Manager Clinical Lab

Natera•San Carlos, CA

About The Position

The Manager Clinical Lab works closely with the Senior Manager to meet company, department, and team goals. The role oversees team-specific laboratory operations, managing workflow, production targets, staffing, quality, compliance, and continuous improvement. The manager serves as a key resource for laboratory processes and products when the Senior Manager is unavailable and ensures that automation and test improvements are integrated smoothly into production. This position leads and develops employees, manages training and performance reviews, addresses employee issues with support from the Senior Manager and/or Human Resources, and coordinates regularly with Supervisors and cross-functional teams. The manager also oversees CAPA initiation and closeout, supports NCR closeout, ensures tests follow approved procedures, and maintains a safe, organized, and efficient work area.

Requirements

BS/BA degree in Biological Sciences, a related field, or equivalent.
At least 6 years of experience in a clinical laboratory environment.
Eligibility for delegation as both a CAP General Supervisor and an NYSDOH supervisor.
Current California State CLS or CGMBS (Clinical Genetics Molecular Biologist Scientist) license.
Exceptional multitasking, organizational, and communication skills.
Excellent computer skills, including MS Excel.
Strong attention to detail and ability to organize and prioritize.
Strong problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently and as a self-starter while working with teams at all levels.
Experience building and managing a high-performing group of engaged and motivated employees.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of molecular diagnostics.

Responsibilities

Work with the Senior Manager to meet company, department, and team goals.
Monitor workflow and ensure production goals and deadlines, including TAT and SLA targets, are met.
Plan for future needs and scale employees and equipment appropriately.
Gather and monitor metrics on production deadlines, efficiency, scrap waste, and error rates.
Monitor quality control and assurance programs, test results, and equipment, as applicable.
Use metrics to inform decisions and drive changes such as cost reduction and quality improvement.
Maintain sufficient staffing to meet production goals by driving interviews and managing employee PTO and overtime when needed.
Improve laboratory processes through continuous improvement projects.
Oversee team-specific laboratory operations and serve as the go-to resource for process and product knowledge when the Senior Manager is not present.
Ensure automation and test improvements or additions transition seamlessly into production workflows.
Analyze and troubleshoot laboratory processing errors and recommend next steps to the Lab Director, scientists, and statisticians as necessary.
Support Supervisors in closing out NCRs.
Initiate and close out CAPAs in a timely manner.
Ensure departmental laboratory compliance with regulatory bodies and that tests follow approved procedures.
Maintain an organized, safe, and efficient work area.
Interact with cross-functional teams, including Operations, Accessioning, Engineering, Statistics, R&D, and Support.
Handle employee complaints and disciplinary matters, collaborating with the Senior Manager and/or Human Resources as needed.
Explain the reasoning behind instructions, processes, and changes, and explain when proposed ideas cannot be implemented effectively.
Meet regularly with Supervisors to discuss goals and progress.
Conduct performance reviews for direct reports and oversee reviews for the entire staff.
Plan and lead team meetings.
Develop employees through learning, cross-training, and new challenges.
Recognize and reward talent through merit reviews, promotions, and recognition programs.
Adhere to departmental expectations and manage the training program for direct reports.
Notify management of requirements for tools, supplies, and other resources.
Use available resources to meet schedules and goals, provide guidance within established company policies, and recommend policy changes or establish procedures affecting the immediate organization.
Coordinate the activities of a section or department and be accountable for results, including costs, methods, and staffing.