Executive Director, Laboratory Services (02026)

Job Description SummaryReporting to the Vice President of Operational Excellence and Clinical Services, the Executive Director of Laboratory Services provides strategic, operational, financial, and regulatory leadership for all laboratory services across South Shore Health.This role is responsible for ensuring high-quality, patient-centered laboratory operations that support the organization's clinical, quality, growth, and financial objectives. The Executive Director oversees laboratory operations, phlebotomy services, quality and regulatory compliance, pathology partnerships, and workforce development while ensuring compliance with CLIA, CAP, Joint Commission, and other applicable state and federal regulations.Job DescriptionESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSOperational Leadership• Oversees daily laboratory operations including the core laboratory, microbiology, blood bank, anatomic pathology, histology/cytology, specimen processing, phlebotomy services, point-of-care testing, and ambulatory laboratories.• Ensures laboratories consistently meet service, quality, turnaround-time, and productivity goals.• Ensures adequate staffing models that support laboratory operations and organizational needs.• Establishes standardized operating procedures and performance expectations across all sites.• Directs department activities in a manner consistent with organization-wide programs and procedures.Strategic Leadership• Promotes a health system-wide perspective, aligning laboratory strategies, operations, and resources with organizational priorities to support enterprise goals and patient care outcomes.• Develops and executes the laboratory's strategic plan aligned with health system goals.• Identifies and advances opportunities to expand laboratory services, strengthen operational capabilities, and support organizational growth.• Leads innovation, automation, and technology adoption to improve service, quality, and efficiency.• Partners with physician and nursing leaders, pathology services, and executive leadership on strategic initiatives. Quality & Regulatory Compliance• Ensures compliance with CAP, CLIA, Joint Commission, DPH, OSHA, CMS, and other regulatory agencies. • Leads laboratory accreditation and inspection readiness activities.• Oversees quality management, patient safety, risk mitigation, competency assessment, and corrective action programs.• Reviews incident reports and develops systems to prevent reoccurrence of unexpected outcomes in accordance with Collaborative Just Culture and High-Reliability principles. • Develops and maintains departmental policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance program, safety, environmental and infection control programs.• Monitors key quality indicators and drive continuous improvement initiatives.Financial Management• Develops and manages operating and capital budgets in accordance with organizational policies, ensuring timely submission and alignment with financial objectives.• Effectively utilizes resources within established budgets.• Monitors revenue, expenses, productivity, and cost-per-test performance.• Analyzes performance metrics and budget variances, developing and implementing action plans to achieve financial and operational objectives.• Identifies opportunities to reduce costs and enhance revenue while maintaining the highest standards of quality and service. Collaborates closely with billing and revenue cycle teams to optimize reimbursement and ensure regulatory compliance. • Evaluates and justifies equipment, supply, and capital resource requirements, negotiates service and maintenance agreements, and oversees long-range planning for space, equipment, and operational needs.• Supports business planning, capital acquisition, and contract negotiations.Leadership & Workforce Development• Recruits, develops, and retains high-performing laboratory leaders and staff.• Fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.• Consistently and fairly implements human resources policies.• Partners with staff to establish meaningful performance goals that support productivity, professional development, and continuous improvement, as documented through the performance appraisal process.• Promotes employee engagement and organizational values. • Leads succession planning and professional development initiatives.Physician & Stakeholder Relations• Partners regularly with medical directors, the Chief of Pathology, pathology providers, and clinical leaders across the health system to ensure alignment on laboratory operations, quality, and service delivery. • Serves as a trusted resource and consultant to medical, nursing, and administrative staff on laboratory-related matters.• Acts as the primary liaison to the pathology team, partnering on the planning, implementation, and oversight of key operational initiatives.• Serves as the primary laboratory representative on health system committees and leadership councils.• Collaborates with clinical service lines to support patient care and organizational objectives.• Cultivates strategic partnerships with professional organizations and key external stakeholders to support the advancement of laboratory and health system initiatives.JOB REQUIREMENTSMinimum Education - Preferred• Minimum of Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology or related sciences preferred.• Master's degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, Laboratory Management or related field preferredMinimum Work Experience• Minimum of five (5) years progressive experience in clinical laboratory operations, preferably in a CAP accredited laboratory.• Three (3) years in administrative management role preferred.Required Licenses/CertificationsMT or MLS or MT or MLS (ASCP Equivalent) required. Medical Technician or Medical Laboratory Scientist license is required at time of hire.Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities• Extensive knowledge of modern laboratory technologies, instrumentation, and methodologies used in specimen collection, testing, and analysis.• Comprehensive knowledge of laboratory policies, procedures, and operational standards, with the ability to ensure regulatory compliance and promote high-quality service delivery.• In-depth knowledge of quality assurance principles and programs, with a demonstrated ability to drive continuous improvement and sustain high-performance standards.• Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations to keep abreast of latest trends in field of expertise.• Strong project management and process improvement skills, with a demonstrated ability to lead complex initiatives and drive measurable results.• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to build relationships and communicate effectively across all levels of the organization, including customers, staff, and executive leaders.• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead, coordinate, and support professional and technical staff in achieving high standards of quality, efficiency, and performance.• Proven ability to lead and collaborate in a team-oriented environment, cultivating a culture of respect, learning, accountability, and shared responsibility for delivering outstanding quality and service.