Director, Lab Operations
Location : Onsite – Altamonte Springs, FL (with possible locations in Daytona Beach, DeLand, Jacksonville, New Smyrna Beach, Ormond Beach)
Schedule : Monday–Friday, Onsite (No remote / flexible hours)
What are the 3-4 non-negotiable requirements of this position?
Candidate Profile
- Demonstrated success leading large teams in high-volume lab environments.
- Experience managing technical or platform transitions, ideally across multiple sites.
- Proven ability to oversee lab operations in compliance with CAP, federal, and state clinical lab regulations.
- Strong track record of developing leaders, building bench strength, and upleveling team capability.
- Effective communicator who builds trust, morale, and team engagement across diverse teams.
- Sets clear performance standards and drives accountability through influence and collaboration.
- Champions a culture of belonging and continuous development; mentors emerging talent.
- Helpful but not required : Experience implementing new programs or products in a clinical lab setting.
- Bachelor’s degree in medical technology or related sciences required.
Must have :
Valid practitioner and supervisor licenses (multi-state licensure required) – FL Supervisor License (if they don’t have, they will need to get if they move to FL)Medical technologist registry required (i.e. ASCP, AMT, AAB or equivalent)What are the nice-to-have skills?
Current Projects
The lab is undergoing a major platform conversion in the Waters Department (endotoxin testing).Candidates with experience in platform transitions or system implementations will be highly valued.Additional initiatives and department-level implementations are underway; comfort with change management and project execution is key.
Describe how this position fits in your organization.
Director, Lab Operations
Intentionally re-scoping the position - Separate technical functions from broader administrative and non-core responsibilitiesPrioritize people leadership and day-to-day operational oversight; Emphasize succession planning and future bench strength at the leadership levelThis is not a traditional "technical-only" lab leadership role—this individual must be a leader of people first, with a solid grasp of clinical lab operations.Reports to the VP Lab Operations
What is exciting about this opportunity? Please include team and company culture.
Lab Structure & Current State
The lab processes 100,000 tests / day in the core lab (~60M / year)Staff : 200+ employees across clinical and non-clinical functionsLeadership : Two Lab Directors, each managing 2–5 direct reports
Is there additional variable compensation? yes, range can be from $150-190K depending on experience + 20% bonus.
There is a possibility for sponsorship. No
There is equity in this position. No
Is relocation available? Yes, nationwide
Is this a new position, or a backfill? Backfill
This position has direct reports. Yes
Work hours are flexible. No
Here is what you can expect when you join our Village :
A "community first, company second" culture based on Core Values that really matter.Clinical outcomes consistently ranked above the national average.Award-winning education and training across multiple career paths to help you reach your potential.Performance-based rewards based on stellar individual and team contributions.A comprehensive benefits package designed to enhance your health, your financial well-being and your future.Dedication, above all, to caring for patients suffering from chronic kidney failure across the nation.Join us as we pursue our vision "To Build the Greatest Healthcare Community the World has Ever Seen."
What We’ll Provide :
More than just pay, our DaVita Rewards package connects teammates to what matters most. Teammates are eligible to begin receiving benefits on the first day of the month following or coinciding with one month of continuous employment. Below are some of our benefit offerings.
Comprehensive benefits : Medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, paid time off, PTO cash outSupport for you and your family : Family resources, EAP counseling sessions, access Headspace®, backup child and elder care, maternity / paternity leave and moreProfessional development programs : DaVita offers a variety of programs to help strong performers grow within their career and also offers on-demand virtual leadership and development courses through DaVita’s online training platform StarLearning.Reports To : VP, Lab Operations
Direct Reports : Yes
We’re seeking a dynamic and experienced Director, Lab Operations to lead high-volume clinical lab operations across multiple sites in Florida. In this critical leadership role, you will oversee technical operations, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive excellence in team development, culture, and performance. The lab processes over 100,000 tests per day (~60 million / year) and employs more than 200 staff across various functions.
We’re looking for a people-first leader who thrives in a fast-paced, regulated environment and brings expertise in technical transitions , compliance , and scalable leadership development .
Key Responsibilities
Strategic & Operational Leadership
Lead day-to-day operations of clinical laboratories in alignment with CAP, federal, and state regulations.Manage department budgets and staffing based on volume metrics and capital planning.Ensure SOPs are current, standardized, and compliant across all lab locations.Facilitate cross-department communication and platform integration during major technical upgrades.People & Culture Leadership
Directly manage lab directors and leadership teams; mentor and coach future leaders.Foster a culture of belonging, accountability, continuous improvement, and engagement.Set clear performance standards and drive results through influence and collaboration.Prioritize succession planning and leadership development at all levels.Quality & Compliance
Maintain robust quality control and assurance programs to ensure the accuracy and reliability of lab services.Oversee training, competency assessment, and performance management of technical staff.Ensure all lab operations meet or exceed industry and organizational quality benchmarks.Project Execution & Change Management
Lead or support technical transitions and system implementations (e.g., current Waters Department platform conversion).Serve as a strategic partner in identifying and rolling out new service lines or internal initiatives.Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology or related scientific field (required).Medical Technologist registry (ASCP, AMT, AAB, or equivalent) – required .Florida Clinical Laboratory Supervisor License – must possess or be willing to obtain.At least 8 years of experience in laboratory management , with exposure to high-complexity, high-volume environments.Proven success managing large teams and implementing change across multiple lab sites.Demonstrated knowledge of CAP, CLIA, and state lab regulations .Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools and lab management systems.Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, or relevant scientific field.Experience launching new products or programs within a lab setting.Familiarity with platform transitions and system conversions.Experience in multi-site clinical lab leadership with a strong focus on talent development.