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Laboratory Operations Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Maintain sufficient inventory of laboratory supplies for daily operations. * Participate in testing ... Manage daily test processing needs along with project needs in a high quality, efficient and ...

Specimen Accessioner

Chicago, IL

$16.50 - $19.25/hr

... Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)/Operation metrics, ensuring chain of custody. The Specimen Accessioner position includes functions such as matching patient information, scanning ...

Specimen Accessioner

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $19.25/hr

... Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) / Operation metrics, ensuring chain of custody. The Specimen Accessioner position includes functions such as matching patient information, scanning ...

New

Specimen Accessioner

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

... Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)/Operation metrics, ensuring chain of custody. The Specimen Accessioner position includes functions such as matching patient information, scanning ...

New

Specimen Accessioner

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

... Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)/Operation metrics, ensuring chain of custody. The Specimen Accessioner position includes functions such as matching patient information, scanning ...

Americas Lab Capabilities Lead

Chicago, IL

$109K - $142K/yr

Cost Management: Optimize laboratory resource allocation and budgeting, identifying opportunities for cost savings while maintaining high levels of operational efficiency and service quality. * Power ...

The Lab Manager oversees the daily operations of a laboratory to ensure a safe, efficient, and compliant working environment. This role is responsible for supervising laboratory personnel, managing ...

Showing results 21-40

Laboratory Operations Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$32K

$65.4K

$122.2K

How much do laboratory operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for laboratory operations manager in Chicago, IL is $65,421.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,300.00 and $79,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a laboratory operations manager do?

A Laboratory Operations Manager oversees the daily operations of a laboratory, ensuring that all processes run efficiently and safely. They are responsible for managing staff, maintaining compliance with regulations, overseeing budgets, and ensuring quality control. Their role also involves coordinating with other departments, implementing new procedures, and troubleshooting operational issues to keep laboratory activities on track.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a laboratory operations manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Laboratory Operations Manager, you need a solid background in laboratory science, management experience, and typically a bachelor's or advanced degree in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), quality assurance protocols, and regulatory compliance certifications like CLIA or CAP accreditation is crucial. Strong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills, along with effective communication, set top performers apart. These competencies ensure efficient laboratory operations, regulatory compliance, and high-quality results critical to scientific and healthcare outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by laboratory operations managers, and how can they be addressed?

Laboratory Operations Managers often encounter challenges such as maintaining compliance with safety and regulatory standards, managing diverse teams, and optimizing workflow efficiency. Balancing administrative duties with hands-on problem-solving and ensuring all staff are properly trained on protocols are also common issues. Addressing these challenges typically involves ongoing staff training, implementing robust quality management systems, and fostering clear communication between team members and other departments. Proactively staying updated on industry regulations and creating a culture of safety and collaboration can greatly help in overcoming these operational hurdles.

What is the difference between Laboratory Operations Manager vs Laboratory Supervisor?

AspectLaboratory Operations ManagerLaboratory Supervisor
CredentialsBachelor’s degree in science or related field; certifications may be preferredAssociate’s or Bachelor’s degree; relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple labs or departments, strategic planningSupervises daily lab activities, direct team oversight
ResponsibilitiesManaging operations, budgets, compliance, staff managementSupervising technicians, ensuring quality control, daily task management

The Laboratory Operations Manager focuses on overall lab management, strategic planning, and compliance, while the Laboratory Supervisor handles daily supervision of lab staff and operational tasks. Both roles require relevant science credentials, but the manager role involves broader responsibilities and higher-level decision-making.

What are the most commonly searched types of Laboratory Operations jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Laboratory Operations jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Laboratory Operations Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Laboratory Operations Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Laboratory Operations Manager jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Laboratory Operations Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Laboratory Operations Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,421 per year, or $31.5 per hour.

Manager of Laboratory - Day Shift

Mercyhealth

Crystal Lake, IL • On-site

$85K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Mercy Health rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 384 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

456th of 891 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview
We are seeking dynamic and results-driven laboratory leader with a proven track record of driving operational excellence, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering high-performing teams. Expertise in quality improvement, accreditation readiness, staff development, budget management, and implementation of innovative laboratory technologies that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and patient outcomes. Recognized for building collaborative partnerships, leading organizational change, and delivering measurable improvements across laboratory operations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Assures compliance with current standards of accrediting and regulatory agencies and maintains a state of continuous survey readiness.
  • Assures all partners competency checks are performed in a timely manner; assures appropriate documentation of education, registry and training. Administrates continuing education program including documentation of all continuing education activities.
  • Coordinates and administrates the performance improvement process; coordinates production of new indicators, collects data, updates and posts dashboards and communicates results with partners.
  • Reviews and updates and develops general lab and safety policies
  • Investigates new technology as it becomes available, validates applicability to Mercyhealth labs, sets up demonstrations, gathers quotes and produces financial impact reports. Coordinates implementation of new technology; assures appropriate validation, training, procedures and documentation.
  • Administers Proficiency Testing Program; ordering appropriate products, monitoring performance, assisting with unsatisfactory result investigations.
  • Responds to Occurrence reports and Customer Comment Cards; performs investigation, completes response, contacts patient and makes procedural or partner corrections as necessary.
  • Serves on appropriate interdepartmental committees.
  • Plans for staffing needs; provides appropriate information to support requests for new positions. Interviews, selects and hires appropriate mix of partners.
  • Completes performance evaluations on direct reports.
  • Revises and reviews job descriptions as necessary; develops new descriptions as necessary.
  • Works with partners on day to day problem resolution, development of skills for career ladder and performs corrective actions and performance improvement plans as necessary.
  • Coordinates onboarding of new partners; sets up Epic/Beaker (Hospital Information/Lab Information System) access, keycard access, performs general lab orientation and basic Beaker training on all new hires.
  • Assesses and promotes efficient utilization of systems, personnel and equipment.
  • Assists with budgeting; obtains quotes for capital equipment, plans for staffing needs. Reviews monthly financial reports, investigates discrepancies and finds solutions to keep on target with fiscal year budget goals.

Culture of Excellence Behavior Expectations
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following behavior expectations:
Quality - Follows policies and procedures; adapts to and manages changes in the environment; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness giving attention to details; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Manages time and prioritizes effectively to achieve organizational goals.
Service - Responds promptly to requests for service and assistance; Follows the Mercyhealth Critical Moments of service; Meets commitments; Abides by MH confidentiality and security agreement; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; and effectively communicates information to partners; Thinks system wide regarding processes and functions.
Partnering - Shows commitment to the Mission of Mercyhealth and Culture of Excellence through all words and actions; Exhibits objectivity and openness to other's views; Demonstrates a high level of participation and engagement in day-to-day work; Gives and welcomes feedback; Generates suggestions for improving work: Embraces teamwork, supports and encourages positive change while giving value to individuals.
Cost - Conserves organization resources; Understands fiscal responsibility; Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; contributes to profits and revenue.
Education and Experience
  • Bachelors or Associate degree in medical laboratory science or related field.
  • Three to five years' experience in a lab leadership position.

Certification and Licensure
  • ASCP certification preferred.

PAY RANGE:
$85,657.10 - $137,051.36
Mercyhealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
Mercyhealth offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package including:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life & Disability Insurance
  • FSA/HSA Options
  • Generous, accruing paid time off
  • Paid Parental and caregiver leave
  • Career advancement and educational opportunities
  • Tuition and certification reimbursement
  • Certification Reimbursement
  • Well-being Programs
  • Employee Discounts
  • On-Demand Pay
  • Financial Education
  • Annual recognition/awards events
  • Partner appreciation days
  • Family entertainment/attractions discount
  • Community service/improvement opportunities

Click here for more details regarding Mercyhealth Careers Benefit Information.
At Mercyhealth, we don't simply hire people, we empower employee-partners who are passionate about making lives better. As an integrated health system, we deliver exceptional, coordinated across seven hospitals, 85 primary and specialty clinics, and a team of over 7,500 professionals serving northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.
Mercyhealth has been nationally recognized for our commitment to our people and culture, including:
  • #1 in the nation on AARP's Best Employers for Workers Over 50
  • One of Working Mother magazine's 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers
  • A Top 50 Company and Top 10 Nonprofit for Executive Women

What Mercy Health employees say

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About Mercyhealth

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Mercyhealth, we don’t simply hire people – instead, we empower talented, dedicated health care professionals to provide the highest quality patient care possible with a passion for making lives better. As an integrated health care provider, we provide exceptional, coordinated health care. The organization consists of seven hospitals, 85+ clinics, and more than 7,500 employee-partners to serve patients in 15 counties throughout northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. We hope you’ll consider becoming the newest member of the Mercyhealth family and join our passion for making lives better!

Industry

Hospitals, fitness and sports centers and health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Janesville, WI, US