Specimen Processing Supervisor

Role Description

Specimen Processing Supervisor

Schedule/Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 1:00 am-9:30 am

The Specimen Processing Supervisor has the primary responsibility for leading a local team of Lab Accessioners in the pre-analytical processing of veterinary patient samples at our clinical diagnostic laboratories. This role oversees daily operations, leads quality control/assurance, and analyzes processes to implement changes that drive efficiency and effectiveness. The Supervisor ensures adherence to established policies and procedures, provides training on proper laboratory test procedures and sample collection processes and performs the more technical and complex tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

Responsibilities and Duties:

* Lead a local team in the pre-analytical processing of veterinary patient samples at our clinical diagnostic laboratories.
Oversee daily operations and provide hands-on guidance to staff responsible for receiving, labeling, sorting, and preparing veterinary samples for analysis. Foster a collaborative work environment, set clear expectations, and ensure that all team members adhere to safety and quality protocols.

* Drive ZRL strategy by supporting and contributing to the implementation of goals and objectives.
Actively participate by translating organizational goals into actionable plans for the specimen processing team, and monitor progress toward key performance indicators. Encourage staff engagement with company initiatives and communicate priorities effectively.

* Monitor teamwork activities to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures.
Conduct routine audits and direct observations of staff activities to verify compliance with laboratory protocols, safety guidelines, and regulatory standards. Address deviations promptly and reinforce a culture of accountability.

* Establish schedules and methods for providing laboratory analysis and quality assurance programs.
Develop and maintain efficient work schedules to optimize turnaround times, balance workloads, and ensure timely processing of all incoming samples.

* Recommend changes and improvements to existing standards and procedures.
Analyze workflow data and staff feedback to identify opportunities for process improvement. Propose updates to procedures that enhance efficiency, accuracy, or safety, and collaborate with leadership on implementation.

* Ensure work quality and adherence to established policies and procedures.
Ensure processed specimens are reviewed for accuracy and completeness, provide constructive feedback to staff, and intervene when quality issues arise. Champion a continuous improvement mindset and celebrate successes in meeting or exceeding quality benchmarks.

* Participate in the development and implementation of policies and procedures.
Contribute to the creation and revision of laboratory policies, ensuring that new procedures incorporate best practices and regulatory requirements. Lead efforts to educate staff on policy updates and monitor adherence.

* Manage, develop, and support the specimen processing team to ensure high performance and engagement.

Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and positive team culture. Oversee aspects of team leadership including hiring, onboarding, and execution of annual processes. Provide regular feedback to team members and facilitate professional development opportunities to promote continuous growth.

* Provide training to laboratory personnel on sample collection processes, proper lab methods, procedures, and techniques.
Design and deliver training sessions, develop instructional materials, and mentor new and existing staff on best practices in specimen handling, laboratory techniques, and compliance requirements.

* In collaboration with leadership, identify resource needs and allocate accordingly.
Work closely with management to assess staffing levels, equipment requirements, and supply inventories. Advocate for necessary resources and strategically deploy personnel and materials to maintain seamless laboratory operations.

* Perform the more technical and complex tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.
Take on specialized assignments such as troubleshooting equipment, validating new testing methods, or resolving challenging specimen processing issues. Serve as a technical resource for the team and escalate unresolved problems as needed.

* Perform related duties as required.
Support laboratory operations by assisting with special projects, cross-training in other laboratory areas, or stepping in during staff shortages. Adapt to changing priorities and contribute to a positive, resilient workplace culture.

Education and Experience Requirements

* Bachelor's degree preferred; Associate's degree or certification equivalent (MT/MLT) required.

* Requires experience in a clinical laboratory setting with knowledge of high throughput hematology, chemistry, immunoassay, urinalysis, O&P/fecal, microbiology, histology and related analyzers/diagnostics.

* Supervisory experience preferred

Skills Requirements

* Proven ability to build, develop, and thrive within clinical laboratory teams

* Demonstrated problem-solving skills and adaptability in fast-growing environments

* Skilled at balancing multiple priorities efficiently

* Extensive experience with IT and Laboratory Information Systems (LIS); highly proficient with computer systems, technology, and equipment interfaces

* Strong interpersonal skills with a collaborative mindset

* Effective people leadership and team management abilities

* Committed to upholding Zoetis core beliefs and values

* Excellent written and oral communication skills

Exceptional organizational and time management capabilities

Physical Position Requirements:

* Must be able to work flexible schedules, including nights and weekends

* Must be able to sit/stand/walk for periods of time

Any unsolicited resumes sent to Zoetis from a third party, such as an Agency recruiter, including unsolicited resumes sent to a Zoetis mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Zoetis employees, or to Zoetis resume database will be considered Zoetis property. Zoetis will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume.

Zoetis will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees. This includes any Agency that is an approved/engaged vendor but does not have the appropriate approvals to be engaged on a search.

Notice: Zoetis Recruiters will contact candidates via email from an address ending in @zoetis.com and may also initially connect with candidates through LinkedIn, including LinkedIn InMail. Zoetis does not use Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, or other web-based/generic email domains to communicate about job opportunities, interviews, or offers of employment. If you receive a recruitment-related email message claiming to be from Zoetis that does not come from @zoetis.com, please treat it as suspicious. For your security, do not reply, click links, open attachments, share personal or financial information, or send money in response to unexpected or questionable recruitment communications.