Laboratory Operations and Quality Manager

Optima Dermatology is recruiting an experienced Laboratory Operations and Quality Manager to join our growing Dermatology and Medical Aesthetics group in Portsmouth, NH.

The Laboratory Operations & Quality Manager oversees the day-to-day operations of the Histology Laboratory while developing and maintaining its Quality Management System (QMS). Reporting directly to the Laboratory Operations Director, this role ensures the lab runs efficiently, safely, and in full compliance with regulatory and accreditation requirements. The manager serves as the operational leader on the floor — coordinating staffing, workflow, and equipment — and as the lab's quality authority, driving continuous improvement and inspection readiness. This position partners closely with technical staff, pathologists, and organizational leadership.

The following is an overview of the essential job functions and responsibilities; this may not be an all-encompassing list:

• →Supervises histology laboratory technical and support staff as designated; may oversee quality coordinators or specialists as the team grows.

• Oversee daily laboratory operations, including specimen workflow, turnaround times, staffing coverage, and scheduling.
• Serve as the primary point of escalation for operational issues on the floor.
• Monitor and manage productivity, capacity, and workflow efficiency; adjust processes as volume grows.
• Coordinate with pathologists and clinical teams to ensure smooth specimen handling from receipt through reporting.
• Manage supply inventory, vendor relationships, and equipment maintenance schedules.
• Support laboratory expansion, relocation, and new-service initiatives as directed by the Laboratory Director.

• Develop, implement, and maintain the laboratory QMS.
• Ensure compliance with CLIA, CAP, OSHA, HIPAA, state, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
• Maintain continuous inspection readiness; coordinate accreditation activities and responses to findings.
• Manage document control — policies, procedures, forms, and quality records.
• Oversee occurrence reporting, root cause analysis, and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA) through completion.
• Track, trend, and report quality metrics to laboratory leadership.

• Lead internal audits and process assessments; identify and execute improvement opportunities.
• Coordinate validation and verification studies for new instruments, equipment, assays, and software.
• Review quality control and proficiency testing data for compliance and performance.

• Supervise designated laboratory personnel; support hiring, onboarding, and performance management in partnership with the Laboratory Operations Director.
• Monitor staff competency assessments and coordinate quality-related training.
• Promote a culture of accountability, patient safety, and continuous improvement.

• Conduct risk assessments for laboratory processes.
• Investigate quality incidents, complaints, and nonconformances; develop and monitor action plans.

• Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Histotechnology, Biology, Chemistry, or a related scientific field required; Master’s degree preferred.

• HTL(ASCP) or HT(ASCP) preferred; MLS(ASCP), QIHC(ASCP), or CPHQ a plus.

• 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in a histology or anatomic pathology laboratory required.
• 2–3+ years of laboratory supervisory or management experience strongly preferred.
• Hands-on experience with CAP/CLIA compliance and laboratory inspection preparation required.

• Deep knowledge of histology laboratory operations, workflow, and instrumentation.
• Strong command of laboratory quality systems, QA principles, and regulatory standards.
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage competing priorities, and drive change on the floor.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with laboratory information systems (LIS) and Microsoft Office.

Work is performed in a clinical laboratory environment with exposure to biological specimens, chemicals, and laboratory equipment. Adherence to all safety procedures and PPE requirements is mandatory. Occasional lifting to 25 pounds and extended periods of standing or walking may be required.

• Laboratory turnaround time and operational throughput targets.
• Successful regulatory and accreditation inspections.
• Timely CAPA completion and reduction in errors/nonconformances.
• On-time competency assessments and quality training.
• Staff retention and engagement within the laboratory team.

At Optima Dermatology, our mission to revolutionize skin care is made possible by our world class team that is highly engaged, mission-driven, and inspired to set the new standard in dermatology. We are growing rapidly and looking for key team members who believe in our mission and want to make a difference in the lives of our patients. We foster a collaborative environment that is fun and hardworking and promise you will work alongside amazing colleagues you are proud to call your teammates.