Histology Manager

Position Title: Histology Manager
Department: Histology
Location: Alameda County, CA

Position Summary

The Manager of Histology is responsible for overseeing daily operations, quality assurance, and compliance within the Histology Department. This role ensures that laboratory practices meet all regulatory requirements and supports the Medical Director in managing day-to-day activities. The Manager also leads staff development, workflow efficiency, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Reporting Relationships

• Reports To: Chief Medical Officer (CMO)
• Directly Supervises: Supervisors
• Indirectly Supervises: Histotechnologists & Laboratory Assistants

Essential Functions

• Ensure compliance with standards and requirements of CAP, CLIA, OSHA, and other regulatory agencies.
• Maintain and update SOPs and procedure manuals to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Manage staffing needs, including hiring, scheduling, training, and conducting performance evaluations.
• Oversee daily workflow to ensure turnaround times are consistently achieved.
• Monitor overtime usage and implement strategies for efficiency.
• Provide training, orientation, and continuing education for staff.
• Ensure laboratory equipment is properly maintained, serviced, and replaced as necessary.
• Manage inventory of supplies, forecast needs, and coordinate vendor relationships.
• Collect workload data and assist in preparing monthly and annual reports.
• Oversee safety practices within the laboratory, ensuring inspection readiness at all times.
• Support department projects, including renovations, build-outs, and relocations.
• Investigate incidents, implement corrective actions, and communicate resolutions.
• Promote a positive, professional, and collaborative work environment.
• Communicate effectively with staff, pathologists, physicians, and external vendors.

Additional Responsibilities

• Follow all safety protocols outlined in the Laboratory Safety Manual.
• Uphold organizational policies and represent the company in a professional manner.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding patient information.
• Participate in departmental meetings, in-services, and quality improvement initiatives.

Education, Experience & Skills

• Associate’s degree in a scientific field required; Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences preferred.
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in a clinical laboratory, with histology experience strongly preferred.
• Certification as Histotechnologist (HTL) or Histology Technician (HT) by ASCP strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of laboratory organization, QC/QA standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to supervise and develop staff.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Must meet CAP requirements for Laboratory Supervisor.
• Proficiency in operating standard anatomic pathology equipment (e.g., autostainers, microtomes, cryostats).
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Working Conditions

• Medical laboratory environment with exposure to bloodborne pathogens, chemicals, and biohazards.
• Moderate noise level (phones, printers, staff traffic).
• Occasional physical activity including lifting (20+ lbs), bending, reaching, or moving equipment.
• Must be able to identify and respond to equipment or system malfunctions.

OSHA Category 1: Regular exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials.