Laboratory Manager - Core Lab

Job Description Job Description Lighthouse Lab Services is representing a leading healthcare system in the Cary, NC area that is seeking an experienced Core Lab Manager to lead a high-performing clinical laboratory team.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced laboratory leader who thrives in a fast-paced, patient-focused environment and is passionate about operational excellence, staff development, quality assurance, and continuous improvement. The Core Lab Manager will oversee day-to-day laboratory operations while supporting strategic initiatives, regulatory compliance, and exceptional patient care outcomes.
Monday–Friday | Day Shift
Leadership flexibility required based on operational needs
Position Overview
The Core Lab Manager is responsible for the operational, technical, and personnel oversight of the Core Laboratory, ensuring efficient workflow, high-quality testing, regulatory compliance, and outstanding service to physicians and patients.
This leadership role requires strong clinical laboratory knowledge, excellent communication and team management skills, and the ability to effectively coordinate laboratory operations across multiple disciplines. While the standard schedule is Monday through Friday on day shift, flexibility is required to support departmental needs, staffing, projects, and operational priorities.
The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in clinical laboratory operations, proven leadership experience, and the ability to drive quality and process improvement initiatives within a collaborative healthcare environment.
Key Responsibilities
Oversee daily operations of the Core Laboratory to ensure quality, productivity, and service standards are met
Manage laboratory staff including hiring, onboarding, scheduling, performance management, coaching, and professional development
Ensure compliance with CAP, CLIA, OSHA, and all applicable regulatory and accreditation standards
Monitor workflow, turnaround times, staffing levels, and operational efficiency
Support and lead quality assurance, quality control, and process improvement initiatives
Collaborate with laboratory leadership, pathologists, and hospital administration on departmental goals and strategic planning
Assist with implementation, validation, and maintenance of laboratory instrumentation and new testing procedures
Troubleshoot operational and instrumentation issues as needed
Maintain appropriate inventory levels, supply management, and budget awareness
Promote a culture of teamwork, accountability, patient safety, and continuous improvement
Ensure accurate documentation, reporting, and adherence to laboratory policies and procedures
Support staff competency assessments, continuing education, and regulatory readiness activities
Qualifications
Education
Bachelors Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science or related field preferred
Experience
Minimum of 5 years of clinical laboratory experience
4+ years of leadership or supervisory experience strongly preferred
Strong background in Core Lab operations required
Experience with high-complexity testing and laboratory regulations required
Experience in hospital laboratory environments preferred
Certifications
Preferred certifications include:
ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology)
Equivalent national laboratory certification
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive compensation package
Comprehensive benefits package
Sign-on bonus and/or relocation assistance available for select openings
Career advancement opportunities within a respected healthcare organization
About Us
At Lighthouse Lab Services, we offer solutions to help start, grow, and run clinical laboratories. Our recruiting team has over 22 years of proven success placing job seekers in positions ranging from entry-level Medical Technologists to seasoned Laboratory Directors. We recruit nationwide for permanent and travel positions with clients ranging from small hospitals to large reference laboratories.
It is the policy of Lighthouse Lab Services to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual

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