Manager, Laboratory Operations (CCB Microbiology)

For over 50 years, LifeLabs has been Canada’s leading provider of laboratory diagnostic information and digital health connectivity systems, enabling patients and healthcare practitioners to diagnose, treat, monitor and prevent disease. We are passionate about empowering healthier Canadians through accessible, accurate, and innovative diagnostic services.

We are committed innovators, operating Canada's first commercial genetics lab, and the country's largest online patient portal, with more than 8 million Canadians receiving their results online. More than 112 million laboratory tests come through LifeLabs’ laboratories annually, and our team of more than 6,000 passionate, caring, and diverse professionals works together as one to provide high quality testing and results that Canadians can trust.

We know that behind every lab requisition, sample being tested, or investment in technology is an individual and their family counting on us. At LifeLabs, you can make a meaningful impact on Canadians’ lives every day.

Our teams are at the heart of everything we do. We are proud to be recognized as one of Canada’s Best Employers, reflecting our deep commitment to our core values of caring, agility, teamwork, and a customer-centered approach. As part of this commitment, LifeLabs prioritizes the ongoing development of our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program to better serve the needs of our diverse workforce and the communities we serve. We continue to take steps to challenge ourselves to act with courage and integrity, and to create an environment where people can be their true selves.

These values are not just words on a page, they guide our actions and decisions every day and have come to define our team culture.

Reports to: Director, Laboratory Operations
Status: Full Time
Schedule: Shift Times May Vary
Additional Requirements: N/A
Number of Positions: 1
Start Date: ASAP
Internal Application Deadline: March 17, 2025

LifeLabs operates under a Hybrid workforce model. Further details will be provided during the interview stage.

This vacancy is for an existing position.

Purpose of the Role

The Manager, Laboratory Operations will consistently achieve their annual goals in safety, people, quality, service delivery (turn-around-time), and cost, and leverage a continuous improvement culture to take advantage of every available opportunity to drive towards excellence in medical laboratory operations.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Provide active leadership and development to all direct and indirect reports, ensuring all individual and team accountabilities are delivered upon
• Leads, coaches and manages a team of Laboratory Supervisors to develop and train a high-performing team
• Accountable for ensuring LifeLabs Mission, Values, and strategies are reinforced and supported within area of responsibility
• Responsible for hiring, onboarding, training, managing performance, coaching for improvement, manages progressive discipline and terminating employees within department
• Responsible to develop the next level of management through continuous improvement, development, succession planning for future leadership
• Monitors operational workflow and actions appropriate changes in department, planning workforce to maintain a high level of service
• Develops annual budget plan aligned to strategic and operational planning and manages budget for department
• Open mind, flexible and engaged with ALL staff
• Accountability for the achievement of goals and targets related to safety, people, quality, and the cost-effective delivery of diagnostic services within department
• Overall responsibility for the efficient day to day operation of the department, including planning, coordination, evaluation and supervision of all technical and/or operational activities and management of all employees in the department
• Participates in the development and implements the annual business plan including setting objectives and targets, developing strategies for integration of new business and leading special projects
• Plans, directs and coordinates department operations aligned to business plan
• Prepares regular reports on department KPIs
• Develops and leads implementation teams for all new equipment and technology to ensure the delivery of timely, quality results
• Develop annual operating budgets for the department. Manage the team toward consistent attainment of annual operating budget and goals
• Lead or contribute to (as a core team member), the planning and execution of cross-functional projects that support annual operational and/or strategic initiatives
• Leverage organizational knowledge and systems to anticipate and solve complex problems, including identification of root cause and implementation of robust mitigation measures that prevent re-occurrence
• Foster a continuous improvement culture and leverage Lean/Six Sigma methodology to drive improved process performance and stability
• Develop and optimize systems that assure regulatory adherence and minimize business risk
• Ensure employee capability meets present and future needs. Develop a technical and labour strategy for area(s) of responsibility and maintain succession planning processes
• Align departmental initiatives and projects, along with ensuring resources are effectively utilized
• Ensures compliance with all regulatory standards, testing protocols and medical standards within department
• Leads team to understand, implement and comply with LifeLabs Quality Systems and Privacy policies
• Proactively model a behaviour that values Safety as the first priority in all that is done
• Accountable for escalating all safety incidents as established by EH&S guidelines
• Accountable for the coordination and reporting of investigations, root cause analysis, and recommendations to the Director

What you bring to the role:

• College Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology or equivalent education and experience
• Current registration with College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario (CMLTO) or Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) is required
• Maintain membership in good standing with the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario (CMLTO) (Ontario) and/or Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) (BC)
• 3-5 years leadership experience
• Office and Laboratory environment
• Travel may be required
• Ambition and drive to make the organization the best it can be, including a passion for the creation, development and deployment of best practices
• Able to think beyond the day-to-day and to operate on a 3-12 month planning and goal horizon
• Able to communicate clearly and concisely, including the articulation of complex technical problems
• Able to effectively and positively influence people and drive change
• Demonstrates a leadership aptitude and is receptive to change management

LifeLabs’ compensation programs are commensurate based on the role, skill, effort, responsibility and working conditions, irrespective of gender, race, ethnicity, beliefs, age or any other personal characteristics. Pay programs are communicated regularly in an accessible and transparent manner.

LifeLabs is also proud to offer resources, opportunities, as well as a collaborative and supportive environment that enables our team members to thrive.

In addition to a competitive compensation package, LifeLabs provides a comprehensive total rewards program, specific to the job position. Your package may include:
 

• Employee Group Benefits: Competitive coverage for employees and their families to support their overall health and wellness needs, including Extended Health Care, Dental Care, and Life Insurance.
• Retirement Savings Plan
• Vacation and Wellness Days
• Employee Wellness and Giving Programs: Our award winning mental, physical and financial wellness programs aim to address the comprehensive well-being of our team members, including resources like the Employee & Family Assistance Program, financial planning tools, and employee recognition initiatives.
• Professional development and membership reimbursement, access to preferred rates and discount programs, including WorkPerks, Home and Auto Insurance, Costco Membership, etc., and optional health-related benefits.

In accordance with LifeLabs’ Accessibility Policy, and the applicable Accessibility Acts within the provinces we operate in, accommodations are available by request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process. For a confidential inquiry or to request an accommodation, please contact your recruiter or email careers@lifelabs.com.

Vaccinations are highly encouraged at LifeLabs’. Vaccinations and/or immunization screening may be mandatory for selected employees if regulated by provincial or regional governments, or through employer-led vaccination policies in the facilities we service. Please ensure you ask if this position requires the successful candidate to be vaccinated or undergo immunization screening.

Ready to empower healthier Canadians? Apply today!