Senior Laboratory Operations Lead

Cook County Government; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Cook County Health in Chicago seeks a Senior Laboratory Manager to oversee technical services, validations, instrument implementations, and manage MLS department supervisors. This role ensures compliance with regulatory standards, manages daily operations, and leads quality assurance programs.

You will develop metrics, supervise staff, collaborate with contractors, and report to the Senior Laboratory Director, supporting clinical and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Master of Science degree from an accredited college or university.
• Board certification (AMT, ASCP) as generalist Medical Technologist, Medical Laboratory Scientist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist, or Doctorate Clinical Laboratory Scientist meeting standards according to CLIA.
• Three (3) years of clinical laboratory operations experience with at least two (2) years of supervisory level or above experience.
• Must be able to travel and work at Cook County Health (CCH) works sites to fulfill duties.

Responsibilities

• Manages complex laboratory operational projects; develops project plans, timelines, and implementation schedules to support departmental goals, priorities, and strategic objectives.
• Monitors communications, risks, safety concerns, test status reports, and other key indicators to ensure timely resolution and operational effectiveness.
• Reviews and maintains departmental procedures and policies.
• Develops, analyzes, and presents performance metrics, dashboards, and reports to track departmental progress, identify trends, support decision-making, and promote goal attainment.
• Coordinates and implements new tests, methods, and processes, ensuring effective documentation, communication, validation, regulatory compliance, and activity tracking.
• Leads multiple projects, initiatives, and teams simultaneously.
• Identifies, recommends, and implements process improvements and best practices to enhance workflow efficiency, productivity, quality, and service delivery.
• Collaborates and communicates effectively with laboratory leadership, vendors, healthcare providers, administration, and other departments to support clinical and operational excellence.
• Fosters a culture of continuous improvement and patient-centered care by providing leadership, education, training, and operational support to laboratory personnel.
• Utilizes administrative and analytical skills to evaluate data, assess performance, and present recommendations for operational improvement.
• Provides instruction and guidance to laboratory personnel and promotes compliance using Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) methodology or other quality improvement tools to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Develops and supports change management strategies to promote the acceptance, adaptation, and sustainability of new processes and initiatives.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Lab management

Regulatory compliance

Leadership

Quality assurance

Education

Master of Science degree

Board certification (AMT, ASCP)

Job description

Cook County Health in Chicago seeks a Senior Laboratory Manager to oversee technical services, validations, instrument implementations, and manage MLS department supervisors. This role ensures compliance with regulatory standards, manages daily operations, and leads quality assurance programs.

You will develop metrics, supervise staff, collaborate with contractors, and report to the Senior Laboratory Director, supporting clinical and operational excellence.