Laboratory Manager

JDJ Diagnostics; Durban; On-site; ZAR 540,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

A medical diagnostics laboratory in Durban seeks an individual to manage laboratory operations and ensure the accurate testing of patient samples. Responsibilities include developing performance systems, maintaining stock levels, managing resource planning, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. The ideal candidate should have experience in diagnostics, a strong grasp of quality standards, and the ability to effectively address complaints. This dynamic role plays a crucial part in delivering quality service to clients.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing laboratory operations and diagnostics.
• Strong understanding of quality assurance and compliance standards.
• Ability to handle stock management and resource planning.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement systems to meet performance targets.
• Perform diagnostic testing and interact with pathologists.
• Monitor and manage stock levels effectively.
• Ensure smooth departmental operations and client service.
• Design staff training and competency plans.
• Address internal and external complaints systematically.
• Report on equipment operational and financial aspects.
• Control operational costs while ensuring quality.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory standards and practices.
• Maintain health and safety regulations.
• Uphold SANAS/ISO 15189 compliance and participate in CPD activities.
• Ensure health and safety rules are followed to minimise risk.

Job description

Meet Test Turn Around Times Within Targeted Timeframes and Standards

• Develop and implement systems to meet 95% of TAT performance.

Accurate Processing of Patient Samples

• Performs diagnostic testing procedures, reviews and verifies results and interacts with pathologists on technical matters to provide all relevant data that may pertain to the prevention, diagnosis or treatment of diseases.

Actively Manages Stock Levels Within Agreed Parameters and Safety Stock Levels

• Submit stock forecast as per deadlines, referencing the last 30 days' tests and accurate stock-on-hand values.
• Actively monitor tests per week versus forecast and address anomalies.
• Report on usage per analyser; identify excessive wastage versus designed specifications.
• Records of stock control to present consumption.

Effective Capacity, Resource Planning and Scheduling

• Facilitate that the departmental operations are functional and that service delivery to clients and patients is met.
• Ensure that shift coverage with scheduled work arrangements is met and complies with HR requirements.

Team Management

• Design a Training and Competency Plan for staff development.
• Facilitate all educational opportunities and activities for staff to ensure objectives and performance standards are adhered to.

Resolution of Queries and Complaints

• Actively address and action internal and external complaints in a systematic manner, implement corrective actions and monitor effectiveness for adherence to protocols.

Effectively Manage the Assets (Equipment) required to achieve the Department's Operation Requirements

• Report on physical, financial and contractual aspects of all equipment on a monthly basis.

Cost Management

• Monitor, control and report on operational costs without compromising quality standards.

Quality Assurance by Implementing Good Lab Practices Referencing SANAS/ ISO 15189 Standards

• Ensure compliance to standard operating procedures, work instructions, checklists, and resolution of non-conformances.
• To actively uphold compliance to the quality standards in the organisation.
• Participates in continuing professional development (CPD) activities, training, and seminars to stay current on knowledge and skills and to meet professional registration requirements. This also requires the availability of up-to-date records.

Health, Safety and Environment

• Ensures that all staff are compliant to all Health and Safety rules and regulations to prevent incidents and minimise exposure to risks to personnel and the environment.