The Head of Laboratory Services is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership to the hospital's laboratory. This includes ensuring high-quality diagnostic services, regulatory compliance, and effective resource management. The Director collaborates with the hospital leadership team to align laboratory operations with the hospital's strategic objectives while maintaining the highest standards of patient care and safety.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Provide effective leadership in the management and administration of laboratory services, including financial planning, budget oversight, and resource allocation.

• Develop and implement laboratory policies and procedures in line with hospital-wide goals and industry best practices.

• Ensure the laboratory meets and exceeds all relevant accreditation standards (e.g., NABL, ISO 15189:2012, and other regulatory bodies).

• Collaborate with the executive team to shape the future of laboratory services, including the adoption of emerging diagnostic technologies.

2. Operational Management

• Oversee daily laboratory operations to ensure efficient workflows, timely reporting, and quality outcomes.

• Ensure the implementation of the Quality Management System (QMS) to maintain continuous quality improvement.

• Manage laboratory supply chain operations, including the selection and monitoring of laboratory suppliers and referral laboratories.

• Establish and enforce safety protocols, ensuring compliance with occupational health and laboratory safety standards.

3. Clinical & Scientific Oversight

• Provide expert clinical consultation regarding appropriate test selection, interpretation of results, and clinical decision-making.

• Ensure the accuracy, reliability, and timeliness of all diagnostic testing.

• Monitor all laboratory activities to ensure the generation of clinically relevant and accurate information.

• Address and resolve clinical complaints, requests, and suggestions from staff and service users.

4. Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Ensure the laboratory meets all external regulatory and accreditation standards (e.g., NABL, ISO 15189:2012).

• Implement internal audits, performance reviews, and continuous improvement programs.

• Evaluate and monitor the quality of external referral laboratories and vendors to ensure compliance and service quality.

• Develop and implement contingency plans to maintain essential laboratory services during emergencies.

5. People & Talent Development

• Ensure appropriate staffing levels with qualified personnel to meet service needs.

• Foster a culture of continuous professional development by providing educational programs and research opportunities for laboratory staff.

• Mentor and guide the laboratory team, including the Quality Manager and Technical Manager, ensuring staff competency and performance.

• Lead the recruitment, training, and performance evaluation of laboratory personnel.

6. Innovation & Research

• Drive research initiatives to advance laboratory services and diagnostic capabilities.

• Identify and implement innovative diagnostic technologies and methodologies.

• Collaborate with clinical teams to support research studies and quality improvement projects.

7. Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Serve as the primary liaison between the laboratory and external regulatory agencies.

• Collaborate with clinical teams, medical staff, and other hospital departments to ensure integrated patient care.

• Communicate laboratory performance metrics and strategic priorities to the CEO and senior leadership.

Key Competencies & Skills:

• Strategic planning and operational excellence.

• In-depth knowledge of laboratory operations and clinical diagnostics.

• Strong leadership and team development capabilities.

• Advanced knowledge of regulatory frameworks (e.g. ISO 15189:2012, NABL).

• Financial acumen and resource management.

• Effective communication and stakeholder management.

• Innovation and research orientation.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Stay abreast of emerging laboratory technologies and industry standards.

• Design and implement laboratory contingency plans to ensure uninterrupted services.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the CEO or hospital leadership.

Job Requirements

Qualification                  

Essential Desirable : MD in Pathology or a relevant specialty.

: Additional training or certification in sub-specialized areas (e.g., Molecular Pathology, Clinical Microbiology, or Clinical Chemistry). Certification or completion of a 4-day Internal Audit & Quality Management System (QMS) training as per ISO 15189:2012

Experience                      

Essential  : Minimum 15 years of experience in a reputed laboratory or healthcare institution.

Desirable: Prior experience in laboratory leadership roles with demonstrated expertise in managing large-scale laboratory operations.

How To Apply

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