Operational Support Specialist

Overview

Brief 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.

Operational Support Specialist Under minimal supervision, this role leads and supports enterprise-wide initiatives that drive operational excellence, performance optimization, and process standardization across laboratory operations. This position supports either Reference Laboratory / Transfusion Services or Manufacturing / Product Testing functions by coordinating assessments, audits, and improvement initiatives. The Specialist serves as a subject matter expert and partners across departments to promote regulatory compliance, efficiency, and sustainable operational performance.

• 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

• 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

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.

Knowledge/Education

• Bachelor’s degree, required.
• Meet CLIA requirements for High Complexity Testing, required.
• 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

• Medical Technologist (MT) or Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) certification

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.

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…