System Director of Laboratory Services

DCCS Consulting; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 260,000 - 380,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Executive benefits package

Job summary

Penn Highlands Healthcare seeks an accomplished System Director of Laboratory Services to unify operations across a nine-hospital system. You will lead strategic integration, standardize policies, and drive automation and digital pathology initiatives to advance quality and patient care.

The role reports to the COO and System CMO, with responsibilities spanning governance, financial planning, and leadership development to ensure sustainable growth and regulatory readiness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science or related field required.
• ASCP/MLS/MT or equivalent certification required.
• CLIA/CAP/TJC inspection experience preferred.
• Multi-site health system laboratory management experience preferred.
• Experience leading regulatory readiness initiatives preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for laboratory services across nine hospitals.
• Develop and implement a system-wide laboratory strategy.
• Standardize laboratory operations across all facilities.
• Ensure compliance with CLIA, CAP, TJC and state regulations.
• Improve quality, turnaround times and operational efficiency.
• Lead laboratory automation, auto-verification, and digital pathology initiatives.
• Partner with physicians, pathologists, and executive leadership.
• Develop laboratory leaders and succession planning.
• Oversee financial planning, capital investments and resource optimization.
• Establish governance structures to improve communication and accountability.

Skills

Multi-hospital operations

Laboratory service line leadership

Change management

Financial management

Operational leadership

Executive communication

Process improvement

Laboratory automation

Regulatory excellence

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science or related

ASCP, MLS, MT or equivalent certification

CLIA, CAP and TJC inspection experience

Multi-site or health system laboratory management

Experience leading regulatory readiness initiatives

Tools

Cerner Laboratory Information System

Job description

DCCS, on behalf of Penn Highlands Healthcare, is seeking an accomplished laboratory executive to lead one of the most significant laboratory transformation initiatives in the region.

AsSystem Director of Laboratory Services, you will lead the strategic integration of laboratory operations across anine-hospital health system, creating a unified service line that advances quality, regulatory excellence, operational performance, and patient care.

The System Laboratory Director reports to the Chief Operating Officer and the System Chief Medical Officer.

What You’ll Lead

You will provide strategic and operational leadership for laboratory services throughout Penn Highlands Healthcare by:

• Strategic leadership for laboratory operations across nine hospitals
• Developing and implementing a system-wide laboratory strategy
• Leading standardization of laboratory operations across all facilities
• Ensuring compliance with CLIA, CAP, TJC, Pennsylvania DOH, and regulatory requirements
• Improving quality, turnaround times, and operational efficiency
• Standardizing instrumentation, methodologies, and laboratory policies
• Implementing laboratory automation, auto-verification, and digital pathology initiatives
• Partnering with physicians, pathologists, and executive leadership
• Developing laboratory leaders and strengthening succession planning
• Leading financial planning, capital investments, and resource optimization
• Building governance structures that improve communication, accountability, and performance

Ideal Candidate

We’re seeking a collaborative leader who enjoys building systems, developing people, and leading meaningful organizational change.

Successful candidates will bring experience in:

• Multi-hospital laboratory operations
• Laboratory service line leadership
• CAP accreditation
• CLIA regulatory compliance
• Laboratory quality management
• Operational standardization
• Process improvement
• Laboratory automation
• Change management
• Executive leadership communication
• Financial and operational management
• Auto-verification implementation

Required Qualifications Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science or related scientific discipline
• ASCP, MLS, MT or equivalentcertification
• CLIA, CAP and TJC inspection experience
• Multi-site or health system laboratory management
• Experience leading regulatory readiness initiatives

Experience

• Five or more years of progressive hospital laboratory leadership
• Demonstrated success leading operational improvement

Preferred

• Master's degree (MBA, MHA, or related field)
• Experience with laboratory automation
• Auto-verification implementation
• Cerner Laboratory Information System experience

Success in Your First 18 Months

You will help establish:

• One integrated laboratory service line
• Standardized laboratory operations across the health system
• Improved regulatory readiness
• Enhanced laboratory quality programs
• Strong laboratory governance
• Modern laboratory technology strategies
• Improved customer service and operational accountability
• A sustainable leadership structure supporting long‑term growth

Why Penn Highlands Healthcare

Joining Penn Highlands means joining a growing health system committed to continuous improvement and clinical excellence.

The Community

• Nestled among the scenic rolling hills of north-central Pennsylvania, DuBois offers the perfect blend of small-town charm, natural beauty, and modern conveniences, making it an ideal place to live, work, and raise a family.
• Conveniently located within driving distance of several major metropolitan areas, DuBois is approximately two hours from Pittsburgh, three hours from Cleveland, and four‑and‑a‑half hours from both Washington, D.C., and New York City, providing easy access to world‑class dining, entertainment, professional sports, and cultural attractions.
• Surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Pennsylvania Wilds and located near the Allegheny National Forest, the region is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Residents enjoy year‑round recreation including hiking, camping, fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, hunting, skiing, snowmobiling, and wildlife viewing.
• The area is home to numerous lakes, scenic waterways, and five nearby Pennsylvania State Parks, offering endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, weekend getaways, and family activities throughout every season.
• DuBois boasts an affordable cost of living, highly rated schools, welcoming neighborhoods, and a strong sense of community, providing an exceptional quality of life for individuals and families alike.
• With a thriving local economy, vibrant downtown, and abundant recreational opportunities, DuBois combines the benefits of a close‑knit community with convenient access to the amenities of larger cities, making it one of central Pennsylvania's most desirable places to call home.

In addition to a highly competitive compensation package, Penn Highlands Healthcare provides an exceptional executive benefits program, featuring relocation assistance, a 403(b) retirement plan with employer match, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, paid time off, parental leave, an Employee Assistance Program, and a 25% employee discount on Penn Highlands Healthcare services.