Reid & Associates Executive Search has been retained to identify a Laboratory Manager for an established, independently owned and operated community hospital on the Northern California coast. This is a full-time, permanent leadership role reporting directly to the Chief Nursing Officer.
THE ROLE
You will lead a team of 8 Clinical Laboratory Scientists, 13 phlebotomists, and 2 registration staff, with full accountability for a COLA-accredited laboratory processing approximately 400,000 tests annually. Point-of-care testing oversight is included in the portfolio. The department operates 24/7.
Near-term priorities include stabilizing and developing the team, overseeing the implementation of two new analyzers arriving in late 2026, and leading an auto-verification project. The department carries a clean survey history and has newer equipment in place or on the way.
This role requires someone comfortable working the bench at approximately 20% of time. Cross-coverage is part of the culture at a facility of this size, and this leader needs to model it.
COMPENSATION & LOCATION
$140,000 - $165,000 depending on experience. Relocation assistance available on a reimbursement basis.
If you have ever thought about trading the grind of a large metro for somewhere genuinely beautiful, this is worth a look. The position sits in one of the most scenic communities on the West Coast, surrounded by ancient redwood forests, 160 miles of rugged Pacific coastline, Humboldt Bay, and year-round access to Redwood National and State Parks. The USDA has called this region America's Most Scenic Rural County. National Geographic Adventure named it one of the 50 Next Great Adventure Towns.
Hiking, surfing, kayaking, mountain biking, fishing, and world-class birding are not weekend trips from here. They are the backdrop to everyday life. The local community is tight-knit, the food scene leans local and seasonal, and the cost of living is a fraction of the Bay Area. The climate is mild year-round. The commute is not a thing.
This is not a compromise posting. It is a leadership role in a real clinical environment; in a place most people only visit.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
- Active California CDPH CLS license, required. This is non-negotiable and must be in process at time of application and current at start.
- Laboratory management or supervisory experience in an acute care hospital setting
- Demonstrated ability to manage staff performance, scheduling, and payroll in a 24/7 clinical department
- Willingness to cross-cover the bench as needed, approximately 20% of time
- Experience managing or supporting a significant analyzer implementation is a strong plus
- Exposure to multiple clinical settings preferred. This team benefits from leaders who bring outside perspective.
- Familiarity with COLA accreditation standards and CMS survey requirements helpful
TO EXPRESS INTEREST
This search is managed exclusively by Reid & Associates Executive Search.