Manager, Sterile Processing University Hospital

University of Missouri Health Care • Columbia, MO

87d • $73,382 - $119,808

About The Position

MU Health Care is looking for a passionate and driven leader to join our team as Manager of Sterile Processing. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment where precision and quality are paramount. We're seeking someone who brings a proactive mindset, inspires excellence in others, and is deeply committed to patient safety and operational integrity. This is a unique opportunity to lead a dedicated team and make a meaningful impact on the care we deliver every day. If you're a collaborative problem-solver with a sharp eye for detail and a heart for service, we want to hear from you. Join us and help shape the future of health care at MU.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in healthcare administration, nursing, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities can be acquired.
• Five (5) years of sterile processing experience.
• Two (2) years of leadership experience including managerial experience.
• Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).
• Certified Healthcare Leader certification by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) within one (1) year of hire as a condition of continued employment in this job classification.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in an academic or complex healthcare setting.
• Additional license/certification requirements as determined by the hiring department.

Responsibilities

• Implement policies, procedures, and protocols to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
• Fosters a culture of excellence, teamwork, and continuous improvement within the department.
• Trains, develops, and evaluates a high-performing team of sterile processing staff.
• Manages departmental resources, including budget, equipment, and supplies, to support operational efficiency.
• Implements workflows and processes for instrument decontamination, sterilization, and distribution to support surgical services and other clinical areas.
• Collaborates closely with operating room staff, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals to ensure the timely availability of sterile instruments and equipment.
• Maintains a robust quality assurance program within the sterile processing department.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable regulatory guidelines, infection control standards, and hospital policies.
• Conducts regular audits, inspections, and performance evaluations to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.
• Promotes a culture of infection prevention and control, including proper handling, cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization techniques.
• Develops and delivers comprehensive education and training programs for sterile processing staff to ensure competency, compliance, and professional growth.
• Guides other healthcare professionals regarding proper handling, storage, and care of sterile instruments and equipment.
• Collaborates effectively with other hospital departments, including surgery, nursing, infection control, and supply chain, to optimize patient outcomes and operational efficiency.
• Fosters relationships with vendors and suppliers to ensure the availability of high-quality instruments, equipment, and supplies.
• Leads a culture of safety through proactive risk mitigation and continuous quality improvement, taking measures to routinely evaluate regulatory readiness.
• Monitors and analyzes safety and performance metrics to identify trends and implement corrective actions for staff and/or patients as appropriate.
• Manage the development, coordination, and maintenance of daily staffing schedules to ensure the appropriate level of coverage and continuity of care.
• Monitor and oversee time and attendance in alignment with MU Health Care policies and practices, ensuring accuracy of records and timely approval for payroll purposes.
• May complete unit/department specific duties as outlined in department documents.

Benefits

• Health, vision and dental insurance coverage starting day one.
• Generous paid leave and paid time off, including nine holidays.
• Multiple retirement options, including 100% matching up to 8% and full vesting in three years.
• Tuition assistance for employees (75%) and immediate family members (50%).
• Discounts on cell phone plans, rental cars, gyms, hotels and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees