Lab Cluster In-Charge - Technical Operations

Job description:

Responsible for overseeing and managing technical operations of medical laboratory services across the assigned cluster of medical laboratories and their associated sample collection centers, ensuring alignment with the organization's policies and procedures. This role entails end-to-end management of laboratory functions with a focus on standardization, quality compliance, optimal resource utilization, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

Education:

• MBBS, DNB, MD (Pathology, Biochemistry)
• Preferred: MBA - Healthcare and ISB's

Key Skills / Experience:

• Strong analytical mindset to interpret lab performance data and drive corrective or improvement actions
• Ability to handle technical disruptions, complaints, or audits promptly and effectively
• Strong knowledge of NABL/NABH/ISO standards and internal QMS systems, capable of ensuring regulatory and accreditation compliance

Primary Responsibilities:

• Oversee smooth functioning of technical operations across all laboratories and collection centers within the assigned cluster
• Ensure timely and accurate generation and release of test reports within defined TAT (Turnaround Time)
• Manage and resolve all technical and operational issues in consultation with lab in-charges, HODs, operational, and marketing teams

Quality Assurance & Compliance:

• Ensure adherence to QMS and coordinate with the Quality Assurance Department for audits, improvements, and regulatory compliance (NABL, biomedical waste, PPE protocols)
• Monitor and ensure accurate LIMS usage, including report amendments, process flow compliance, QC documentation, and data statistics
• Ensure continuous review and improvement of report formats based on user feedback and evolving requirements in alignment with approved formats and under the guidance of the Laboratory Director / Chief of Lab
• Ensure compilation of data for MIS and submission in a timely manner along with review and feedback for improvements
• Monitor process flow, QC compliance, amendment of reports, and any other activities on LIMS with statistics in coordination with lab in-charges and lab managers

Inventory & Equipment Management:

• Monitor inventory levels, consumption trends, and wastage audits; ensure timely procurement and avoid shortages or excessive hoarding of stock
• Supervise preventive maintenance, calibration, and timely repair of equipment; ensure uninterrupted laboratory services

Phlebotomy Overview:

• Manage phlebotomy operations in coordination with the Central Phlebotomy In-Charge, ensuring high standards of patient service and sample integrity
• Communicate and reinforce all relevant SOPs and policies to phlebotomists as per established protocols

People Management:

• Actively contribute to manpower planning, including identifying vacancies, participating in interviews, and supporting job role training across the assigned cluster
• Support all centers in developing and implementing training schedules and oversee compliance with competency assessments for all staff, including doctors
• Lead thorough root cause analysis meetings for all customer complaints by involving relevant stakeholders and drive resolution planning to prevent recurrence
• Review and assess lab fines levied on staff, coordinate with lab managers and other stakeholders to understand the reasons, and implement targeted retraining programs where necessary
• Hold regular meetings with all lab managers and lab in-charges to review data, address issues related to inventory and processes, and provide feedback and actionable improvement plans to the Director

Additional Responsibilities:

• Provide expert advice on test selection, interpretation, and utilization of laboratory services in coordination with the sales team
• Implement risk mitigation strategies and document continual improvement initiatives in coordination with the Quality Assurance team
• Undertake additional responsibilities or projects as assigned by the Director - Laboratory Services for organizational benefit