Manager, Laboratory Operations - Genetics - Toronto, ON

Status: Full time 

Schedule: Flexible 

Additional Requirements: N/A

Number of positions: 1 

Start Date: ASAP

Internal Application Deadline: June 16, 2025

This vacancy is for an existing position. 

Reports to: Senior Manager, Molecular Diagnostics & Genetics

Purpose of the Role

The Manager, Laboratory Operations is responsible for the overall operations of the Genetics Lab to ensure an efficient and effective service. The Manager works collaboratively with Genetics leaders to develop short- and long-term goals, implement strategic projects relating to service delivery, lab test utilization, workflow and process improvements, and evaluation and implementation of leading-edge technology.

The incumbent ensures optimum allocation of human and financial resources, participates in test costing and preparation of request for proposals (RFPs) related to lab service provision and is also responsible for fostering learning, research, knowledge transfer, innovation, and automation and continuous quality improvement projects. The ideal candidate will be a licensed MLT with extensive leadership experience and solid experience using state-of-the-art DNA technologies, including high throughput and next-generation sequencing platforms.

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 overseeing adherence to College of American Pathologists (CAP) and ISO15189Plus through Accreditation Canada Diagnostics (ACD), overseeing waste management programs, Employee Health and Safety (EHS), Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC), and facility needs.
• Lead the implementation and prioritization of projects.
• Accountable for ensuring LifeLabs Mission, Values, and strategies are reinforced and supported within the Genetics Lab.
• 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.

What you bring to the role:

• Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT) with Genetics Technologist graduate diploma required
• Bachelor’s degree in related field, (Health, Science) required
• MBA, MHA, or equivalent an asset.
• Current registration with College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario (CMLTO) in Genetics
• Maintain membership in good standing with the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario (CMLTO)
• Minimum 7 years’ experience in a clinical molecular diagnostic laboratory
• Supervisory/Management experience in laboratory operations
• 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.