Area Lab Manager

Ampath Laboratories; East London; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization in East London is looking for an Area Lab Manager to oversee multiple laboratories. The role involves ensuring operational excellence, guiding Technical Leads, and fostering a culture of performance and continuous improvement. Candidates should have a relevant medical technology qualification, management certification, and at least three years of leadership experience in a laboratory environment. This is a permanent position with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• At least three years’ leadership experience in a multi-laboratory environment.
• Ideally up to six years of experience in a pathology laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational excellence across laboratories.
• Guide Technical Leads and optimise processes.
• Shape a culture of performance and accountability.

Skills

Proficiency in MS Office

Understanding of regulatory frameworks

Effective communication in English

Numerical reasoning

Sound business and financial acumen

Education

Relevant medical technology qualification with HPCSA registration

Management qualification or certification

Job description

Overview

• Job Reference Number: A260016
• Department: East London Gen Lab
• Industry: Pharmaceutical And Medical/Healthcare
• Job Type: Permanent
• Positions Available: 1
• Salary: Market Related
• Location: East London

As an Area Lab Manager at Ampath, you are entrusted with leading multiple laboratories to deliver operational excellence and uphold the highest standards of diagnostic quality. This role is a dynamic blend of operational oversight and hands-on leadership, where you guide Technical Leads, optimise processes, and ensure that every laboratory under your care operates with precision, efficiency, and purpose. You are not only managing operations - but you are also shaping a culture of performance, accountability, and continuous improvement that empowers teams to thrive and deliver exceptional service.

Responsibilities

Lead multiple laboratories to deliver operational excellence and uphold high standards of diagnostic quality. Guide Technical Leads, optimise processes, and ensure laboratories operate with precision, efficiency, and purpose. Shape a culture of performance, accountability, and continuous improvement that empowers teams to thrive and deliver exceptional service.

Role Requirements

• Relevant medical technology qualification with HPCSA registration.
• Management qualification or certification essential for leadership in a multi-laboratory environment.
• At least three years’ leadership experience (e.g., Technical Lead) with people, quality, and laboratory operations management.
• Ideally up to six years of experience in a pathology laboratory environment.

Skills Requirements

• Proficiency in MS Office and understanding of regulatory frameworks (HPCSA, BCEA, OSH Act, EE Act).
• Strong grasp of accreditation standards, financial management, and people development practices.
• Effective communication in English, numerical reasoning, and sound business and financial acumen.

Role Impact

Lead operational excellence across laboratories by streamlining processes, guiding teams through change, and ensuring optimal use of resources. Provide financial insight for sustainable growth and foster a people-first culture of engagement, learning, and accountability. Mentor future leaders and build strong, collaborative teams to shape Ampath’s future.

Employment Equity and Diversity

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We actively encourage applications from individuals across all backgrounds, especially those from underrepresented groups.

Hours and Location

Hours of Work: 40 hours per week

Work week: 5 days

Location: East London

Closing Date

8 February 2026 at 21:00

Take the next step in your career with Ampath, where purpose meets possibility.