Director, Laboratory Operations, Provincial Laboratory Medicine Services

Director, Laboratory Operations, Provincial Laboratory Medicine Services

Lab Management

Vancouver, BC

The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates selected specialty and province-wide health care services across BC, working with the five geographic health authorities to deliver province-wide solutions that improve the health of British Columbians. PHSA embodies values that reflect a commitment to excellence.

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

The Director, Laboratory Operations reports to the Senior Director, Laboratory Operations and plays a pivotal role in overseeing and optimizing the day-to-day operations of a multi-site lab portfolio. The role is responsible for ensuring that operations align with the diagnostic laboratory services strategic and operational plans, goals and objectives and meet the highest standards of safety, quality and compliance. The Director, Laboratory Operations supervises a team of Managers, partners with PHSA and other Health Authority Operational Leaders, allocates resources including monitoring and maintaining the applicable portfolio’s operating budget, manages all facets of human resources, and fosters an environment that empowers individuals to provide safe quality care.

What you’ll do

• Directs the day-to-day business operations, oversees the administrative and technical operations of the laboratory and maintenance of safety, quality and accreditation standards of assigned laboratory. Provides leadership in establishing priorities for allocation of available resources.
• Executes operational plans, goals and objectives in accordance with the strategic plans of the organization to deliver operational and functional laboratory and diagnostic services. Defines an effective workforce plan consistent with strategic goals and objectives and within the context of operational demands and environmental and resource constraints.
• Oversees the recruitment and professional development of non-medical staff members and ensures that staff members are achieving a level of performance that meets the highest standards within their areas of function. Provides guidance, coaching and direction to clinic and/or program managers, investigates and addresses work and staff issues.
• Guides managers in addressing performance issues including investigations, responding to grievances, providing input to collective bargaining proposals, and attending union/management meetings, in consultation with the Senior Director and Human Resources. Represents the Employer in labour relations matters and determines the disposition of grievances in partnership with Human Resources.
• Interprets and applies various collective agreements for unionized staff, or terms and conditions for non-contract staff.
• Manages financial resources by working with program budget analyst to prepare the budget for approval, monitoring the budget, identifying, and explaining variances, and taking corrective action required to maintain a balanced budget.
• Responsible for the resolution of operational problems and for the development of plans for normal and contingency operations of the laboratories such as strike contingency planning and emergency preparedness.
• Leads service reviews and setting of service objectives by initiating data collection and analysis for service planning and improvement.
• Reviews equipment, methodology, and new scientific development and facilitates the introduction of new diagnostic laboratory technologies, in partnership with medical and senior scientific staff and other partners. Provides leadership in the implementation of new systems, programs, projects, and initiatives within the assigned laboratories to ensure successful outcomes.
• Participates in annual capital equipment planning and acquisition.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with PHSA and regional Health Authority leaders, other departments, groups and team members through continual liaison and builds successful collaboration to ensure integration of services and to support the delivery of high-quality health care; facilitates interdisciplinary cooperation, participates on committees, and provides regular relevant communication on pertinent matters.

What you bring

Qualifications

• A level of education, training, and experience equivalent to graduation from an approved training program for Medical Laboratory Technologist, Post-graduate training in business, leadership, or health administration (Master’s degree preferred), and a minimum of ten (10) years of clinical experience working in laboratories, with at least five years of progressive supervisory and management experience. Current registration with the Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS).
• Demonstrated knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples in social and health contexts, including supported by significant knowledge of Indigenous-specific mandates, including clear understanding of and commitment to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination and embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility. Demonstrated knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism and systemic racism on Indigenous Peoples within social and health contexts, underpinned by significant expertise in Indigenous-specific mandates. This includes a clear understanding of and commitment to eradicating Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination. Additionally, it involves embedding Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility, and an advanced expertise and unwavering dedication to engaging with diversity, centering equity, and advancing inclusion (DEI).
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments within Lab Management contexts found in the foundational documents including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, Anti-Racism Data Act, BC Human Rights Code - and how they intersect across the health care system.

Core Competencies:

• Brings an understanding of the Indigenous specific racism and the broader systemic racism that exists in the colonial health care structure, and has demonstrated leadership in breaking down barriers and ensuring an environment of belonging and Indigenous Cultural Safety. Demonstrates action-oriented practices addressing Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression, as well as confronting/addressing broader issues of racism and discrimination. Exhibits strong DEI and anti-racism competencies/skills to lead by example fostering a culture of continuous learning, equity, inclusion and belonging.
• Indigenous-specific anti-racism, anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety and foundational documents and legislative commitments (the Declaration Act, the Declaration Action Plan, TRC, IPS, Remembering Keegan, etc.).

Skills & Knowledge

• In depth knowledge of regulatory policies, legislation, and processes relevant to laboratory licensing in BC.
• Solid understanding of the Diagnostic Accreditation Program, laboratory information systems, laboratory technology and equipment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a dynamic complex leadership team.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to deal effectively with all levels of staff.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise and lead staff.
• Strong computer skills, including financial applications, spreadsheet programs and word processing software required.
• Familiarity with regulatory bodies and policies/procedures relevant to laboratory diagnostic services
• Demonstrated deep understanding of their personal learning/unlearning journey in relation to Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression, as well as addressing racism more broadly. Able to articulate and share this journey to motivate and inspire others enhancing a culture of learning/unlearning and self-reflection.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the social, economic, political realities of settler-colonialism and impacts on Indigenous peoples in social and health contexts as well as knowledge and understanding of, and commitment to upholding legislative obligations and provincial commitments in the foundational documents: Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan, Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, and the Distinctions Based Approach.

What we bring

Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.

• Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
• Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
• Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
• PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
• Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.

Job Type: Regular, Full-Time
Salary Range: $116,591 - $167,600. The starting salary for this position would be determined with consideration of the successful candidate’s relevant education and experience, and would be in alignment with the provincial compensation reference plan. Salary will be prorated accordingly for part time roles.
Location: 1081 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6
Closing Date:
Hours of Work: 0800-1600 (Monday to Friday)
Requisition # 181836E

What we do

The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Create equity – Be courageous.

Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services

PHSA is committed to anti-racism and equity in our hiring and employment practices. With learning and compassion, we are addressing existing inequities and barriers throughout our systems. PHSA is seeking to create a diverse workforce and to establish an inclusive and culturally safe environment. We invite applications and enquiries from all people, particularly those belonging to the historically, systemically, and/or persistently excluded groups identified under the B.C. Human Rights Code.

One of PHSA’s North Star priorities is to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism, which includes ongoing commitments to Indigenous recruitment and employee experience as well as dismantling barriers to health care employment at every level. We welcome Indigenous individuals to apply and/or contact the Sanya’k̓ula Team (Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience) for support at indigenous.employment@phsa.ca.

Indigenous-specific anti-racism initiatives are rooted in addressing the unique forms of discrimination, historical and ongoing injustices, and exclusion faced by Indigenous peoples. These initiatives align with an Indigenous rights-based approach, recognizing the inherent rights and title of BC First Nations and self-determination of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. PHSA is mandated to uphold legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents including the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study.

ATTN: PHSA Employees:

To be considered as a PHSA employee (internal applicant) for this position, you must apply online via your internal profile at internaljobs.phsa.ca

Please note the internal job posting will no longer be accessible after the expiry date of April 7, 2025. If the internal job posting has expired, please contact the Internal Jobs Help Desk and advise that you would like to be considered as a late internal applicant for this position. Please do not apply for the external job posting.

If you have not registered your internal profile, a password is required to log in for the first time. To obtain your password, please contact the Internal Jobs Help Desk at 604-875-7264 or 1-855-875-7264. Please note regular business hours are Monday – Friday (excluding stats), 8:30am to 4:30pm. For inquiries outside of regular business hours, please email the Internal Jobs Help Desk at internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca and a Help Desk Representative will contact you the next business day.