Overview
The Sterile Processing Department (SPD) Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, direction, and daily operations of the Sterile Processing Department. This role ensures the highest standards of instrument decontamination, assembly, sterilization, storage, and distribution in compliance with regulatory requirements and patient safety standards. The Manager collaborates closely with Surgical Services, Infection Prevention, and clinical leadership to support safe, efficient surgical and procedural operations.
Responsibilities
Leadership & Operations
- Provide strategic and operational leadership for the Sterile Processing Department
- Function as a resource person for staff through role modeling and visible leadership, making regular rounds throughout the department
- Maintain strong availability to staff and respond immediately to urgent situations
- Facilitate communication among team members and across department lines
- Develop and maintain department policies and procedures in accordance with regulatory standards
- Ensure efficient workflow for decontamination, assembly, sterilization, case cart preparation, and distribution
- Review, assess, and respond appropriately to all required documentation needs for the department
- Communicate policies, procedures, and practice standards to staff
Quality & Compliance
- Monitor sterilization processes and quality assurance indicators
- Monitor unit-based Quality Assurance/Improvement activities and report findings to the Director
- Investigate and resolve sterilization or instrument-related concerns
- Partner with Infection Prevention to ensure adherence to infection control standards
- Participate in the development of unit goals and objectives
- Identify specific educational development needs based on Quality Assurance/Improvement results
- Participate in and support educational programs as appropriate
Staff Management & Development
- Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate SPD team members
- Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement
- Manage staffing schedules to ensure appropriate coverage
- Provide ongoing education and competency validation
Collaboration & Financial Management
- Serve as liaison between SPD, Surgical Services, procedural areas, and vendors
- Participate in interdisciplinary meetings to improve efficiency and case flow
- Develop and manage department budget
- Monitor supply usage and capital equipment needs
- Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality and safety standards
Qualifications
- Minimum of 5 years of SPD experience
- Minimum of 2 years of management experience in sterile processing required
- Previous experience as OR Tech preferred
- Thorough knowledge of items and equipment used in department
- Knowledge of principles of sterilization and decontamination
- Must be able to set priorities
Credentials
Education
- High school diploma or GED required
Other Information
Minimum of five years of sterile processing experience.
Minimum of two years of Management experience in sterile processing required.Previous experience as an Operating Room Technician beneficial.
Thorough knowledge of items and equipment used in the department. Knowledge of principles of sterilization and decontamination. Must be able to set priorities.
Demonstrates ability to read, write and follow written and oral directions.
EntryUSD $68,889.60/Yr.
MaxUSD $106,787.20/Yr.
