Full-Time Laboratory Manager, Pre-Analytical (Specimen Procurement & Central Processing)

This position is being advertised to fill an existing vacancy.

Home to seven regional programs and comprehensive health-care services, Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN, pronounced wren) is committed to meeting the current and emerging needs in Waterloo-Wellington and beyond. WRHN is redefining the health-care experience through collaboration and innovation, addressing barriers to access, advancing care delivery, and setting new standards in compassionate, empowered community-driven health care. At WRHN, every patient is at the centre of everything we do as we strive to improve lives, inspire healing, and build healthier, stronger communities.

Position: Full-Time Laboratory Manager, Pre-Analytical (Specimen Procurement & Central Processing)

Hours of Work: Days, Monday to Friday

Location: WRHN @ All sites

Position Summary

The Laboratory Manager, Pre-Analytical (Specimen Procurement & Central Processing) is responsible for leading the pre-analytical team and overseeing all pre-analytical processes and procedures across the Integrated Department of Laboratory Medicine (IDLM). The Manager provides operational leadership, quality oversight, staff management, budget support, and strategic planning to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality laboratory services that support patient care across Waterloo Regional Health Network.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and management of the pre-analytical laboratory team, including Specimen Procurement and Central Processing services.
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, performance management, coaching, development, and disciplinary processes as required
• Support the preparation and management of staffing schedules and time records.
• Collaborate with medical, technical, and clerical teams to implement quality improvement initiatives and enhance service delivery.
• Foster strong working relationships across laboratory and hospital departments to improve operational effectiveness and patient care outcomes.
• Participate in internal audits and ensure departmental readiness for Accreditation Canada Diagnostics (ACDx) assessments and ongoing compliance activities.
• Maintain advanced knowledge of pre-analytical requirements, laboratory standards, and testing processes.
• Participate in organizational and joint committees as required.
• Monitor, summarize, and report quality improvement activities and outcomes to leadership and committee structures.
• Support the development and administration of client satisfaction initiatives.
• Liaise with vendors, service providers, and internal stakeholders regarding equipment, services, and laboratory operations.
• Conduct quality assurance reviews, risk assessments, and operational analyses.
• Lead departmental quality improvement projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Review, approve, and revise laboratory procedures and practices as required.
• Oversee maintenance activities, equipment performance, and repair requirements.
• Contribute to operating, capital, staffing, and resource budget planning.
• Manage referred-out testing processes and related quality standards.
• Escalate operational issues and risks to senior leadership as appropriate.

Position Requirements

• Current designation with either the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario (CMLTO), Medical Laboratory Professionals’ Association of Ontario (MLPAO), or equivalent acceptable to the hospital.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience as a Medical Laboratory professional.
• Demonstrated experience with operating and capital budget planning.
• Experience managing unionized teams within a healthcare environment.
• Knowledge of Accreditation Canada Diagnostics (ACDx) standards and requirements.
• Knowledge of quality improvement methodologies and statistical analysis, including Lean Six Sigma principles.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Proven ability to manage conflict, promote a respectful workplace, and align teams toward common goals.
• Demonstrated organizational, planning, prioritization, and resource management abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel.
• Working knowledge of hospital operations and support functions, including Human Resources, Finance, Materials Management, and Administrative Services.
• Demonstrated commitment to professional development and continuous learning.

Preferred Requirements

• Three (3) to five (5) years of progressive supervisory or management experience, preferably within a laboratory environment.
• Experience in pre-analytical laboratory services and quality management.
• Certification with the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) and/or Medical Laboratory Professionals’ Association of Ontario (MLPAO).
• University degree, Advanced Registered Technologist Diploma, or equivalent education.

Application Instructions:

EMPLOYEES OF WRHN TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATION ELECTRONICALLY USING INFOR.

Please Note: New employees must provide documentation/proof of COVID-19 vaccination status, a 2-step TB test, as well as proof of immunity to measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox) prior to their start date at Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN). New Employees will require clearance from Employee Health, Safety and Wellness before they are able to begin any position within WRHN.

WRHN is committed to fair and equitable employment and in our recruitment and selection practices. We strongly believe in inclusion and diversity within our organization and welcome all applicants. We are committed to providing and fostering a respectful workplace for all employees, free from violence and harassment.

Accommodations are available during all stages of the recruitment process in accordance with the Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

WRHN does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or make hiring decisions regarding applicants during our recruitment and selection process.