Director, Laboratory Support Operations

Discover Vanderbilt Health : With eight hospitals and over 180 clinics, we are the region's largest comprehensive academic health system. Vanderbilt Health has a long tradition of providing world‑class care to the people of the Mid-South, living out our mission of moving medicine forward through preeminent programs in patient care, education and research. Here you'll find a spirit of collaboration and a supportive community where your expertise is valued, your knowledge expanded and your uniqueness celebrated. We are committed to fostering an environment where talented, compassionate people are united in bringing the most advanced care to our neighbors throughout the region.

Organization:

VML Support Operations

Job Summary:

The Director of Laboratory Support Operations is a senior operational leadership role responsible for planning, directing, and continuously improving the non-clinical infrastructure that supports Vanderbilt Medical Laboratories. This position provides leadership across a broad portfolio of operational disciplines including Materials Management, Facilities, Project Management Office (PMO), Security, Housekeeping, Specimen Management, Pathology Support Services, Middleware Support, Reference Laboratory Send-Out Operations, and other critical support functions. This is not a clinical laboratory position. Success in this role requires a highly versatile leader who thrives in a dynamic environment where no two days are alike. One day may involve coordinating facility renovations and determining MEP requirements for new laboratory instrumentation. The next may require troubleshooting technology platforms, managing a complex construction project, resolving operational disruptions, or leading an enterprise‑wide initiative affecting multiple laboratory departments. The ideal candidate is a hands‑on problem solver with a strong background in project management, facilities and construction, technology, operations, and organizational leadership. Most importantly, this leader possesses a "can figure it out" mentality and a passion for overcoming obstacles in support of exceptional patient care and laboratory service.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Provide strategic and day-to-day leadership for laboratory support operations across multiple locations.
• Direct and coordinate activities related to Materials Management, Facilities, Security, Housekeeping, Specimen Management, Middleware Support, Pathology Support Services, and Reference Laboratory Send-Out Operations.
• Develop operational strategies that enhance efficiency, reliability, quality, and service throughout the organization.
• Build strong partnerships with laboratory, hospital, administrative, and vendor stakeholders.

Project and Program Management

• Lead large-scale operational, facility, technology, and process improvement initiatives across Vanderbilt Medical Laboratories.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects involving construction, laboratory expansion, equipment implementation, workflow redesign, and system integration.
• Establish project governance, timelines, budgets, risk mitigation plans, and accountability structures.
• Oversee PMO functions and ensure projects align with organizational priorities and strategic goals.

Facilities and Infrastructure

• Partner with architects, engineers, contractors, and facilities teams on laboratory construction and renovation projects.
• Evaluate facility requirements for new laboratory equipment, including power, HVAC, plumbing, structural, and other MEP considerations.
• Coordinate maintenance, space planning, security, housekeeping, and infrastructure improvement activities.
• Serve as an operational leader during facility‑related incidents, disruptions, and emergencies.

Technology and Systems Support

• Provide leadership for middleware platforms and other operational technologies supporting laboratory workflows.
• Collaborate with Information Technology teams to implement, support, and optimize systems.
• Troubleshoot operational and technology issues that impact laboratory performance.
• Identify opportunities to leverage technology to improve visibility, efficiency, communication, and automation.

Supply Chain and Materials Management

• Oversee procurement, inventory management, warehousing, logistics, and distribution functions supporting laboratory operations.
• Ensure effective inventory controls and continuity of supply for laboratory operations.
• Monitor vendor performance and lead operational improvement initiatives with suppliers and service partners.

Team Development

• Build, lead, mentor, and develop a diverse team of managers, supervisors, and individual contributors.
• Foster a culture of ownership, innovation, accountability, and customer service.
• Identify organizational needs and develop succession planning strategies for key operational functions.

Financial and Administrative Management

Develop and manage departmental budgets and capital plans.

Evaluate operational performance using data, metrics,