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# Chief Operating Officer – Diagnostics Testing Lab – Secaucus, NJ


 
Chief Operating Officer (COO) – Diagnostics Testing Lab
Are you an operational leader with deep expertise in scaling clinical or diagnostic laboratory operations? We are seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to oversee and optimize end-to-end operations for a rapidly growing diagnostics testing laboratory based in Secaucus, NJ. This is a high-impact role where you will drive process efficiency, ensure regulatory compliance, and elevate laboratory performance. If you excel in leading cross-functional teams, improving turnaround times, and managing multi-site lab operations, this role offers the opportunity to influence organizational strategy and execution at the highest level.
Drive Operational Excellence for a Leading Diagnostics Lab in Secaucus, NJ
A leading diagnostics and clinical testing organization in Secaucus, New Jersey, is searching for a strong operational executive to take on the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO). The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in diagnostics or healthcare operations, a strong command of regulatory and quality standards (CLIA, CAP, OSHA), and a proven track record of improving productivity and operational outcomes. If you are passionate about transforming laboratory efficiency, scaling workflows, and ensuring high-quality patient testing services, this role provides a unique opportunity to influence growth and drive innovation within the diagnostic testing industry.
Key Responsibilities of the Chief Operating Officer – Diagnostics Testing Lab
Operational Leadership & Lab Performance:
Lead day-to-day operations of the diagnostics testing lab, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and timely delivery of test results. The Chief Operating Officer will optimize lab workflows, improve turnaround times, and standardize processes across departments to ensure seamless operations.
Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance:
Ensure full adherence to federal, state, and industry regulations including CLIA, CAP, OSHA, and HIPAA. Maintain rigorous quality standards, oversee internal audits, and ensure all SOPs, documentation, and certifications are always inspection-ready.
Strategic Planning & Execution:
Develop and execute operational strategies that support company goals and rapid business growth. The Chief Operating Officer will evaluate new technologies, automation initiatives, and process improvements to enhance lab capabilities and scalability.
Financial & Budget Oversight:
Manage operational budgets, cost controls, CAPEX planning, and resource allocation. Collaborate with finance leadership to monitor spending, negotiate vendor contracts, and identify opportunities for cost efficiency without compromising quality.
Team Leadership & Talent Development:
Build, mentor, and lead high-performance teams across lab operations, logistics, and quality assurance. Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement while ensuring staffing levels support business demands.
Client & Stakeholder Collaboration:
Partner closely with executive leadership, physicians, clients, and external partners to align operational goals with business needs. The Chief Operating Officer will ensure strong communication, timely reporting, and exceptional service delivery to maintain high customer satisfaction.
Technology & Automation Integration:
Identify and implement lab technology advancements to improve efficiency and accuracy. Oversee integration of LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System), analytics dashboards, and automation tools to streamline data and reporting.
Risk Management & Safety Protocols:
Proactively identify operational risks and ensure robust mitigation plans. Implement safety programs, ensure compliance with biosafety standards, and maintain a secure work environment for all staff.
What the Client is Looking for in You
As the Chief Operating Officer of a diagnostics testing laboratory, the client seeks an operationally focused leader with experience managing large-scale lab operations, strict compliance environments, and continuous process improvement. You should be a proactive, analytical, and execution-driven executive who excels in transforming operational challenges into high-performing workflows while maintaining accuracy, safety, and regulatory excellence.
Proven Leadership in Diagnostics or Healthcare Operations
The client is looking for a seasoned laboratory operations leader with a strong track record of driving efficiency and performance in diagnostics, clinical testing, or healthcare services. You should have experience leading high-volume lab environments, improving turnaround times, implementing automation, and ensuring operational scalability.
Strategic Thinker with a Data-Driven Mindset
As Chief Operating Officer, you must demonstrate the ability to translate business goals into operational strategies that optimize productivity. The ideal candidate can identify process bottlenecks, introduce automation or technology enhancements, and lead continuous improvement initiatives that support rapid growth.
Deep Understanding of CLIA, CAP, and Regulatory Compliance
The client values leaders who possess extensive knowledge of regulatory standards and certifications, including CLIA, CAP, HIPAA, OSHA, and quality assurance frameworks. Your expertise in compliance, best practices, and audit preparedness will be essential to maintaining accuracy, safety, and zero-error environments.
Strong Financial and Analytical Acumen
You should be highly skilled in managing operational budgets, negotiating vendor contracts, forecasting costs, and improving margins without compromising quality. As the Chief Operating Officer, your ability to interpret data, analyze KPIs, and make informed decisions will directly influence financial performance and lab profitability.
Ability to Build and Lead High-Performing Teams
Leadership is critical in this role. The client is looking for a COO who can attract high-caliber talent, inspire cross-functional teams, and build a culture centered around accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Experience in managing multi-shift or multi-site operations is highly valued.
Collaborative Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
The ideal candidate excels in communicating with executive leadership, physicians, lab directors, and external partners. As Chief Operating Officer, your ability to deliver clear updates, drive alignment, and build trust across stakeholders will be key to operational success.
Commitment to Quality, Safety, and Operational Excellence
Finally, the client wants a leader who prioritizes accuracy, patient safety, and regulatory excellence at every stage of lab operations. You should be passionate about building efficient, compliant systems while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and integrity.
FAQs About the Role – Chief Operating Officer (COO) – Diagnostics Testing Lab
1. What are the key responsibilities of the Chief Operating Officer in this role?
As the Chief Operating Officer, you will lead daily lab operations, drive efficiency and quality across all departments, and ensure compliance with industry regulations such as CLIA, CAP, OSHA, and HIPAA. You will oversee workflow optimization, improve turnaround times, integrate automation and technology, manage vendor and budget decisions, and collaborate with leadership to support long-term growth and operational excellence.
2. What qualifications and experience are required for this Chief Operating Officer position?
The ideal candidate should have significant experience in diagnostics, clinical testing, or healthcare operations, ideally in a senior operational or laboratory leadership role. A background in regulatory compliance, quality management, process optimization, and team leadership is essential. Experience working with LIMS systems, automation initiatives, and multi-site operations is highly valued. A bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, life sciences, or a related field is required; an MBA or advanced degree is preferred.
3. What leadership qualities are essential for the Chief Operating Officer?
The client is seeking a data-driven, execution-focused leader who can manage fast-paced operations while maintaining accuracy and quality. You should excel in decision-making, process improvement, team leadership, and cross-department collaboration. Strong communication skills and the ability to build trusted relationships with physicians, lab directors, executives, and partners are critical.
4. What challenges can I expect in this Chief Operating Officer role?
You may encounter challenges such as managing high-volume testing demands, meeting strict regulatory and quality standards, improving turnaround times, and integrating new technologies or automation tools. Continuous change management and multi-shift team coordination will also be part of the role. The ability to balance efficiency with compliance is critical.
5. What impact will the Chief Operating Officer have on the organization’s success?
The Chief Operating Officer will play a pivotal role in scaling laboratory operations, improving productivity, enhancing the customer experience, and supporting revenue growth. Your strategic decisions will directly impact the lab’s operational excellence, profitability, and overall market competitiveness.
6. What is the company culture and work environment like?
The organization fosters a collaborative, mission-driven environment focused on patient safety, quality, and continuous improvement. As the Chief Operating Officer, you will help build a culture that values innovation, accountability, teamwork, and respect. You’ll have the opportunity to shape culture and processes while contributing to meaningful patient outcomes.
What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?
As the Chief Operating Officer of a Diagnostics Testing Lab in Secaucus, NJ, you can expect a highly competitive and performance-driven compensation package tailored to attract seasoned operational leaders.
1. Base Salary
The base salary for a Chief Operating Officer in the diagnostics or healthcare operations sector typically ranges from:

$225,000 to $350,000 annually, depending on lab size, volume, and operational complexity.

Large, multi-site, or high-growth labs may offer higher base salaries.
2. Performance-Based Bonuses
Most COO packages include annual bonuses tied to KPIs such as operational efficiency, turnaround time improvement, cost reduction, strategic scaling, and customer satisfaction.
Bonuses typically range from 25% to 75% of the base salary.
3. Equity / Stock Options (when applicable)
Some organizations offer equity, stock options, or profit-sharing to align leadership with business growth.
This can significantly increase long-term earnings for the Chief Operating Officer.
4. Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs)
COOs may qualify for LTIPs rewarding multi-year performance milestones related to:

Expansion of testing capabilities
Successful automation / digital transformation
Compliance and lab accreditation achievements

5. Executive-Level Benefits & Perks
You may receive:

Health, dental, and vision coverage
401(k) with employer contributions
Paid executive training or certifications
Performance-based travel allowances
Wellness, insurance, and leadership perks

6. Signing Bonus & Relocation Assistance (case-by-case)
To attract top-tier COOs, some employers provide:

Signing bonuses
Relocation support or reimbursement
Temporary housing assistance

These incentives vary based on candidate experience and urgency of hire.
Total Compensation Potential
When combined (base salary + bonus + incentives + equity), total annual compensation for a Chief Operating Officer in a diagnostics lab can range from:
$300,000 to over $550,000+ annually High-growth or investor-backed labs may offer even more competitive packages.
How to Apply
If you are an experienced operational leader with a passion for driving efficiency, scaling laboratory operations, and ensuring compliance in a fast-paced diagnostics environment, we invite you to apply for the Chief Operating Officer – Diagnostics Testing Lab position in Secaucus, NJ. This is a rare opportunity to influence operational strategy, elevate performance standards, and lead a high-impact organization focused on patient care and testing excellence.
To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter describing your experience in laboratory or healthcare operations, regulatory compliance (CLIA, CAP, HIPAA), process optimization, automation implementation, financial oversight, and team leadership. Highlight how you have improved operational workflows, enhanced turnaround time, introduced technology or automation, and led multi-disciplinary teams in high-volume lab settings.
This position offers a high-visibility executive role where you will directly shape the lab’s growth trajectory, elevate operational efficiency, and ensure world-class quality and accuracy in testing services. Apply today to take the next step in your executive career as a Chief Operating Officer – Diagnostics Testing Lab in Secaucus, NJ.
For additional executive-level opportunities, please visit our Clinical Diagnostics Executive Search Firm Page.
Tags:
Chief Operating Officer | Diagnostics Lab Leadership | Lab Operations Management | Regulatory Compliance (CLIA, CAP, HIPAA) | Healthcare Operations Executive | Lab Automation & Optimization | Operational Strategy | Continuous Improvement | Executive Leadership | Secaucus NJ COO Jobs