Director, High Level Disinfection and Sterilization

Full-time

MD Anderson

Director, Sterile Processing and High Level Disinfection (HLD) Operations
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is dedicated to eliminating cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research, prevention, and education. UT MD Anderson operates a complex healthcare environment that includes the Texas Medical Center campus, Houston Area Locations, ambulatory facilities, regional sites, and a Consolidated Service Center supporting patient care across the institution.
The Director of High Level Disinfection & Sterilization is a senior leadership role responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing enterprise-wide high level disinfection and sterilization programs. The Director of High Level Disinfection & Sterilization ensures regulatory compliance, infection prevention, patient safety, workforce development, and operational excellence across all locations. The Director of High Level Disinfection & Sterilization partners with executive leadership, clinicians, operational leaders, infection prevention teams, environmental health and safety, facilities, and sterile processing teams to support institutional goals.
The ideal candidate will possess extensive expertise in high level disinfection, sterilization, sterile processing operations, infection prevention standards, accreditation readiness, regulatory compliance, healthcare operations, workforce development, and leadership. Candidates should demonstrate success in leading enterprise-wide initiatives, partnering with executive leadership, developing educational programs, supporting workforce development, and driving continuous quality improvement initiatives.
Work Location: TMC Houston with required on-site presence and travel to regional and satellite locations.
Why Us?
This role provides the opportunity to lead institution-wide patient safety, infection prevention, and sterilization initiatives that directly support UT MD Anderson's mission. The position offers significant leadership visibility, collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, opportunities for professional growth, and the ability to influence quality, safety, compliance, and operational performance across multiple clinical locations. Relocation reimbursement is available for eligible candidates.
• Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
• Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.
Responsibilities
High Level Disinfection & Sterilization Leadership
• Serve as a subject matter expert on High Level Disinfection (HLD), Sterilization, and Spaulding Classification standards.
• Ensure best practices and current standards are implemented for scopes, instruments, facility design, and environmental requirements across all HLD and sterilization areas.
• Develop, manage, oversee, and implement institutional HLD and sterilization processes and procedures.
• Partner with Infection Control, Environmental Health & Safety, and operational stakeholders to establish best practices.
• Support Joint Commission compliance and survey readiness activities.
• Prevent Immediate Threat to Life findings, accreditation risks, and infection transmission events.
• Determine when HLD versus sterilization is required across institutional departments.
• Provide oversight for Perioperative Services, hospital-based areas, ambulatory locations, Houston Area Locations, and Consolidated Service Center sterile processing operations.
Risk Assessment, Compliance & Safety Readiness
• Establish structures and processes that focus on safety and quality.
• Maintain responsibility for compliance with primary standards governing HLD and sterilization processes throughout the institution.
• Ensure institutional readiness for Joint Commission Standard IC.02.02.01 and EP2 requirements.
• Support risk assessment analyses in partnership with Infection Control, Facilities, Patient Safety, and Accreditation teams.
• Identify points of exposure and develop corrective action plans with Sterile Processing Departments, center leaders, and other stakeholders.
• Monitor adherence to compliance requirements and implementation plans.
• Provide updates to Pharmacy & Therapeutics, Infection Control Committee, Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement leadership, and executive leadership regarding SPD and HLD compliance.
• Maintain accountability to executive leadership for reporting trends, concerns, and best practices.
• Review Environmental Health & Safety data, including humidity and temperature requirements, audit findings, and corrective action plans.
• Meet regularly with SPD and center leaders to review audits, recommendations, and best practices.
Education, Training & Workforce Development
• Perform initial and ongoing education for SPD and HLD teams.
• Lead institutional HLD and sterilization training implementation and rollout activities.
• Develop written managerial and supervisory oversight processes related to HLD and sterilization.
• Ensure leadership teams possess the knowledge and training necessary to oversee HLD and sterilization operations.
• Oversee continuing education initiatives and competency assessments for affected staff.
• Conduct audits and operational rounds in partnership with Clinical Engineering, Facilities, Infection Prevention, and other key stakeholders.
• Create hiring and staffing pathways for sterile processing operations.
• Partner with Human Resources and leadership to establish formal HLD and sterilization career progression pathways.
• Support career advancement opportunities including Sterile Processing Technician, Senior Technician, Instrument Specialist, SPD Lead, and Development Specialist roles.
• Establish a Sterile Processing Department Residency Program.
• Implement initiatives that help address workforce retention challenges within sterile processing operations.
Space & Equipment Planning
• Attend space and equipment planning meetings for all areas performing HLD and sterilization across the Texas Medical Center campus and Houston Area Locations.
• Ensure appropriate space and location are available and maintained for decontamination, high level disinfection, sterilization, and storage activities.
• Create and maintain an institutional inventory of HLD and sterilization equipment.
• Ensure accessibility of manufacturer instructions for use for devices, equipment, supplies, and products.
• Partner with institutional stakeholders to determine required HLD and sterilization equipment.
• Collaborate with operational leaders to ensure HLD and sterilization areas have the resources necessary to provide safe, quality care and services.
• Ensure compliance with equipment maintenance requirements.
Leadership, Communication & Stewardship
• Establish clear expectations and accountability standards for departments and teams.
• Communicate complex regulatory, operational, technical, and risk-related information to frontline staff, leaders, physicians, and executive leadership.
• Apply analytical thinking to assess information, solve problems, and make sound decisions.
• Support continuous learning and practice-based improvement initiatives.
• Provide technical expertise related to HLD and sterilization operations.
• Demonstrate sound business acumen while balancing quality, safety, workforce needs, operational performance, and financial stewardship.
• Promote professionalism, service excellence, ethical conduct, and adherence to institutional policies and standards of conduct.
• Provide employee development opportunities, coaching, and ongoing feedback to employees.
• Manage operating expenses in alignment with budget expectations.
• Complete required leadership development and management curriculum requirements.
Other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION
Required: Bachelor's Degree Business Administration or healthcare discipline.
Preferred: Master's Degree Healthcare discipline.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Required: Eight years managerial experience in a clinical setting to include 2 years of experience in high level disinfection and/or sterilization.
Additional years of related experience may be substituted for the Bachelor's degree on a one to one basis.
Successful completion of the LEADing Self Accelerate and/or LEADing Self Discover programs may substitute for one year of required supervisory or management experience. Completion of both programs can be substituted for a maximum of two years of supervisory or management experience.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required: CRCST - Certified and Registered Central Service Technician Healthcare Sterile Processing (HSPA). Upon Hire or
Required: CERT ER - Cert Endoscope Reprocessor Healthcare Sterile Processing (HSPA). Upon Hire or
Required: CFER - Certification for Flexible-Endoscope Reprocessor Certification Board of Sterile Processing and Distribution, Inc. (CBSPD). Upon Hire or
Required: CIS - Certified Instrument Specialist Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA). Upon Hire or
Required: CHL - Certified Healthcare Leader Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA). Upon Hire or
Required: CSPDT - Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Tech Certification Board of Sterile Processing and Distribution, Inc. (CBSPD). Upon Hire or
Required: CSPM - Certified in Sterile Processing Management Certification Board of Sterile Processing and Distribution, Inc. (CBSPD). Upon Hire or
Required: CSIS - Certified Surgical Instrument Specialist Certification Board of Sterile Processing and Distribution, Inc. (CBSPD). Upon Hire or
Required: CST - Certified Surgical Technologist National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Upon Hire or
Required: CNOR - Certified Operating Room Nurse America Board for Specialty Nursing Certification and the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. Upon Hire
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Must pass pre-employment skills test as required and administered by Human Resources.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits , including medical, dental, paid time off , retirement , tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.
This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.
Additional Information

Requisition ID: 182704

Employment Status: Full-Time

Employee Status: Regular

Work Week: Days, Weekends

Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 123,000

Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 154,000

Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 185,000

FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay

Fund Type: Hard

Work Location: Onsite

Pivotal Position: Yes

Referral Bonus Available?: Yes

Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes

#LI-Onsite

Apply

Vacancy posted 24 days ago

Similar jobs that could be interesting for youBased on the Director, High Level Disinfection and Sterilization in Houston, TX vacancy

HR Consultant (HRBP Level)
...stability, scale, and long-term focus of a global software organization. About the Role We are looking for an experienced and highly capable HR professional to join our HR team and support the GeoSoftware business within TSS and Vela. As part of a refreshed global...
Suggested
Full time
GeoSoftware
Houston, TX
13 hours ago
Sterile Processing Manager
...Introduction Are you ready to manage in a new era as a Sterile Processing Manager where building a healthier tomorrow is more than a job... ...range of medical services including cardiology, maternity care, Level III NICU, pediatrics, bariatrics and neurology. We comprehensively...
Suggested
Full time
Temporary work
Part time
Flexible hours
Houston Dose
Houston, TX
2 days ago
Customer Benefits Representative & Coordinator (Entry Level & Remote)
$54k - $110k
...Full-Time Entry-Level Customer Benefits Representative & CoordinatorLooking for a rewarding career with unlimited growth potential? Schreiter... ...labor unions, credit unions, and trade associationsIf you're ready for a high-impact career with limitless potential, apply today!...
Suggested
Weekly pay
Permanent employment
Full time
Remote work
Work from home
Globe Life American Income Schreiter Organization
Houston, TX
2 days ago
HR Reinvention Consulting Manager, High Tech Industry
...enhancing both business performance and employee satisfaction. This high-visibility role requires strategic thinking, deep expertise in... ...key business leaders and fostering buy-in and commitment at all levels of the organization. Empower clients with the knowledge and...
Suggested
Full time
Live in
Work at office
Local area
Accenture
Houston, TX
2 days ago
HR Reinvention Consulting Sr. Manager, High Tech, Comms & Media or Software & Platforms
...enhancing both business performance and employee satisfaction. This high-visibility role requires strategic thinking, deep expertise in... ...key business leaders and fostering buy-in and commitment at all levels of the organization.Empower clients with the knowledge and tools...
Suggested
Full time
Live in
Work at office
Local area
Accenture
Houston, TX
3 days ago
Accounting and Finance Executive Recruiter
$45k - $70k
...Analysts, Accounting Managers, Controllers, Directors, VPs of Accounting, and CFOs.... ...individual Gross Margin according to job level and line of business. Collaborate with... .... Emotional Intelligence: Maintains a high level of self-awareness and the ability to...
Full time
Local area
Flexible hours
Vaco
Houston, TX
13 hours ago
Associate, Process Manager
$73.3k - $83.7k
...relevant financial compliance regulations. Basic Qualifications: High School Diploma, GED or equivalent certification At least 1... ...part-time status, exempt or non-exempt status, and management level. This role is expected to accept applications for a minimum...
Full time
Part time
Work at office
Local area
Capital One
Houston, TX
a month ago
HR Business Partner (Temporary)
$45 - $50 per hour
...of clinics within an assigned Houston-area service region (local travel required). Impact: Opportunity to provide immediate, high-level HR partnership in a mission-driven healthcare environment. Apply today in less than 3 minutes using your phone, tablet, or computer...
Hourly pay
Full time
Temporary work
Local area
Immediate start
Ascend Hr Corp
Houston, TX
13 hours ago
Executive Recruiter
...recruiting firms in the country and we are looking to hire all levels of Executive Recruiters for our Houston, TX Office. Over the years... .... Our collaborative national practice groups are home to highly-skilled, dedicated recruiters, and we expertly deliver with speed...
Full time
Work at office
Local area
Flexible hours
The Lucas Group
Houston, TX
13 hours ago
Human Resources (HR Business Partner)
...ability to influence and build credibility with leaders at multiple levels of an organization. Strong communication, problem-solving,... ...glasses, gloves, steel-toed footwear, fire-resistant and/or high-visibility clothing, and hearing protection. ADA DISCLAIMER...
Full time
Work at office
Local area
Cando Corp
Houston, TX
13 hours ago
Associate Business Development Director
$89.9k - $250.4k
...tactics to meet market demands and financial targets. Maintain high visibility within customer organization. Monitor customer... ...education, training and experience Req ~ Proven track record at mid-level and high-level contacts ~ Strong organizational, planning,...
Full time
Part time
Work at office
Immediate start
Worldwide
IQVIA Holdings
Houston, TX
2 days ago
Associate Director, Development
$68.5k - $83.17k
...Associate Director Of Development - Houston Established in 1985, The ALS Association is... ...help create a pipeline of donors for mid-level and major gifts. Provide volunteer support... ...effectively, and participate in high-level customer service support Demonstrated...
Temporary work
Local area
Remote work
Night shift
The ALS Association
Houston, TX
1 day ago
Independent Director (Board-level role)
...Independent Director (Board-level role) About the Company Privately held, family-owned manufacturer and recognized leader in food equipment solutions. Industry Machinery Type Privately Held About the Role The Company is seeking two Independent Directors...
Confidential
Houston, TX
2 days ago
Associate Director
$155k - $170k
...Associate Director Lead the Cost Management team on specific client commissions, making... ...Hive to keep track of the ongoing margin levels and monthly fee/resource forecasts for each... ...change order management services to high-tech clients for Mechanical and plumbing....
Full time
For contractors
For subcontractor
Flexible hours
Turner & Townsend
Houston, TX
3 days ago
Director, Human Resources
...Human Resources Director Kindred Hospital Houston Medical Center and Acute Rehabilitation... ...(LTACH) offers advanced, hospital-level treatment for chronically and critically... ...Experience ~ Position requires a high level of proficiency in HR policies and practices...
Work experience placement
Local area
Relocation package
Shift work
ScionHealth
Houston, TX
3 days ago
Head of Recruiting & HR
...Director Of People Experience The Director of People Experience will oversee day-to-day... ...management. Support leaders in creating high-performing, engaged teams. Partner... ...credibility and influence outcomes across all levels of the organization. ~ Proficiency with...
Work at office
Local area
Relocation
alliantgroup, LP
Houston, TX
1 day ago
Head of Recruiting & HR
...Asylum matters. Job Summary: Meneses Law is seeking a highly skilled and experienced HR Director to lead our Human Resources department. The HR Director... ...development and growth. Maintain the strictest level of confidentiality with organizational information....
Work at office
Local area
Flexible hours
Meneses Law
Houston, TX
1 day ago
Regional HR Director
...celebrate our associates. The Regional Director of Human Resources provides leadership... ...compliance experience, strong business acumen, highly refined decision-making skills,... ...information clearly to audiences at all levels. Strong executive presence with the ability...
Full time
Contract work
Work at office
Local area
Remote work
Night shift
SCI Shared Resources LLC
Houston, TX
3 days ago
Senior Sterile Processing Lead Technician
Houston Methodist is seeking a Sr Sterile Processing Technician to maintain high standards of decontamination, assembly, sterilization, and wrapping of surgical instruments for Surgical Services and ancillary departments. The role supports OR staff, ensuring timely sterile...
Houston Methodist
Houston, TX
2 days ago
Benefits Manager
...data flow. ~ Ability to coach, develop, and motivate a high-performing benefits team. ~ Skilled at interpreting data... ...with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Work...
Work at office
Visa sponsorship
Work visa
Monday to Friday
Shift work
Weekend work
Stellantis
Houston, TX
1 day ago
Managing Director, Human Resources Consulting
...Managing Director, Human Resources Consulting About the Company Globally acclaimed provider... ...growth strategies, and leading a high-performing team. The role requires a leader... ...experienced in strategic planning, executive-level client leadership, and operational...
Remote work
Confidential
Houston, TX
4 days ago
Associate Marketing Manager
...earned, and owned channels. This role is ideal for a junior to mid-level marketer who enjoys working across multiple facets of marketing—... ...Excellent written and verbal communication skills High attention to detail Preferred Qualifications Familiarity with...
PlatinumBlack
Houston, TX
2 days ago
Talent Development Program Manager
...assessments, and technology-enabled learning initiatives at an enterprise level. As a key member of the Talent Management team, the Talent... ..., adoption, and measurable impact. The ideal candidate is a highly organized talent and development professional with experience project...
Full time
Weatherford
Houston, TX
more than 2 months ago
HRBP
...partner who supports leaders and employees across a fast-paced, highly technical manufacturing environment. This role helps deliver practical... ...to influence and collaborate with employees and leaders at all levels. Preferred Qualifications Bilingual Spanish-English...
Flexible hours
Integra Mission Critical
Houston, TX
1 day ago
Benefits Manager
...share the administrative workload while maintaining strong service levels Benefits Committee Leadership • Lead the Perry Homes... ...processes, timelines, and reporting for all benefits work • Be highly organized and proactive, anticipating needs rather than reacting...
Work at office
Local area
Monday to Friday
Perry Homes
Houston, TX
1 day ago
Executive Recruiter
...Significant experience with full life-cycle recruiting, including high-volume and fast-paced environments. Experience in salary... ...analytical, and critical thinking skills. Should Have: Expert-level knowledge in all full life-cycle recruiting components including...
Cynet Systems
Houston, TX
4 days ago
Executive Recruiter - Wealth Management
$49.92k - $350k
...$49,920.00 - $350,000.00 per year Job description: This is not an entry-level call center role. Our recruiters engage directly with experienced Financial Advisors — highly compensated professionals who are selective with their time and difficult to reach....
Bi-weekly pay
Full time
Monday to Friday
Afternoon shift
Placement Partners Inc.
Houston, TX
13 days ago
Associate Director, Operational Excellence
...Position Overview & Expectations The Associate Director, Operational Excellence is a high-impact leadership role responsible for driving operational... ...of 3 years of leadership experience driving enterprise-level or cross-functional business results. ~ Demonstrated...
Temporary work
Local area
Immediate start
Flexible hours
ABGi
Houston, TX
3 days ago
Senior People Operations Business Partner
...partnering closely with General Managers, Market Directors, Fixed Operations leaders, and corporate... ...effectiveness. This is a highly visible role requiring strong business acumen... ...the ability to influence leaders at all levels of the organization. The Business Partner...
Afternoon shift
Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
Houston, TX
24 days ago
Head of Recruiting & HR
...in careers with a focus on sustainable, high-growth, high-demand industries. Our committed... ...as an intermediary between Regional HR Director and operations Ensure Federal & State... ...professionally and positively with employees and all levels of management Required knowledge of...
Local area
Equus
Houston, TX
15 days ago

Do you want to receive more vacancies?

Subscribe and receive similar vacancies to Director, High Level Disinfection and Sterilization. Be the first to apply!