Supervisor, Specimen Processing - 3rd Shift

Abbott • Madison, WI

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Supervisor, Specimen Processing oversees the day-to-day operations of Abbott Cancer Diagnostics Laboratories’ Specimen Processing Department at the Madison, Wisconsin location. The role manages staffing, scheduling, timecards, employee coaching and performance, and the efficient execution of specimen-processing work in accordance with laboratory policies, procedures, and quality requirements. The supervisor works under the guided direction of the Specimen Processing Manager or designee and supports the department’s effectiveness and the laboratory’s mission and vision. The position is required to work exclusively nights and/or weekends and may provide bench support when needed.

The supervisor leads and develops staff, monitors quality and productivity, maintains appropriate staffing and workflow, and addresses operational problems through investigation and root cause analysis. The role also supports quality and process improvements, documentation, training, inspections, audits, and cross-functional initiatives. Work includes handling specimens and bodily fluids while following applicable safety procedures, and may involve travel to other sites within the same city as needed.

Requirements

• Associate degree in Life Sciences, Business, or a related field; alternatively, a high school diploma or GED plus 2 years of relevant experience.
• At least 3 years of experience in a laboratory, medical, or high-throughput production environment.
• At least 2 years of leadership experience.
• At least 2 years of computer experience, including internet navigation, email, and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to perform the essential duties with or without accommodation.
• Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• Ability to work exclusively nights and/or weekends.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment, adapt to changing workloads and circumstances, and respond quickly to new information.
• Strong critical-thinking and decision-making skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and prioritization skills.
• Excellent verbal and nonverbal communication and listening skills.
• Ability to lift and move up to 40 pounds for approximately 25% of a typical working day.
• Ability to work seated for approximately 50% and standing for approximately 50% of a typical working day.
• Ability to use a mobile device, tablet, or computer and/or type for approximately 75% 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 comply with applicable personal protective equipment requirements and perform repetitive actions.
• Ability to use near vision to view samples at close range.
• Ability to tolerate potential exposure to hazardous materials, tissue specimens, instruments with moving parts and heating or freezing elements, and bodily fluids and solids such as urine and feces.
• Ability and means to travel to and work at other sites within the same city as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, or a field related to the essential duties of the job.
• At least 3 years of laboratory experience or laboratory education in a lab performing moderate- or high-complexity testing.
• Knowledge of CAP, GLP, GDP, CLIA, New York Department of Health requirements, and HIPAA.
• Experience troubleshooting automation and performing instrument maintenance.
• Lean experience, including Kaizen, Kanban, root cause analysis, and countermeasure implementation.
• Leadership experience with large teams of more than 30 direct reports.

Responsibilities

• Lead and empower staff to meet shift and department quality and productivity goals.
• Manage daily shift operations, organize workflow, redirect staff, maintain adequate laboratory equipment, and delegate tasks.
• Organize and lead routine team meetings and one-on-one employee meetings.
• Coach and support direct reports in career and professional development.
• Monitor and provide feedback on employee attendance, productivity, quality, and other performance metrics.
• Conduct employee feedback and disciplinary actions in accordance with laboratory policy, as needed.
• Manage shift staffing levels in collaboration with the clinical laboratory management team.
• Interview and recruit employees who meet the organization’s core values.
• Investigate and resolve test-record and automation problems in accordance with policies and procedures to maintain expected sample turnaround time.
• Perform root cause analysis of process deviations and recommend corrective and preventive actions, as applicable.
• Support and comply with the company’s Quality Management System policies and procedures.
• Document problems and resolutions in accordance with Good Documentation Practices.
• Work with leadership to develop department goals aligned with organizational priorities.
• Support operational initiatives, including quality and process improvements, SOP development, inspections, and audits.
• Support and occasionally lead cross-functional initiatives across departments.
• Assist the Clinical Lab Training Department by reviewing training materials, identifying training needs and resources, and providing cross-training as needed.
• Support clinical laboratory operations, including bench work when needed.
• Handle and dispose of specimens in accordance with standard precautions and applicable safety policies.
• Motivate employees through coaching and leading by example, maintain morale, and support employee engagement initiatives.
• Communicate and manage change effectively.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance and model Abbott’s core values and inclusion behaviors.

Benefits

• Career development opportunities with an international company.
• Employees may qualify for free medical coverage in the Health Investment Plan 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 providing an affordable and convenient path to a bachelor’s degree.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Associate degree