Sterile Processing Manager

Job Description

Job Summary:

• The Sterile Processing Manager is the operational leader of the department.
• This is the role that turns vision into execution and standards into daily reality.
• You are responsible for ensuring that a 24/7 operation runs with consistency, discipline, and professionalism – every single day.
• You understand that sterile processing is not a back-room function – it is a critical engine of clinical care.
• Your role is to build the structure, systems, and leadership support that allow them to perform at their best.
• You bring order to complexity.
• You design workflows that hold under pressure.
• You create clarity in fast paced environments where reliability is non-negotiable.
• This role calls for someone who thinks beyond the task list and builds processes that scale.
• Someone who sets a high bar for quality and accountability – and then equips the team to meet it.
• You develop sterile processing professionals who lead strong shifts.
• You strengthen standards without eroding morale.
• You balance urgency with operational discipline in an environment where there is no margin for error.
• You take ownership – fully and visibly.
• When something drifts, you tighten it.
• When something breaks, you fix it.
• When something works, you standardize it.
• You are responsible for ensuring that every shift, every workflow, and every outcome reflects the standard we stand for.
• Sterile processing is central to surgical care.
• In this role, you ensure the department operates with consistency, professionalism, and discipline – across every shift, every day.

Key Responsibilities:

Own 24/7 Department Performance:

• Accountable for operational performance of the Sterile Processing Department across all shifts.
• Design and maintain staffing models that support productivity and service-level expectations.
• Establish clear workflow standards and ensure consistency across shifts.
• Monitor throughput, turnaround times, and quality benchmarks.
• Ensure department performance reflects structure and discipline – not individual heroics.

Lead & Develop Supervisors:

• Directly manage Sterile Processing Supervisors across all shifts.
• Coach, evaluate, and develop Supervisors to strengthen frontline leadership.
• Set clear expectations for accountability, professionalism, and execution.
• Partner with HR on hiring, performance management, corrective action, and succession planning.
• Build leadership depth within the department.

Ensure Compliance & Regulatory Readiness:

• Maintain full compliance with AAMI, CDC, CMS, Joint Commission, and other applicable standards.
• Oversee audit preparation, inspections, and corrective action plans.
• Ensure training compliance and competency validation across all staff.
• Maintain documentation practices that keep the department inspection-ready at all times.

Manage Resources & Financial Performance:

• Oversee labor management and scheduling efficiency
• Manage inventory controls, instrument tracking, and supply utilization
• Partner with Facilities and vendors to ensure equipment reliability and preventative maintenance
• Manage department budget responsibly while protecting quality and safety standards.

Drive Quality & Continuous Improvement:

• Implement and monitor quality control systems and operational metrics
• Track performance related to accuracy, throughput, and defect reduction
• Lead root-cause analysis and corrective action for process deviations
• Continuously refine workflows to improve efficiency and surgical readiness.

Partner Across the Organization:

• Serve as the operational liaison between SPD and Logistics, Transportation, and Clinical partners.
• Communicate operational risks, performance trends, and resource needs proactively.
• Represent the department in facility-level leadership discussions.
• Ensure alignment between SPD performance and surgical demand.

Outcomes:

• A stable, high-performing Sterile Processing Department across all shifts
• ​​​​​​​Strong Supervisors who run disciplined, accountable shifts
• Reliable instrument availability aligned with surgical schedules
• Audit-ready compliance and documentation
• Measurable improvements in quality, efficiency, and team engagement
• A professional department culture where technicians feel supported, respected, and set up for success.

Qualifications:

• CRCST certification (required); CHL or CIS preferred.
• 5+ years of sterile processing experience.
• 3+ years in a leadership role with multi-shift accountability.
• Strong knowledge of sterile processing regulations and infection control standards.
• Demonstrated ability to manage staffing models, operational metrics, and department performance.
• Experience leading Supervisors or frontline leaders.
• Ability to build accountability while maintaining a strong, engaged team.
• Experience in high-volume, high-acuity surgical environments strongly preferred.

Work Environment:

• A compelling vision and mission, and the collective pursuit of excellence.
• A great environment. We’re pretty fun to work with and are building an awesome team.
• Generous benefits and growth opportunity with a well-positioned, fast-growing company.

Additional Information:

• This is an on-site position at our Modesto, California location.
• We are building other facilities and working with various partners, so occasional travel may be necessary to share best practices and meet with vendors and partners.
• You will need to fully cooperate with and adhere to all company health, safety, and environmental policies and procedures, communicating suggestions for improvement as necessary.
• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
• The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.