Supervisor, Pre-Analytical Laboratory

Abbott • Phoenix, AZ

14h • Onsite

About The Position

The Supervisor, Pre-Analytical Laboratory oversees team members and daily operations of the Pre-Analytical (Accessioning) department at Abbott’s Phoenix, Arizona location, supporting its Cancer Diagnostics division. The department’s activities include specimen box receipt, test order processing, sample processing, material returns, and management of associated documents and records. The supervisor coordinates laboratory workflow and scheduling, troubleshoots complex technical and non-technical problems, builds an effective team, manages projects and deliverables, and serves as a liaison with relevant internal functions.

The role contributes to policy and procedure development and process improvement, and supports quality management activities and internal and external audits to ensure compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements. The supervisor also performs laboratory bench work for approximately 20–30% of the time. This position requires regular collaboration with laboratory, quality, customer service, technical, and other teams, as well as staff coaching, training, performance management, and development.

The work is performed in a high-pressure, data-driven, regulated laboratory environment. Physical activities may include prolonged standing or sitting, frequent computer or mobile-device use, handling laboratory tools and samples, and lifting items greater than 25 pounds. The role may involve exposure to chemicals, hazardous materials, human tissue, blood, and other body fluids, as well as temperatures below 60°F or above 85°F on a regular basis. Applicable personal protective equipment requirements must be followed.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and at least 4 years of experience working in a laboratory or similar environment; or an associate degree in science, health science, or a related field and at least 3 years of such experience; or a bachelor’s degree in science, health science, or a related field and at least 2 years of such experience.
• Previous supervisory experience or experience leading people or projects.
• Experience leading projects and/or project teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• Ability to perform the essential duties with or without accommodation.
• Strong written and verbal communication, listening, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate with internal employees, managers, and customers.
• Ability to integrate and apply feedback professionally, prioritize work, and drive results with a strong emphasis on quality.
• Ability to work as part of a team, adapt to change, identify ways to achieve goals, and work independently in a self-directed, results-oriented manner.
• Ability to thrive in a high-pressure, data-driven, highly regulated work environment.
• Ability to use a mobile device, tablet, or computer and type for at least 50% of a typical working day.
• Ability to grasp with both hands, pinch with thumb and forefinger, turn with hand or arm, and reach above shoulder height.
• Ability to use a telephone through a headset and comply with applicable personal protective equipment requirements.
• Ability to stand or sit for long periods, lift items greater than 25 pounds, perform repetitive actions using laboratory tools, and use near vision to view samples at close range.
• Ability to work with various chemicals and potentially be exposed to hazardous materials, tissue, blood, and other body fluids.
• Ability to act with an inclusion mindset and model inclusive behaviors.

Nice To Haves

• Proven track record of managing schedules.
• Professional working knowledge of laboratory information management systems.
• Demonstrated ability to write and update procedures.
• Demonstrated knowledge of GDP, CAP, CLIA, and New York requirements.
• Experience in a high-volume clinical pathology laboratory operation.
• Understanding of medical terminology, laboratory terminology, and medical billing.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily pre-analytical laboratory operations and ensure activities are performed and documented according to established procedures and corporate goals.
• Perform bench work 20–30% of the time, including sample receipt, order entry, specimen preparation, sample collection, and other laboratory activities as directed.
• Assess and follow health and safety procedures, conduct risk assessments, and understand, train on, and enforce safety regulations.
• Maintain knowledge of HIPAA regulations.
• Meet with direct reports at least monthly and provide coaching, constructive feedback, and career development discussions.
• Prepare and deliver quarterly and year-end feedback and foster a positive team environment.
• Evaluate process improvements and recommend changes based on operational, quality, and efficiency impacts.
• Coordinate staff training with dedicated trainers and establish, review, and implement training plans and checklists.
• Coordinate and monitor laboratory workflow, staff productivity, workload, schedules, and quality measures; identify opportunities for efficiency and quality improvements.
• Participate in developing, refining, and implementing department documents and procedures.
• Troubleshoot sample, system, and process issues raised by staff, customers, or others, collaborating with IT, engineers, and cross-functional teams to resolve ongoing issues.
• Support corporate and customer-experience improvement projects through ideas, business requirements, end-user feedback, troubleshooting, testing, and assigned task execution.
• Collaborate with Lab Operations, Quality, and Customer Service to improve efficiency, ensure proper specimen processing, and maximize resource utilization.
• Represent the Accessioning department on assigned cross-functional teams.
• Participate in and manage interviewing, selecting, hiring, and onboarding new staff.
• Coach, mentor, train, and discipline department personnel; conduct one-on-ones and support personal development plans and open communication.
• Manage staff performance, provide timely feedback, and prepare and deliver annual performance reviews; communicate goals and motivate employees.
• Maintain morale and support employee engagement initiatives; communicate regularly with management, stakeholders, and staff to support change management and address issues.
• Participate in or assist with preparation for internal and external audits and inspections.
• Review and maintain personnel files and department records in compliance with the Quality Management System and applicable regulations and standards, including CLIA, NY-CLIA, CAP, and ISO.
• Support and comply with the company’s Quality Management System policies and procedures.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance and uphold company values of accountability, innovation, integrity, quality, and teamwork.

Benefits

• Employees may qualify for free medical coverage in the Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year.
• Retirement savings plan with a high employer contribution.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Freedom 2 Save student debt program.
• FreeU education benefit, an affordable and convenient path to earning a bachelor’s degree.
• Career development opportunities with an international company.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED