Lab Operations Manager (Hospital)

About the Role

We are hiring a Quality & Lab Operations Manager to lead our Clinical/Biochemistry Laboratory. This is a combined leadership role that integrates daily lab operations with quality assurance and external lab coordination.

You will be responsible for preparing the lab for NABL and ISO15189 accreditation, while ensuring smooth day-to-day functioning and managing third-party labs for outsourced tests. This role is ideal for professionals who can embed quality into operations and build audit-readiness from the ground up.

Qualifications

Education:

• MSc in Medical Laboratory Technology / Biochemistry
• ISO15189 Internal Auditor or Lead Auditor certification (preferred)
• QA/QC certification or formal training in Quality Management Systems

Experience:

• 5-10 years in a clinical laboratory, with 3-5 years in supervisory and/or quality management roles
• Experience in preparing for NABL accreditation (application, documentation, gap analysis)
• Hands-on with IQC/EQA programs, CAPA, and method validation
• Strong background in equipment maintenance, inventory control, and vendor management
• Familiarity with LIMS and digital documentation systems
• Exposure to managing outsourced tests via third-party labs

Key Responsibilities

Quality Management

• Develop and implement Quality Management System (QMS) aligned with ISO15189
• Prepare documentation, SOPs, and training logs for NABL readiness
• Lead IQC/EQA programs and manage non-conformities through CAPA
• Conduct internal audits and oversee method validation for new tests

Operations Management

• Supervise end-to-end lab workflows (pre-analytical to post-analytical)
• Manage staff allocation, rosters, and coverage
• Coordinate equipment calibration, preventive maintenance, and service contracts
• Oversee procurement, inventory, and vendor relationships
• Enforce biosafety, fire safety, and biomedical waste protocols
• Liaise with third-party labs for outsourced tests and ensure quality compliance

Leadership & Training

• Mentor technical staff
• Conduct onboarding and refresher training
• Foster a culture of quality, safety, and continuous improvement

KPIs (Key Performance Indicators)

• NABL documentation and audit preparedness milestones
• Turnaround Time (TAT) compliance across test categories
• IQC & EQA pass rates above defined thresholds
• Staff competency assessment completion rate
• Zero critical equipment downtime beyond allowable limits
• SLA compliance and quality tracking for third-party labs