Senior Medical Laboratory Manager – Diagnostic & Clinical Services

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Employment Type: Full-Time
Career Level: Senior Management
Experience Required: 7–12 Years
Salary Range: USD $3,800 – $5,800 per month

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced, technically strong, and detail-oriented Senior Medical Laboratory Manager to lead and oversee diagnostic laboratory operations within a large, high-volume healthcare facility in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This senior leadership role is critical to ensuring accurate diagnostic testing, compliance with international quality and accreditation standards, and seamless coordination between clinical teams and laboratory services.

The Senior Medical Laboratory Manager will have full responsibility for managing clinical laboratory departments including hematology, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, transfusion services, and pathology support functions. The role requires a strong balance of scientific expertise, quality management, operational discipline, and people leadership to ensure safe, timely, and reliable diagnostic services that directly support patient care.

The ideal candidate will bring deep technical knowledge in laboratory sciences, proven leadership experience in accredited laboratories, and the ability to manage large teams, complex workflows, and continuous quality improvement initiatives in a regulated healthcare environment.

Key Responsibilities

Overall Laboratory Operations Leadership

• Lead and oversee all daily operations of clinical laboratory departments
• Ensure uninterrupted laboratory services supporting inpatient, outpatient, emergency, and specialty care
• Establish clear operational priorities and ensure consistent service delivery
• Act as the senior authority for laboratory operations within the healthcare facility

Diagnostic Accuracy & Service Quality

• Ensure accuracy, reliability, and clinical relevance of all diagnostic test results
• Monitor turnaround times (TAT) and ensure timely delivery of laboratory reports
• Implement controls to minimize errors, rework, and specimen rejection
• Support clinicians with reliable diagnostic data for effective patient care

Quality Management Systems & Accreditation

• Develop, implement, and maintain robust laboratory quality management systems (QMS)
• Ensure compliance with international accreditation standards such as CAP, ISO 15189, and JCI requirements
• Lead preparation for external audits, inspections, and accreditation surveys
• Monitor quality indicators and implement corrective and preventive actions
• Ensure documentation, SOPs, and records meet regulatory and accreditation standards

Regulatory Compliance & Laboratory Safety

• Ensure compliance with local healthcare regulations, laboratory laws, and safety guidelines
• Implement biosafety, infection control, and waste management protocols
• Ensure safe handling, storage, and disposal of biological and chemical materials
• Promote a strong culture of safety, ethics, and regulatory compliance

Laboratory Team Leadership & Workforce Management

• Lead, supervise, and develop laboratory supervisors, technologists, technicians, and support staff
• Manage staff scheduling, shift coverage, and manpower planning
• Conduct performance evaluations, competency assessments, and corrective actions
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and professional development of laboratory personnel
• Build a high-performance, quality-driven laboratory culture

Equipment Management & Technical Oversight

• Oversee calibration, validation, maintenance, and performance of laboratory equipment
• Ensure analyzers and instruments meet operational and quality requirements
• Coordinate with vendors for service contracts, troubleshooting, and upgrades
• Support evaluation and implementation of new laboratory technologies
• Minimize downtime and ensure continuity of testing services

Clinical Collaboration & Diagnostic Support

• Coordinate closely with physicians, nursing staff, and clinical departments
• Provide technical consultation on test selection, interpretation, and limitations
• Support clinical decision-making through accurate and timely diagnostics
• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings and clinical discussions

Budgeting, Procurement & Inventory Control

• Develop and manage laboratory budgets, operating costs, and capital expenditure
• Control reagent usage, consumables, and inventory levels
• Optimize procurement processes to ensure quality and cost efficiency
• Monitor vendor performance and contract compliance
• Reduce wastage and improve cost-effectiveness without compromising quality

Audits, Risk Management & Continuous Improvement

• Conduct internal audits and risk assessments across laboratory processes
• Lead root cause analysis for non-conformances, incidents, and complaints
• Implement corrective and preventive action plans
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and reduce errors
• Benchmark laboratory performance against best practices

Data, Reporting & Performance Monitoring

• Monitor laboratory KPIs such as TAT, error rates, productivity, and quality indicators
• Prepare detailed operational, quality, and performance reports
• Analyze trends and identify improvement opportunities
• Present laboratory performance updates to hospital leadership
• Support data-driven decision-making

Training, Education & Competency Development

• Ensure staff are trained on laboratory procedures, equipment, and quality standards
• Develop ongoing education and competency programs
• Support staff certification, licensure, and professional growth
• Promote continuous learning and adherence to best laboratory practices

Strategic Planning & Laboratory Development

• Contribute to long-term laboratory strategy and service expansion planning
• Support introduction of new tests, services, and automation initiatives
• Align laboratory operations with hospital growth and clinical needs
• Support digitalization, LIS optimization, and workflow automation

Qualifications & Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Pathology, or a related field
• Valid professional certification and laboratory licensing
• Advanced training in laboratory quality management is an advantage
• Strong understanding of clinical laboratory operations and diagnostics

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 7 years of experience in clinical laboratory services
• Proven leadership or managerial experience in accredited laboratory environments
• Experience managing high test volumes and multiple laboratory sections
• Strong exposure to CAP, ISO, JCI, or equivalent accreditation standards
• Experience working in hospital or large diagnostic center settings
• GCC healthcare laboratory experience is an advantage

Skills & Competencies

• Strong technical expertise in medical laboratory sciences
• Excellent leadership and people management skills
• Deep knowledge of laboratory accreditation and quality systems
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational abilities
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Ability to manage complex operations under pressure
• Excellent communication and clinical coordination skills
• Strong planning, budgeting, and operational control abilities
• Commitment to patient safety, ethics, and diagnostic excellence

Benefits & Compensation

• Competitive tax-free salary package
• Comprehensive medical insurance coverage
• Annual paid leave
• Annual air ticket benefits
• Professional training and certification support
• Stable, long-term employment within a reputable healthcare organization
• Opportunity to lead advanced diagnostic laboratory operations
• Clear career growth pathway in healthcare leadership

Why Join Us

This role offers an exceptional opportunity for a senior laboratory professional to lead diagnostic excellence within a large healthcare facility. As Senior Medical Laboratory Manager, you will play a vital role in ensuring accurate diagnostics, maintaining international quality standards, and supporting clinicians in delivering high-quality patient care while advancing your leadership career in healthcare.