Central Sterilization Processing & Dispensary Operations Manager

University of the Pacific•Stockton, CA

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Director of Clinic Operations, the Central Sterilization Processing & Dispensary Operations Manager leads and manages Central Sterilization Processing and Dispensing Operations, including personnel, inventory, equipment, infection prevention practices, and operational workflows. The role ensures compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards, supports clinical education and patient care activities, and promotes operational excellence through quality improvement, staff development, and effective resource management. The position provides leadership for sterilization, dispensing, inventory management, and instrument tracking operations; maintains equipment and inventory; develops quality assurance and competency programs; and supports student clinical education. It also advances the strategic and operational objectives of the School of Dentistry. The role works with people from diverse backgrounds and supports culturally responsive practices, equity, and inclusion. The position is full-time, five days per week, eight hours per day, Monday through Friday. Occasional overtime is required. Occupational exposure to blood-borne pathogens may reasonably be anticipated; personal protective equipment will be provided to reduce or eliminate exposure to infectious agents.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Current sterilization certification or license from HSPA or CBSPD; a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) license does not substitute for this requirement.
Certification in Central Sterilization Management is required or must be obtained within twelve months of employment.
Knowledge of sterilization techniques and instrument reprocessing workflows.
Knowledge of infection control protocols, standards, and regulatory requirements.
Advanced knowledge of dental instruments, equipment, terminology, procedures, and materials.
Knowledge of electronic instrument tracking systems, inventory systems, and barcode technology.
Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft 365 applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint.
Ability to produce professional reports and correspondence.
Ability to use Microsoft 365 applications for reporting, presentations, communication, and data analysis.
Ability to interpret operational metrics and implement process improvements.
Ability to lead large teams across multiple service areas.
Ability to communicate effectively with faculty, staff, students, patients, vendors, and leadership.
At least five years of progressive management experience in a dental, medical, hospital, or healthcare setting, leading large teams and overseeing multiple clinical, sterilization, dispensing, or operational areas.
Demonstrated experience with workforce planning, employee development, scheduling, coaching, engagement, and performance management.
Previous experience working in central sterilization serving a large-scale healthcare, hospital, academic dental, or healthcare delivery system environment.
Experience collaborating with clinical leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
Experience and sensitivity in working with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Demonstrated experience advancing social justice, equity, and inclusion in a university setting.
Ability to engage and integrate culturally responsive practices and knowledge in work.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of dental management systems, instrument tracking technologies, and inventory management systems.
Advanced understanding of infection prevention, regulatory compliance, and quality assurance principles.
Experience managing a union team.
Ability to provide leadership and direction to staff and student employees.
Ability to lead quality improvement and operational excellence initiatives.
Experience supporting student clinical education.
Experience managing centralized sterilization and distribution services.
Experience with large-scale instrument inventory systems.
Familiarity with dental management systems and tracking technologies.
Experience developing training programs for students and staff.
Experience leading regulatory compliance, infection prevention, and process improvement initiatives.
Bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, public health, healthcare management, or a related field.
Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) license.
Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC), Certified Healthcare Leader (CHL), or related certification.

Responsibilities

Manage sterilization and dispensing staff, including hiring, training, staff development, work distribution, performance evaluations, scheduling, coaching, recognition, and corrective action.
Coordinate staffing coverage across sterilization, dispensing, and inventory management areas, collaborating with clinical managers to support efficient clinic operations.
Demonstrate exceptional customer service and establish service standards for staff.
Participate in Infection Control, Clinic Operations, and other assigned committees.
Plan, direct, monitor, troubleshoot, and evaluate sterilization, dispensing, inventory, and instrument tracking operations.
Ensure compliance with infection prevention requirements, regulatory standards, clinic policies, and accreditation expectations.
Supervise decontamination, high-level disinfection, packaging, sterilization, storage, distribution, and inventory control activities.
Develop and monitor quality assurance, competency validation, infection prevention, and operational improvement programs.
Maintain adequate staffing, competency assessment, ongoing education, and professional development programs.
Oversee equipment maintenance, preventive maintenance schedules, repairs, biological monitoring, and sterilization documentation.
Maintain accurate inventories of instruments, supplies, materials, and equipment and ensure inventory security and accountability.
Administer electronic instrument tracking systems and use operational data for reporting and process improvement.
Support student clinical education through training, operational support, and compliance oversight.
Provide leadership in accomplishing the School of Dentistry’s strategic and operational objectives.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Clinic Operations.