Job Title

Job DescriptionLead Laboratory Excellence Through Organizational TransformationDirector of Laboratory Services Acute Care HospitalAn Opportunity to Make Your MarkImagine stepping into a laboratory leadership role where your expertise truly matters-where you're not just maintaining operations, but actively shaping the future of laboratory services during a critical period of change. A healthcare organization in Maine is seeking an exceptional Director of Laboratory Services to provide executive-level leadership for hospital-based laboratory operations during an important organizational transition.This isn't about routine oversight. This is about stabilization, assessment, and improvement-with direct access to senior clinical and administrative leadership who understand that laboratory services are foundational to quality patient care.If you're a seasoned laboratory leader who thrives in dynamic environments and can bring both regulatory discipline and operational excellence, this opportunity deserves your attention.What Makes This Role CompellingReal Authority and AccountabilityYou'll have executive oversight of laboratory operations for an acute-care hospital and affiliated facilities. This means you'll set the direction, make the decisions, and own the outcomes-with full support from senior leadership.Transformation During TransitionThe organization is navigating change, and laboratory services need a steady, credible leader who can assess current operations, ensure regulatory readiness, and provide continuity while systems and priorities evolve. Your leadership will be visible and valued.Opportunity to Build and ImproveThis is a chance to evaluate laboratory workflows, strengthen quality systems, optimize performance metrics, and establish best practices that will serve the organization for years to come. You'll have influence over long-term laboratory structure and strategy.Direct Clinical and Executive PartnershipsWork closely with nursing, physicians, administrative leaders, and executives who recognize the critical role laboratory services play in patient care. Your voice will matter in operational and strategic discussions.What You'll LeadOperational ExcellenceDirect oversight of daily laboratory operations, staffing, scheduling, and workflow managementAssessment and optimization of laboratory processes, technology platforms, and service offeringsPerformance monitoring and continuous improvement across all laboratory functionsResource management to ensure efficient, high-quality laboratory servicesRegulatory Compliance & QualityFull accountability for compliance with CAP, CLIA, CMS, state regulations, and accreditation standardsSurvey and inspection readiness-prepare for, manage, and respond to regulatory auditsProactive identification and mitigation of compliance risksQuality assurance and quality control program oversightLeadership Through ChangeProvide calm, steady leadership during organizational transition and assessment phasesSupport stabilization efforts and system integration initiativesNavigate evolving priorities with transparency and clear communicationBalance operational demands with strategic improvement opportunitiesTeam Development & CollaborationLead, mentor, and develop laboratory staff and supervisory team membersBuild trust and engagement during periods of uncertaintyCollaborate effectively with clinical departments, nursing leadership, and administrative teamsServe as the primary laboratory liaison to executive leadershipWho Succeeds in This RoleYou Must Bring:✓ Acute Care Experience - Proven leadership in hospital-based laboratory settings✓ Regulatory Expertise - Strong working knowledge of CAP, CLIA, CMS, and laboratory accreditation standards✓ Leadership Track Record - Demonstrated experience managing laboratory teams, operations, and performance✓ Assessment Capabilities - Ability to evaluate, stabilize, and improve laboratory functions in complex environments✓ Clinical Credibility - Background that earns respect from laboratory staff, clinicians, and executives alikeWhat Sets You Apart:Multi-Facility Experience - You've supported laboratory services across multiple sites or care settingsAdvanced Laboratory Exposure - Experience with specialized testing, reference laboratories, or comprehensive service linesTransition Experience - You've successfully navigated organizational assessments, transitions, integrations, or turnaroundsResourcefulness - You've operated effectively in resource-constrained or rapidly changing environmentsProblem-Solving Mindset - You identify solutions rather than just highlighting problemsWhat This Role RequiresThis is not a routine maintenance assignment. This role demands:Regulatory Discipline with Operational PragmatismYou must maintain unwavering compliance standards while making practical decisions that keep operations running smoothly, even when information is incomplete or priorities shift.Calm, Decisive LeadershipYou'll need to project confidence and stability during organizational change, make sound decisions under pressure, and communicate transparently with staff and leadership.Comfort with AmbiguityYou'll operate in an environment where priorities evolve, data may be limited, and circumstances change. You must be able to lead effectively despite uncertainty.Solutions-Oriented ApproachThis organization needs a leader who assesses situations quickly, identifies practical improvements, and implements solutions-not someone who waits for perfect conditions.What We Offer in ReturnCompensation & BenefitsCompetitive compensation package commensurate with experience Comprehensive benefits Details disclosed during interview process with qualified candidatesProfessional InfluenceHigh visibility with clinical and executive leadership Direct voice in laboratory strategy and operations Opportunity to shape long-term laboratory structure and best practicesCareer DevelopmentChance to demonstrate executive-level laboratory leadership Build your reputation as a turnaround and stabilization leader Position yourself for broader healthcare leadership opportunitiesQuality of LifeMaine offers four-season outdoor recreation, access to natural landscapes, and a balanced lifestyle with lower cost of living than major Northeast metros-while maintaining meaningful professional scope and career opportunity.Candidates are encouraged to research specific communities, schools, and housing markets. Additional regional insights and resources available during the interview process.The Reality CheckThis role is not ideal for:Leaders seeking a stable, predictable maintenance environmentThose uncomfortable with incomplete data or evolving prioritiesIndividuals who need extensive organizational structure before taking actionThis role is perfect for:Laboratory leaders who thrive during change and complexityThose who can balance regulatory rigor with operational flexibilityProfessionals comfortable making decisions with imperfect informationLeaders who build trust through transparency, competence, and steadinessTimeline & Next StepsPriority Level: HighContext: Critical leadership hire supporting laboratory stability and regulatory readiness during organizational transitionStart Date: As soon as possible for the right candidateReady to Lead?This is your opportunity to step into a laboratory leadership role where your expertise guides operations through meaningful change. If you're an experienced laboratory professional who can provide steady leadership, ensure regulatory excellence, and drive operational improvement, let's talk.