Description

At Vitalant, our work saves lives-and the strength of our operations makes that possible. We are a mission-driven organization committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and the highest standards of quality and compliance. When you join Vitalant, you become part of a collaborative, purpose-focused team where your expertise helps strengthen laboratory systems that support patients and communities nationwide.

Under minimal supervision, the Operational Support Specialist leads and supports enterprise-wide initiatives that drive operational excellence, performance optimization, and process standardization across laboratory operations.

This role supports either Reference Laboratory / Transfusion Services or Manufacturing / Product Testing functions by coordinating assessments, audits, and improvement initiatives. Serving as a subject matter expert, the Specialist partners across departments to promote regulatory compliance, efficiency, and sustainable operational performance.

What You Will Do

• Act as a subject matter expert to enhance operational processes and harmonize practices across the enterprise
• Serve as a liaison and trusted resource across departments and with external vendors
• Participate in cost-benefit analyses and support effective resource management for enterprise-level initiatives
• Contribute to strategic planning efforts, including responses to evolving technologies, services, and operational needs
• Collaborate on the development, review, and maintenance of SOPs to ensure regulatory compliance
• Partner with Process and Business Improvement Management (PBIM), as applicable, to develop and present project materials for senior leadership, including gap analyses, risk assessments, and sustainability metrics
• Evaluate and recommend innovative products, devices, and methodologies to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness
• Lead or participate in cross-functional laboratory projects, including planning, implementation, and evaluation of outcomes
• Stay current with industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices, maintaining active professional networks
• Partner with IT, BECS, and Quality/Regulatory teams to develop business cases and support the implementation of software enhancements, workflow changes, and operational improvements, including coordination of testing activities
• Facilitate change management processes, ensuring effective implementation, monitoring, and impact tracking across testing, technical procedures, training, and supply chain functions
• Ensure all assigned duties comply with internal SOPs and external regulatory requirements, escalating compliance concerns as appropriate
• Deliver high-quality customer service and foster effective, professional communication across departments
• Provide leadership that supports service excellence, product quality, and financial performance aligned with Vitalant's organizational goals

What You Bring

• Experience supporting laboratory operations, regulated manufacturing, or quality-driven environments
• Demonstrated involvement in process improvement, operational assessments, audits, or cross-functional projects
• Working knowledge of applicable regulatory and accreditation standards
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to influence, collaborate, and communicate effectively across diverse stakeholders
• Comfort managing multiple initiatives in a complex, enterprise environment

What To Expect

Schedule - Monday - Friday dayshift
Our comprehensive total rewards support you, your family, and your future with:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with 5% company match
• Tuition assistance up to $5, 000 per year
• Free basic life and AD& D insurance
• Free short- and long-term disability insurance
• Paid time off
• Employee Resource Groups
• Recognition programs and employee perks
  Note: Salary will be determined based on Years of Experience and Geographical Location. Compensation shown in National Office Salary Range. Depending upon location hired, the position could be hybrid or in-office based on the office locations proximity to a regional office location.

Requirements

Knowledge/Education

1. Bachelor's degree, required.
2. Meet CLIA requirements for High Complexity Testing, required.
3. Strong knowledge of operations management, regulatory standards, and Blood Bank
Technology (May include transfusion medicine, immunohematology, blood product
manufacturing, blood group genetics or related), required

Licenses/Certifications
1. Medical Technologist (MT) or Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) certification
required.
2. Specialist in Blood Banking (SBB) preferred.
Experience 1. Five (5) years of experience in laboratory operations, including either
Reference/Transfusion Services or Manufacturing/Product Testing.

Summary

About Us

Vitalant is one of the nation's largest nonprofit blood and biotherapies healthcare organizations, providing hospitals and patients across the U.S. a safe blood supply, specialized laboratory services, transfusion medicine expertise and world-renowned research. We have a network of 115 donation centers across the U.S. and host approximately 60, 000 blood drives annually. Vitalant provides blood and special services to patients in more than 900 hospitals across the U.S. where millions of people depend on blood donations from our generous donors.

Vitalant is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace built on a foundation of respect, integrity, teamwork, and excellence. We create opportunities for employees of all backgrounds to feel valued, seen and heard. We believe this mission drives creativity and innovation, as employees experience an environment conducive to personal growth and career development.

EEO/Disabled/Veterans

Our organization is an equal employment/affirmative action employer. If you need accommodation for any part of the employment process because of a medical condition or disability, please send an e-mail to Careers@vitalant.org to let us know the nature of your request.

For more EEO information about applicant rights click here

Job Posting Disclaimer

Please note: Vitalant does not currently hire individuals who reside in the following states - Alabama, Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Utah, and Vermont.