Director, Laboratory Services

Across our three hospitals and eight satellite sites, Scarborough Health Network (SHN) is shaping the future of care. Our many programs and services are designed around the needs of one of Canada’s most vibrant and diverse communities. We are home to North America’s largest nephrology program, as well as the designated cardiac care and spine centre for Scarborough and surrounding communities to the east. We are proud to be a community-affiliated teaching site for the University of Toronto and partner with a number of other universities and colleges, helping to train the next generation of health care professionals. SHN is the recipient of the 2021 Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award, from the Canadian College of Health Leaders, for our leading edge work on Communities of Inclusion, Inclusion Calendar, Health Equity Certificate Program and much more. We are also proud to be named Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures for 2023 and 2024! Learn more at shn.ca

Job Description:

Reporting to the Executive Vice President, Chief Nursing and Allied Health Professional Executive, the Director, Laboratory Services provides strategic leadership for SHN’s Laboratory Program. Working in collaboration with interprofessional teams, clinical programs across Scarborough Health Network, and community and regional laboratory partners, the Director ensures the delivery of high‑quality laboratory services both locally and regionally.

The Director is responsible for strategic program planning and development, including the creation and implementation of program policies and procedures that support comprehensive, high‑quality laboratory services for patient care at SHN and for external clients. This role leads internal and external partnerships, oversees new program development, and ensures all Provincial accreditation and Ministry licensing requirements are met. The Director also ensures program goals, objectives, and deliverables align with SHN’s broader organizational strategy.

Responsibilities:

• Plans, delivers, evaluates, monitors and reports on Laboratory Services supporting SHN programs and external clients.
• Leads strategic direction and innovation across the assigned Laboratory portfolio, ensuring business and clinical programs operate efficiently and effectively.
• Establishes strategies with programs, Senior Leadership Team and clients for improvements and further developments to the program to meet patient and organizational needs.
• Links and aligns system opportunities to establish SHN as innovative and unique; while supporting appropriate test utilization and revenue generating opportunities (i.e Shared Hospital Laboratory)
• Directs and leads the development and overall implementation and management of multi-year operational and strategic plans.
• Participates in the negotiation of contracts and terms and conditions of agreement.
• Remains up to date on new technologies and advocates for the acquisition of technologies that support patient care.
• Leads the development of long-term capital plans to ensure the Laboratory has the equipment, technology, and infrastructure required to deliver high-quality services.
• Manages internal and external relationships, consulting with knowledge experts in the broader laboratory community to drive partnerships.
• Acts as corporate administration on call, along with other corporate leaders and facilitate and monitors on call standard work being carried out to ensure proper patient flow, appropriate corporate resource utilization, and troubleshooting of corporate issues during the time of on call.
• Coaches and mentors direct reports to support their management development and regularly evaluates their performance in achieving business objectives.
• Establish effective leadership teams that optimize quality and performance in clinical, human resource, and administrative processes.
• Identify problems, barriers, or conflicts that negatively impact the teams’ and/or organization’s ability to achieve the mission and goals; work with the teams to address them.
• Manages internal/external relationships and expectations of staff, managers and executives.
• Develops, maintains and evaluates systems, standards, structures and outcomes that support Laboratory Services to ensure a balanced budget.
• Monthly and quarterly performance analysis and reporting.
• Ensures laboratory accreditation, proficiency testing, laboratory licensing requirements are met.
• Facilitates and leads Laboratory Quality and Management Committee meetings
• Participates as a member on SHN Directors’ Forum and Leadership forum
• Actively participate in Mohawk Medbuy (MMC) strategic sourcing initiatives (Lab Courier).
• Participate as a member on Shared Hospital Laboratory Clinical Advisory, Operations and Planning and Priorities committee

Requirements:

• Medical Laboratory Technology diploma, Undergraduate Degree in Science or Health Management or equivalent.
• Masters in Health Science, Health Management or related field preferred.
• Registered and in good standing with the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario (CMLTO) required.
• Knowledge and understanding of laboratory best practices in the provision of Laboratory Services.
• Knowledge and understanding of testing services required to support program needs.
• Advanced technical and clinical knowledge of Laboratory Services.
• Minimum 4-6 years’ experience in leadership and management within a healthcare environment including managing people and organization-wide initiatives, with demonstrated abilities in: critical thinking, process improvement, negotiation, creativity, flexibility, problem solving and strong analytic skills.
• 5 years of experience as a Medical Laboratory Technologist in a hospital environment

• Fiscal management experience, including budgets, business cases, and efficiency strategies

• Comprehensive industry knowledge as well as knowledge of future frontiers to plan for current and future testing needs to support SHN programs and services.
• Strong communication, coaching and team-building skills.
• Knowledge of hospital information systems and MS Office applications.
• Effective organizational, time management, and change management skills
• Commitment to professional development and continuous quality improvement.
• Strong attention to detail and efficient time-management skills with the ability to establish clear priorities responsibilities and lead others establish priorities to address key strategic and emerging needs.
• Highly self-directed, work independently while collaborating well within a variety of internal teams and system partners.
• Understands the importance of and demonstrates commitment to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Strong team engagement, facilitation and coaching skills to build team morale and improve culture.

This opportunity is posted to support the recruitment of an existing vacant position.

Accommodation and Diversity Statement:
Scarborough Health Network (SHN) embraces and celebrates our community’s unique multicultural heritage and diversity. SHN is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a culture of inclusiveness and diversity reflecting our diverse patients, staff and community alike.

We are committed to fostering an environment of equity and inclusivity where every person can work and receive care safely, openly and honestly. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, nation of origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital or family status, belief system, or other factors related to one’s personal identity and/or values.

We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs.

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