Supervisor, Lab Specimen Processing

Millennium Health•San Diego, CA

About The Position

Millennium Health is hiring a Supervisor, Lab Specimen Processing for its Lab Operations Team. The position manages Lab Specimen Processor staff and the laboratory’s pre-analytical specimen-processing functions, including specimen opening, lab support, test entry, aliquoting, centrifugation, batching, and racking. The supervisor ensures operational procedures, regulatory requirements, and accreditation standards are followed. The supervisor oversees daily staff activities and laboratory workflows; provides coaching, training, and performance management; coordinates scheduling, budgeting, supplies, and administrative needs; and monitors quality, productivity, and overtime. The role supports process improvement, equipment maintenance, audit readiness, inspections, corrective actions, and current departmental SOPs. It also requires maintaining confidentiality and ensuring compliance with HIPAA and company security policies. The schedule is Tuesday through Saturday, with a 6 a.m. start Tuesday through Friday and an 8 a.m. start Saturday. The role may require an extended schedule as needed. The work involves walking, sitting, and standing in a laboratory environment and a low occupational risk of exposure to tuberculosis from saliva/oral swab specimens.

Requirements

High school diploma required.
Excellent communication skills and ability to interact professionally with all levels of management and staff.
Ability to multitask and remain flexible in a fast-paced, changing environment and work effectively as part of a team.
Ability to set goals and expectations while meeting company goals.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy; ability to meet deadlines.
Team-building skills and training knowledge or background.
Fairness in addressing employee issues and differences, with strong conflict-resolution skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Comfort working in an office environment.
Ability to ensure HIPAA, confidentiality, compliance, and administrative, physical, and technical cybersecurity policies and standards are followed.
Ability to read and understand SOPs, translate instructions into work tasks, perform simple calculations, use judgment when system deviations occur, and communicate discrepancies to a supervisor.
Ability to speak in front of small and large groups.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, withstand moderate stress, and work where noise levels are usually moderate.
Ability to work an extended schedule as needed.
Ability to meet the stated physical demands: standing 20%, sitting 20%, walking 60%, and lifting up to 20 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred.
1–3 years of supervisory or management experience in a clinical laboratory, biotech, or manufacturing industry highly preferred.
Experience managing a large staff of 25 or more preferred.
Laboratory experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage daily activities of Lab Specimen Processors, including attendance, schedules, time-off requests, evaluations, and disciplinary actions.
Plan, coordinate, and supervise laboratory functions including specimen opening, lab support, test entry, aliquoting, centrifugation, batching, and racking.
Provide leadership, guidance, coaching, and mentoring through regularly scheduled one-on-ones.
Conduct progressive discipline when appropriate and involve Human Resources as needed.
Coordinate training, scheduling, budgeting, supply maintenance, department administration, and laboratory staff.
Ensure services are accurate, efficient, and compliant with current accreditation standards and guidelines.
Maintain awareness of safety issues and work safely in the laboratory.
Understand specimen flow through the laboratory and how each cell affects that flow.
Identify and implement process improvements.
Monitor employee productivity and take appropriate action to minimize overtime.
Maintain knowledge of CAP regulatory requirements and other clinical laboratory audits and procedures.
Ensure required training and competencies are met.
Ensure preventive maintenance of equipment and printers and promptly report problems.
Maintain audit readiness and follow up on issues associated with regulatory or accrediting agency visits.
Assist with internal and external laboratory inspections and ensure compliance with applicable regulations and company standards.
Ensure Laboratory Occurrence Management forms are completed for anomalies and organize corrective actions as needed.
Review employee timecards for accuracy and approve them daily.
Interview prospective Laboratory Specimen Processor employees.
Attend organizational meetings with team leads and provide department feedback and updates.
Review and approve departmental SOPs and ensure they remain current.
Support the development and growth of Leads.
Maintain HIPAA compliance and confidentiality.
Pursue educational opportunities to maintain current knowledge and perform other assigned related duties.