim Laboratory Manager to lead the clinical laboratory services at a Central California hospital during a period of transition. The role requires strong operational leadership, regulatory readiness, and the ability to drive high performance in a fast-paced acute care setting.

Ideal candidates will have proven Lab Manager or supervisory experience in an acute care lab, deep regulatory knowledge including CAP/CLIA/JCAHO, and a California CLS

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in an acute care hospital laboratory setting.
• In-depth knowledge of clinical lab operations and regulatory standards.
• Strong people leadership and collaborative decision-making skills.
• California CLS license (Clinical Laboratory Scientist).
• Availability to start within 2–4 weeks and be on-site in Central California for the engagement.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the clinical laboratory, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant testing services across all departments.
• Provide leadership and support to lab staff, including Medical Technologists, Phlebotomists, and administrative personnel.
• Ensure regulatory compliance with CAP, CLIA, Joint Commission, and other relevant agencies.
• Evaluate workflows, identify areas for operational improvement, and implement best practices in quality, safety, and efficiency.
• Collaborate with nursing, medical staff, and hospital leadership to ensure seamless service integration and support of clinical priorities.
• Support staff development, morale, and accountability during a period of change.

Skills

Laboratory leadership

Regulatory compliance

People management

Education

California CLS (Clinical Laboratory Scientist) license

Job description

Interim Laboratory Manager - Central California

We are seeking an experienced Interim Laboratory Manager to lead the clinical lab services for a hospital in Central California during a key period of transition and stabilization. This role is ideal for a strong laboratory leader who is skilled at managing operations, driving regulatory readiness, and supporting high-performing teams in a fast-paced acute care setting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the clinical laboratory, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant testing services across all departments.
• Provide leadership and support to lab staff, including Medical Technologists, Phlebotomists, and administrative personnel.
• Ensure regulatory compliance with CAP, CLIA, Joint Commission, and other relevant agencies.
• Evaluate workflows, identify areas for operational improvement, and implement best practices in quality, safety, and efficiency.
• Collaborate with nursing, medical staff, and hospital leadership to ensure seamless service integration and support of clinical priorities.
• Support staff development, morale, and accountability during a period of change.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Proven leadership experience as a Lab Manager, Director, or Supervisor in an acute care hospital setting.
• In-depth knowledge of clinical lab operations, quality assurance, and regulatory standards.
• Strong people leadership skills with a collaborative and decisive leadership style.
• California CLS (Clinical Laboratory Scientist) license
• Availability to begin within 2-4 weeks from date of offer and to be on-site in Central California for the duration of the engagement.

Why On Deck?

At On Deck Healthcare, our mission is to connect the best healthcare leaders with exceptional health systems through compassion and honesty. We are guided by our commitment to excellence and strive to create impactful placements that support the communities and those who serve within them. Our interim leaders are W2 of On Deck with benefits, receive the full travel package (provided by our team), and participate in our charitable donation programs. Our roles start at 13 weeks with potential to extend.