Service Area Laboratory Director - Northern CA

Calling all Esteemed Leaders!

Are you a dynamic and forward‑thinking laboratory services leader with a passion for operational excellence, clinical quality, and strategic transformation? Do you excel in navigating complexity, aligning cross‑functional teams, and advancing system‑wide initiatives that elevate patient care? If you thrive in a fast‑paced environment where your leadership can shape the future of integrated laboratory services — then this is an exceptional opportunity to make your impact.

The Role:

The Service Area Director, Laboratory Services serves as the key administrative leader coordinating laboratory initiatives alongside Chief Executive leaders within the Northern California Service Area. This role provides direct oversight of multiple laboratories and maintains constant collaboration with System and Division leadership to implement performance improvement strategies across the Service Area.

In partnership with the Division Executive Director, Clinical Lab, the Service Area Director delivers strategic, financial, and operational leadership across all laboratories in the region—including Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, Queen of the Valley Medical Center, Petaluma Valley Hospital, Healdsburg District Hospital, St. Joseph Eureka Hospital, and Redwood Memorial Hospital.

Success in this role requires the ability to make sound decisions in a complex political, regulatory, and economic environment, and to operationalize a matrix business model that supports Service Area, Division, and System strategic goals. The Director will operate within a dyad leadership model, overseeing Anatomic Pathology and Clinical Laboratory Services, and guiding the comprehensive strategic and tactical direction of all laboratory operations across the Northern California Service Area.

Initial efforts will focus on partnering with the Division Executive Director to implement the Reducing Clinical Variation (RCV) initiative. Long‑term responsibilities include ongoing financial and operational guidance for Chief Executives across the Service Area, as well as direct financial leadership for the Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital laboratory.

What You'll Do:

• Coordinate closely with the Division Executive Director, Clinical Lab, to implement transformational laboratory initiatives aligned with the RCV strategy and Division objectives.

• Lead governance and operational models that elevate laboratory performance and support a cost‑effective, high‑quality operating structure.

• Collaborate with senior Service Area and Division leaders on long‑term strategic planning to strengthen clinical integration, improve patient experience, and enhance the value of laboratory services.

• Provide operational leadership with accountability for financial performance, quality outcomes, KPIs, and process improvements that support System goals.

• Establish organizational structures and management frameworks that enable effective execution of laboratory services strategy across the Service Area.

• Direct laboratory operations consistent with system strategy, utilization trends, reimbursement dynamics, clinical guidelines, and cost‑efficiency expectations.

• Develop and implement growth, integration, and quality improvement initiatives that align with System and Division priorities while supporting compliance, fiscal stewardship, and physician engagement.

• Implement short‑ and long‑term System Lab and Clinical Program strategies to position laboratory resources for sustainability and technological advancement.

• Identify and implement administrative and process simplifications that reduce redundancy and improve operational efficiency.

• Collaborate with Division IT to align laboratory technology initiatives with Division and System Lab strategies.

• Partner with CMOs and physician leadership to strengthen clinical relationships and ensure laboratory services fully support clinical priorities and decision‑making.

• Deliver high-quality service and support to clinicians by understanding their needs and fostering an operational environment that enables excellent patient care and reliable diagnostics.

• Provide regular reporting to the Division Executive Director on key financial indicators, performance trends, improvement plans, and gaps.

• Oversee operational and capital budgeting for laboratory services in consultation with Regional Finance, ensuring fiscal health and alignment with Division strategies.

• Maintain adherence to laboratory KPIs, operational targets, and financial performance expectations.

• Implement workforce changes consistent with Division strategy in collaboration with local HR partners.

• Actively integrate the Providence mission, values, and service principles into daily work and leadership.

• Think and Lead Strategically: Balance operational realities with long‑term strategy using a systems-thinking mindset. Develop plans aligned with organizational goals, patient needs, and emerging industry trends, communicating clearly and effectively while demonstrating creativity and robust planning skills.

• Champion Change: Serve as a transformative leader who guides teams through evolving requirements, inspires adaptability, and communicates the value and necessity of change in pursuit of improved patient care and operational excellence.

• Collaborate & Build Relationships: Cultivate trusted relationships with physicians, clinical staff, executives, and interdisciplinary colleagues. Demonstrate “respectful courage,” influence effectively, and unite stakeholders around shared vision and priorities.

What You'll Bring:

• Education

  • Bachelor’s Degree required; preferably in Laboratory Science or a related discipline

  • Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Public Health, Health Administration, or related field (preferred)

• Certifications & Licensure

  • California Clinical Laboratory Scientist License upon hire (Vendor Managed)

• Experience

   

  • 10 or more years of proven leadership experience with P&L accountability in a complex, fast‑paced, matrixed environment such as a large integrated health system or commercial laboratory

  • Multe site experience preferred

  • Demonstrated experience working in strongly regulated environments

  • Long‑term strategic planning and operational execution experience

  • Proven success leading in dynamic, rapidly changing environments with comfort navigating ambiguity

  • Demonstrated ability to make tough, data‑driven decisions and navigate political, regulatory, and economic challenges

  • Experience conceptualizing and implementing new service delivery models in multi‑site environments

• Skills & Competencies

  • Strong financial management, budget development, and business analysis capabilities

  • Systems-thinking mindset with ability to drive standardization and integration

  • Outstanding leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills

  • Ability to manage competing priorities and execute effectively under pressure

  • Courageous leadership with the ability to guide teams through uncertainty

  • Results‑oriented, data-driven approach with strong consensus‑building skills

Why Join Us?

• Lead transformation across a multi‑hospital region: Shape the future of laboratory services in one of Northern California’s most trusted health systems.

• Drive System integration: Champion the Reducing Clinical Variation (RCV) strategy and other transformative initiatives.

• Collaborate at the highest levels: Partner with clinical, operational, and executive leaders across the Service Area and Division.

• Advance patient care: Enhance diagnostic quality, operational efficiency, and clinical support across the region.

• Grow as a system leader: Build your influence and leadership legacy within a mission‑centered, forward‑thinking organization.

Ready to Shape the Future of Healthcare?

If you are a visionary, strategic, and collaborative laboratory leader ready to drive transformation and elevate care across Northern California, we invite you to apply.

At Providence we believe in the importance of human connection and the impact of in-person collaboration towards team cohesion and caregiver engagement. Further, we want our leaders to live in or near the communities we serve.  This position will be based in Santa Rosa with travel to Northern CA ministries as necessary.