Administrative Director of Laboratory Services - Health System

ABOUT THE JOB

As the Administrative Director of Laboratory Services, you will serve as the health system leader responsible for the strategic, operational, and financial oversight of a large, complex laboratory enterprise that is essential to patient care across MU Health Care. Reporting directly to a system executive, this role oversees more than 230 FTEs, five direct-report managers, and 14 laboratory locations spanning acute care and ambulatory settings. This position is well-suited for an experienced laboratory leader accustomed to enterprise-level accountability, multi-site operations, and executive partnership. In collaboration with physicians, executives, and operational leaders, you will ensure laboratory services consistently deliver accurate, timely results that directly impact patient safety, diagnosis, and experience for a broad and diverse catchment area.

This is a high-impact, system-level opportunity for a proven laboratory executive ready to lead at scale and shape strategy across an academic medical center and safety-net health system. The Administrative Director will guide growth initiatives, optimize laboratory facilities, and lead through complexity while balancing clinical excellence with disciplined business operations. Success in this role requires strong people-leadership, credibility with physicians, and comfort operating at the executive level while keeping patient safety and satisfaction at the forefront. For a currently sitting Director or senior laboratory leader from a large health system, this role offers exceptional visibility, direct executive reporting, and the opportunity to influence the future of laboratory services within Central Missouri’s premier academic health system.

Shift: Exempt Employee – Standard Day Shift
Department: Laboratories

Compensation:

• Base Pay Range: $126,796.00 - $206,960.00 (based on experience)
• Moving Allowance: Negotiable

ABOUT MU HEALTH CARE  

MU Health Care is proud to be named one of Forbes’ Best-in-State Employers seven years in a row, and that’s largely a result of the incredible culture and team we’ve built. At MU Health Care, we have an inspired, hard-working and collaborative environment driven by our mission to save and improve lives. Here, we believe anything is possible and rally around solutions. We celebrate innovation and offer opportunities to be a part of something bigger — to have a voice and role in the work that is serving our community and changing the field of medicine.

Our academic health system — the only in mid-Missouri — is home to seven hospitals, including the region’s only Level 1 Trauma Center and region’s only Children’s Hospital, as well as over 90 specialty clinics. Here you can define your career among our many clinical and nonclinical positions — with growth, opportunity and support every step of the way.

Learn more about MU Health Care.

Learn more about living in mid-Missouri. 

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

• Health, vision and dental insurance coverage starting day one 
• Generous paid leave and paid time off, including nine holidays 
• Multiple retirement options, including 100% matching up to 8% and full vesting in three years
• Tuition assistance for employees (75%) and immediate family members (50%) 
• Discounts on cell phone plans, rental cars, gyms, hotels and more
• See a comprehensive list of benefits here. 

DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION 

• In collaboration with the Laboratory Medical Director, develops and implements operational policies and procedures to ensure efficient and effective delivery of laboratory services.
• Develops and manages departmental budgets, including revenue forecasting, expense control, and financial reporting.
• Monitors key performance indicators and financial metrics to assess departmental performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Collaborates with hospital leadership to develop long-term strategic plans for laboratory services aligned with organizational goals and priorities.
• Identifies emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in laboratory services and integrate them into departmental strategies.
• Leads initiatives to enhance service quality, patient satisfaction, and operational efficiency.
• Implements quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient outcomes, safety, and satisfaction.
• Monitors and analyzes clinical outcomes, patient feedback, and performance metrics to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Drives continuous quality improvement efforts through data-driven decision-making and process optimization.
• Leads a culture of safety through proactive risk mitigation and continuous quality improvement, taking measures to routinely evaluate regulatory readiness. Monitors and analyzes safety and performance metrics to identify trends and implement corrective actions for staff and/or patients as appropriate.
• Manage the development, coordination, and maintenance of daily staffing schedules to ensure the appropriate level of coverage and continuity of care.
• Monitor and oversee time and attendance in alignment with MU Health Care policies and practices, ensuring accuracy of records and timely approval for payroll purposes.
• May complete unit/department-specific duties as outlined in department documents.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated expertise in operational management, financial analysis, and strategic planning.
• Excellent leadership, communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements, accreditation standards, and industry best practices in laboratory services.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to move leaders and team members across organizational teams toward systematic and positive change through influence and expertise.