Laboratory Operations Manager - Dermatopathology

Laboratory Operations Manager Dermatopathology

Lighthouse Lab Services is partnering with an established healthcare organization to identify an experienced Laboratory Operations Manager to oversee its Scottsdale laboratory within a growing dermatopathology division.

This is an excellent opportunity for a strategic, results-driven leader who combines laboratory operations expertise with strong business acumen and people management skills. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving operational efficiency, financial performance, regulatory compliance, employee engagement, and continuous improvement across the laboratory.

Working closely with physician leadership, regional operations, and cross-functional teams, the Laboratory Operations Manager will translate business objectives into measurable results while fostering a collaborative, accountable, and quality-focused work environment.

The ideal candidate has experience managing laboratory operations, developing high-performing teams, overseeing budgets and performance metrics, and ensuring compliance with applicable regulatory and accreditation standards. Experience in histology, dermatopathology, or anatomic pathology is particularly valuable.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations & Strategic Planning

• Oversee daily laboratory operations, ensuring efficiency, quality, service excellence, and alignment with organizational objectives.
• Partner with senior management, physician leadership, and regional operations to develop and execute strategic business plans.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators, including turnaround time, laboratory productivity, staffing efficiency, quality metrics, and client service.
• Identify and implement process improvements to optimize workflows, reduce waste, improve resource utilization, and support sustainable growth.
• Lead operational improvement initiatives, technology implementations, new test launches, facility upgrades, and laboratory expansion projects.

Leadership & Team Development

• Recruit, onboard, train, coach, and develop laboratory personnel and supervisory staff.
• Establish clear performance expectations and promote accountability, employee engagement, and professional development.
• Manage employee performance, succession planning, workforce development, and staffing strategies.
• Develop staffing models aligned with laboratory volumes, productivity targets, service expectations, and financial objectives.
• Partner with Human Resources to address employee relations matters and ensure consistent application of organizational policies.
• Facilitate regular team meetings and ensure timely completion of required training and competency assessments.
• Foster a collaborative, positive work environment that emphasizes communication, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Financial & Business Management

• Oversee laboratory financial performance, including revenue, cost of service, operating expenses, labor utilization, and EBITDA.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets while identifying opportunities for cost containment and improved profitability.
• Monitor financial and revenue cycle indicators, including accounts receivable, days sales outstanding, bad debt, and reimbursement trends.
• Analyze operational and financial reports to identify trends, evaluate performance, and guide decision-making.
• Manage procurement, inventory, equipment maintenance, and vendor relationships in accordance with established purchasing and financial guidelines.

Quality Assurance & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure laboratory operations comply with applicable regulatory, accreditation, privacy, and safety requirements, including CAP, CLIA, HIPAA, OSHA, and EPA standards, as applicable.
• Maintain inspection readiness and support quality assurance initiatives, corrective action plans, and continuous quality improvement programs.
• Develop, implement, and maintain operational policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Monitor quality metrics and implement corrective measures to maintain compliance, accuracy, and consistency.
• Promote a culture of quality, safety, and accountability throughout laboratory operations.

Client Relations & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Build and maintain strong relationships with physician partners, clients, and internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Sales, physician leadership, and regional operations to support business development, client retention, and growth initiatives.
• Work with Billing, Revenue Cycle Management, Human Resources, Information Technology, Compliance, and Procurement to resolve operational challenges.
• Provide operational and market feedback to leadership to support business planning and strategic initiatives.
• Lead teams through organizational changes and process transitions while maintaining service quality and operational stability.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Laboratory Science, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of progressive experience in laboratory operations, healthcare operations, laboratory administration, or a related healthcare management environment.
• At least 3 years of direct supervisory or management experience, including employee development, performance management, and operational oversight.
• Demonstrated experience with budgeting, financial management, labor optimization, and operational performance metrics.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage competing priorities, and drive measurable operational improvements.
• Experience implementing process improvements, managing organizational change, and fostering a culture of accountability.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Healthcare Administration (MHA), Business Administration (MBA), or a related field.
• HT or HTL certification through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
• Previous management experience in a high-volume histology, dermatopathology, anatomic pathology, or clinical laboratory environment.
• Experience with laboratory accreditation, regulatory inspections, and quality management systems.
• Experience managing laboratory profit and loss (P&L), budgets, and operational growth initiatives.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of laboratory workflows, operational management, productivity standards, and quality assurance.
• Working knowledge of applicable laboratory regulations and accreditation requirements, including CAP and CLIA.
• Financial acumen, including budgeting, expense analysis, revenue cycle performance, labor utilization, and cost optimization.
• Strong leadership and employee development skills, including coaching, performance management, conflict resolution, and succession planning.
• Ability to translate strategic objectives into actionable plans and measurable results.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with laboratory personnel, physicians, executive leadership, and external partners.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, including root-cause analysis and sustainable problem-solving.
• Proficiency with laboratory information systems (LIS), financial reporting tools, productivity dashboards, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to lead organizational change while maintaining employee engagement and continuity of laboratory services.
• Commitment to exceptional client service and high-quality patient care.

Compensation & Benefits

• Annual salary of $95,000$115,000, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Sign-on bonus.
• Relocation assistance for qualified candidates.
• Competitive benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and career development.
• Collaborative environment working alongside physician and operational leadership.

Interested in Learning More?

If you're an experienced laboratory leader with a background in operations management, team development, financial performance, and regulatory compliance, we encourage you to apply. Candidates with experience in histology, dermatopathology, or anatomic pathology are particularly encouraged to connect with Lighthouse Lab Services to learn more about this opportunity in Scottsdale, Arizona.

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