Laboratory Manager (Full Time)

About North Country Healthcare (NCH): 

​​North Country Healthcare is a non-profit affiliation of four medical facilities, Androscoggin Valley Hospital, North Country Home Health & Hospice Agency, Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital, and Weeks Medical Center, located in the White Mountains Region of New Hampshire. NCH includes numerous physicians and medical providers at multiple locations. This leading comprehensive healthcare network which employs hundreds of highly-trained individuals delivers integrated patient care through three community hospitals, specialty clinics, and home health and hospice services. NCH remains committed to the health and well-being of the communities we serve. As a valued team member this role emphasizes advancing High-Reliability Organization (HRO) principles, embedding a culture of safety, accountability, and consistent high performance.​ 

​​POSITION SUMMARY: ​ 

Adhering to System Values, Service Excellence and Standards of Behavior, the Laboratory Director is responsible for the full scope of laboratory operations at the hospital site and associated clinics in accordance with CLIA licensure. This includes managing daily workflows, ensuring regulatory compliance, maintaining equipment, and supporting clinical staff in providing timely and accurate testing services. This role demands flexibility, hands-on management and a collaborative mindset. 

CLIA Role: Meets requirements as Technical Supervisor- Responsible for the technical and scientific oversight of the laboratory. Must be accessible to the laboratory to provide on-site, telephone or electronic consultation. 

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS 

​​Education:​ 

• Bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science or related field as defined by CLIA and/or four years’ experience in managing or supervising a high complexity lab required.  

• Master’s degree (preferred). 

​​Certification:​ 

• ASCP OR equivalent certification 

• ​​All employees and contracted staff will have either successful completion of an American Heart Association* accredited course in Basic Life Support (BLS), or ACLS and PALS combined. (for clinical staff), Heartsaver CPR AED (for nonclinical staff), and renewal on a regular basis. ​ 

*Refer to the NCH Life Support Certification Policy for position specific requirements. 

​​Licensure:​ 

• N/A 

​​Skills:​ 

• Strong interpersonal skills and comfort with hands-on operational involvement. 

• Deep knowledge of CLIA, CAP and other relevant accreditation/regulatory standards. 

​​Work Experience:​ 

• Minimum of 4 years of clinical laboratory management experience required.   

​​ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS​:  

• Serve as the primary point of contact for lab-related technical concerns for the hospital and affiliate clinics and other nonaffiliate clinics, and act as a liaison between the laboratory and hospital departments, providers, and administration. 

• Participate in hospital and NCH committees, quality improvement initiatives, and implement NCH-wide protocols and policies in collaboration with the NCH Director of Laboratory Services. 

• Manage day-to-day operations of the hospital laboratory, including specimen collection, test processing, staffing/workflow, staff schedules, resource allocation, supply inventory, maintenance logs, and troubleshooting equipment. 

• Coordinate with the NCH Director of Laboratory Services to align site practices with shared protocols and resources. 

• Ensure compliance with all regulatory bodies and maintain QA/QC programs, including participation in inspections and QAPI activities. 

• Investigate and resolve lab-related issues affecting patient care or service quality. 

• Ensure compliance with proficiency testing, CLIS requirements, and ongoing staff competency requirements. 

• Collaborate with the NCH Director of Laboratory Services to develop site-specific operational and capital budgets and manage the site budget accordingly. 

• Manage reference lab billing and oversee expenses, supply utilization, and labor costs. 

• Monitor cost-efficiency and explore opportunities to share services with other NCH hospitals. 

• Monitor productivity, staffing metrics, and equipment utilization in collaboration with the NCH Director of Laboratory Services. 

• Recruit, supervise, mentor, and develop technical and support staff in collaboration with the NCH Director of Laboratory Services, including performance reviews, continuing education, and ensuring staff competency. 

• Foster a positive, team-based, collaborative and accountable culture that reflects NCH and supports NCH HRO values, including safety, professionalism, and continuous improvement. 

• Ensure compliance with all CLIA processing testing and competency requirements 

• ​​Performs additional duties as assigned.​ 

​​North Country Healthcare is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. North Country Healthcare and its affiliates do not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability or any other protected class. Employment decisions are made based on job‑related qualifications, skills, and business needs, and without unlawful discrimination in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.​ 

North Country Healthcare provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and to individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, as required by law. Applicants who require reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, participate in interviews, or undergo pre‑employment testing should contact NCHRecruiting@northcountryhealth.org.