Head - Laboratory Operations (Diagnostics)

What you become a part of:

The successful candidate will oversee the operational, financial, and quality performance of multiple diagnostic laboratories across our West Africa region. This role is responsible for leading teams, optimizing processes, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and driving continuous improvement in service delivery.

What to expect:

1. Operations Management:

• Oversee daily laboratory operations across the region, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to quality and safety standards.
• Develop and implement standardized operational procedures to enhance productivity and minimize errors.
• Ensure equipment maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting are conducted according to set schedules and protocols.

2. Team Leadership:

• Lead, mentor, and develop lab managers and supervisors, fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and accountability.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, set clear objectives, and implement professional development plans to strengthen the team.

3. Financial and Budget Management:

• Develop and manage the regional budget, focusing on cost control and resource allocation to meet financial targets.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), including turnaround times, error rates, and resource utilization to ensure financial and operational efficiency.

4. Quality Assurance and Compliance:

• Ensure all laboratories adhere to regulatory requirements, industry standards, and company policies, including ISO, CAP, CLIA, and other applicable certifications.
• Implement quality control measures to maintain high accuracy, precision, and reliability of test results, addressing any quality issues promptly.

5. Process Improvement:

• Identify opportunities for process enhancements, workflow optimization, and new technology integration to drive laboratory efficiency and quality.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support the introduction of new assays, services, or diagnostic tools.

6. Client and Stakeholder Management:

• Serve as a point of contact for clients, vendors, and other stakeholders in the region, ensuring high customer satisfaction and effective communication.
• Address and resolve client complaints and operational issues promptly and professionally.

7. Health & Safety:

• Ensure all laboratories maintain a safe working environment, adhering to health and safety regulations and promoting best practices.

Essential qualifications, experience and skills:

• Bachelors degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field; advanced degree (MBA, MPH) is preferred.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in laboratory operations, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership role within diagnostics or healthcare services.
• Demonstrated knowledge of regulatory standards (ISO, CAP, CLIA, etc.) and quality management systems in a lab setting.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets and optimizing resource allocation.
• Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple labs and remote teams.
• Certification in Lean Six Sigma or other process improvement methodologies.
• Proficiency in laboratory information systems (LIS) and data analytics tools.
• Experience in strategic planning and scaling operations in diagnostics or a related healthcare setting.
• Regional travel is required to oversee multiple lab sites.
• Role is primarily based in a central location, with remote oversight of various facilities.

Application:

If this role is of interest to you, please upload a recent copy of your CV and a member of the Talent Acquisition team will be in touch. We believe that equal opportunities mean inclusion, diversity and fair treatment for all.