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Executive Laboratory Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Laboratory Director -- Acute Care Hospital | Tennessee The Opportunity A well-resourced acute care ... This is a position that combines hands-on technical leadership with executive-level management ...

Laboratory Operations Director

Portland, OR

$112K - $146K/yr

Participate in executive meetings, hospital committees, and operational reviews * Oversee day-to ... Laboratory Director or Administrative Director role * 2 years or more of experience supporting ...

Participate in executive meetings, hospital committees, and operational reviews * Oversee day-to ... Laboratory Director or Administrative Director role * 2 years or more of experience supporting ...

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Executive Laboratory Director information

See salary details

$40.5K

$103.8K

$191.5K

How much do executive laboratory director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive laboratory director in the United States is $103,760.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,000.00 and $121,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some of the main challenges an Executive Laboratory Director might face when managing a multidisciplinary lab team?

An Executive Laboratory Director often oversees teams with diverse scientific backgrounds and specialties, which can present challenges in aligning goals, communication styles, and workflows. Balancing the operational needs of the lab with compliance requirements and budget constraints is also a significant responsibility. Additionally, fostering collaboration among departments and ensuring staff remain engaged and up-to-date with the latest technologies and best practices can be demanding but rewarding. Effective leadership involves not only technical expertise but also strong interpersonal and project management skills to navigate these complexities.

What is an Executive Laboratory Director?

An Executive Laboratory Director is a senior-level professional responsible for overseeing the operations, strategy, and compliance of a laboratory or group of laboratories. They ensure that laboratory procedures meet regulatory standards, manage budgets, personnel, and resources, and often liaise with other departments or external agencies. Executive Laboratory Directors also develop policies, drive innovation, and work to maintain high-quality scientific outputs. Their leadership is crucial in ensuring the lab’s safety, efficiency, and reputation. This role typically requires advanced scientific training and significant management experience.

What is the difference between Executive Laboratory Director vs Laboratory Manager?

AspectExecutive Laboratory DirectorLaboratory Manager
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees (e.g., PhD, MD) and leadership experienceUsually requires a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple labs or entire laboratory operations at an organizational levelManages daily operations within a specific laboratory or department
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in large healthcare, research, or biotech organizationsCommon in hospitals, clinics, and smaller labs
Search & Comparison IntentOften searched by senior professionals or organizations seeking leadership rolesTypically searched by those seeking operational or supervisory roles

The Executive Laboratory Director holds a higher-level leadership position overseeing multiple labs or entire organizations, requiring advanced credentials and strategic oversight. In contrast, the Laboratory Manager focuses on daily operational management within a specific lab. Both roles are essential but differ significantly in scope and responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Executive Laboratory Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Executive Laboratory Director, you need advanced expertise in laboratory science, regulatory compliance, and leadership, typically supported by a doctoral degree and extensive experience in laboratory management. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), quality assurance protocols, and certifications such as CLIA or CAP accreditation is essential. Exceptional communication, strategic decision-making, and team-building skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring operational excellence, regulatory adherence, and the delivery of high-quality laboratory results.
More about Executive Laboratory Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Executive Laboratory Director jobs? Cities with the most Executive Laboratory Director job openings:
What states have the most Executive Laboratory Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Executive Laboratory Director jobs include:
Infographic showing various Executive Laboratory Director job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, and 19% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $103,760 per year, or $49.9 per hour.
Laboratory Director

Laboratory Director

UpLevel Sourcing

Memphis, TN

$105K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Laboratory Director — Acute Care Hospital | Tennessee
The Opportunity
A well-resourced acute care hospital in the Mid-South region is adding a Laboratory Director to its senior leadership team. This is a full-scope director role with genuine organizational authority: you own the budget, you build the team, and you set the standard for laboratory quality across the department. Compensation is competitive and negotiable based on experience, with relocation assistance available.
For a laboratory professional who has been operating at or near the director level and is ready to plant a flag somewhere they can build, this is a role with real teeth.
The Role
As Laboratory Director, you will have full operational and financial accountability for the department — developing and managing both operating and capital budgets, directing daily operations, and carrying hiring, disciplinary, and personnel authority. You will also lead technical development, implementation, and integration work within your areas of expertise, including instrument acquisition, logistics support, and laboratory information systems integration. This is a position that combines hands-on technical leadership with executive-level management responsibility.
What You Bring
**Required:**
- Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology or a related Health Science specialty
- Meets CLIA requirements for General Supervisor
- 5+ years of progressive management experience in an acute care facility
- Certification through an approved agency (ASCP, NCA, AMT, or equivalent)
- State licensure as required
**Preferred:**
- Master's degree in Allied Health, Health Administration, or Business
- Prior experience in a formal Lab Director capacity
- ASCP or NCA registration
What We Offer
- Compensation is competitive and negotiable based on experience
- Relocation assistance available
- Full benefits package
- Interview travel reimbursed
Why Tennessee
The Mid-South is one of the more underrated places to land in the South. The region sits at a genuine crossroads — musically, culturally, and geographically — with easy access to the Mississippi River corridor, the Ozarks to the north, and the rolling hill country to the east. Cost of living is low relative to comparable metro areas, the food culture is serious and well-documented, and the pace of life outside of a busy clinical environment is genuinely manageable. For candidates coming from higher-cost markets, the lifestyle math tends to work out well.
About the Organization
This is an established acute care hospital operating within a large national health system, with the infrastructure, resources, and system-level integration expectations that come with that footprint. The laboratory operates across multiple technical areas, and the Director role is positioned to contribute at both the facility level and within broader system-level initiatives. The organization is committed to quality, invests in its clinical leadership, and carries the depth of a well-capitalized system behind day-to-day operations.