Manager, Laboratory Optimization and Master Scheduler

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 122,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Position Overview

The Manager, Lab Optimization and Master Scheduler will work with Operations leaders and cross-functional teams to lead sustainable, measurable changes based on Lean and Flow concepts. They will establish daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly goals and communicate progress of the goals in the appropriate Tier meeting daily.  The position is responsible for working seamlessly with leaders and teams of all laboratories, other enabling functions, and commercial business units to develop, maintain, enforce and continuously improve flow diagrams and Lean behaviors that ensure consistent operational performance. The position will be responsible for management of the master schedular team across multiple product lines ensuring proper staffing and metric guidance across the Cancer Diagnostics portfolio.

Essential Duties

Include, but are not limited to, the following:

Develop, maintain and improve bespoke flow diagrams and other Lean solutions for commercial products or high-volume clinical trials for Labs across the Exact Sciences network.  Leverage cross-functional resources as required to achieve goals.

Lead and execute Lean or Flow transformation projects as assigned. Utilize change management tools and techniques to ensure sustainable adoption.

Lead product level Tier 3 meetings to establish daily goals and expectations for the various partner departments and communicate assumptions to hit goal.

Identify, gain sponsorship for, and lead teams dedicated to process improvements with measurable results.  Develop scorecards, standard Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and other tracking mechanisms and ensure personal oversight of Lean Process adherence and result attainment.

Work cross functionally with Clinical Laboratories, Tech Specialists. Lean and Flow, Operational Analytics, and Tech Services leadership to introduce new product processes with Lean and Flow embedded.

Advise on Lab Operations staffing needs to execute on daily/weekly/monthly goals.

Educate and direct Laboratory supervisors and managers in Lean/Flow expectation adherence.

Develop and deliver Analytical and Pre-Analytical Lean and Flow training that meets all quality and regulatory requirements via successful adult learning methods.  Utilize trainee feedback to evaluate training effectiveness and employee satisfaction.  Ensure Lab leadership is fully trained and adherent to Lean and Flow expectations.

Identify and creatively solve cross-functional and internal issues that get in the way of successful outcomes, managing priorities accordingly.  Utilize external Lean resources as appropriate.

Serve as a subject matter expert to inform on leading and lagging laboratory performance metrics to achieve and sustain outstanding quality and patient service.    Provide expertise guidance, coaching, and mentorship to stakeholders.

Demonstrate ability to manage multiple projects with successful follow-through and timely delivery.

Demonstrate strong communication, collaboration, financial acumen, business, professional judgment, and organizational development skills.

Provide strategic recommendations to senior leadership regarding capacity constraints and operational risks.

Possesses effective management skills to supervise department staff and maintain departmental budget.

Supervises master schedular staff; including, but not limited to, organize and prioritize work, write/conduct performance reviews, train/develop, and manage work performance.

Motivates and inspires employees to do their best work through coaching and mentoring.

Collaborates with Exact Sciences’ human resources department and participates in the employee hiring and management process by interviewing candidates, hiring and employee counseling.

Exemplify strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, including the ability to easily convey concepts and priorities to peers, customers, and cross-functional teams.

Uphold company mission and values through accountability, innovation, integrity, quality, and teamwork.

Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of staff through both verbal and written communication to achieve company goals.

Ability and means to travel between Exact locations.

Ability to travel 25% of working time away from work location, may include overnight/weekend travel.

Uphold company mission and values through accountability, innovation, integrity, quality, and teamwork.

Support and comply with the company’s Quality Management System policies and procedures.

Ability to act with an inclusion mindset and model these behaviors for the organization.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in scientific or related field.

10+ years Diagnostic Laboratory experience, 6+ years Laboratory Information System operating and data utilization knowledge, 6+ years leadership experience, 3+ years Lean/Operational Flow optimization and monitoring experience.

6+ year successful track record of resolving complex issues with sustainable solutions.  Fast, adaptable learner and flexible thinker.

Demonstrated understanding of lab processes, automation, process control, TAKT time balancing and quality systems.

Demonstrated ability to: Capture needed or use existing data.

Correctly analyze and interpret data to inform decisions.

Develop new or leverage existing measurements.

Deliver solutions to improve performance in Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost or People (employee or patient) satisfaction.

Demonstrated ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation.

Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

MBA or advanced scientific/technical degree.

Prior experience in management of laboratory business, including areas as finance, operations, client services, specimen processing, total quality management, and technical service.

Lean, Flow, Six Sigma training and experience. Outstanding data driven communication and training skills.

Demonstrated servant leader, clear thinking, and mistake proofing/simplification mindset.

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, creed, disability, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and any other status protected by applicable local, state, or federal law. Applicable portions of the Company’s affirmative action program are available to any applicant or employee for inspection upon request.

The base pay for this position is $99,300.00 – $198,700.00. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.