Sterile Processing Lead: OR Liaison & Quality Champion

Tennova Healthcare- North Knoxville Medical Center; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Tennova Healthcare- North Knoxville Medical Center is seeking a Sterile Services Lead to serve as a liaison between Sterile Processing and the Operating Room, ensuring efficient handling of surgical instrumentation and supplies.

This role includes leading sterile processing staff, performing quality audits, monitoring instrument availability, training personnel, and driving process improvements while upholding sterilization standards and a collaborative culture that supports high-quality patient

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in sterile processing or surgical services required.
• 1-3 years of leadership or supervisory experience required.

Responsibilities

• Provides day-to-day leadership and oversight of sterile processing staff, supporting workflow coordination and ensuring adherence to departmental standards.
• Monitors and ensures the management of supplies in all areas of Sterile Processing, maintaining an adequate, cost-effective inventory.
• Oversees the collection, decontamination, processing, sterilization, storage, and distribution of non-disposable instruments and equipment.
• Conducts quality audits to ensure the accuracy of instrument assembly and preparation for surgical cases.
• Serves as a point of contact for Sterile Processing Technicians, providing technical support, guidance, and training to junior staff.
• Coordinates and ensures proper assembly, sterilization, and delivery of case carts, resolving instrumentation issues promptly.
• Monitors sterilization processes, including steam and hydrogen peroxide sterilizers, ensuring compliance with quality assurance standards.
• Collaborates with Supervisors and Managers to implement process improvements, address staffing needs, and support employee training initiatives.
• Evaluates and documents staff performance, providing constructive feedback and conducting timely performance appraisals.
• Responds to complaints and resolves issues in consultation with leadership and risk management as necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Skills

Sterile processing leadership

Surgical services experience

Staff supervision

Job description

Tennova Healthcare- North Knoxville Medical Center is seeking a Sterile Services Lead to serve as a liaison between Sterile Processing and the Operating Room, ensuring efficient handling of surgical instrumentation and supplies.

This role includes leading sterile processing staff, performing quality audits, monitoring instrument availability, training personnel, and driving process improvements while upholding sterilization standards and a collaborative culture that supports high-quality patient