Description

ABOUT THE JOB 
 
MU Health Care is looking for a passionate and driven leader to join our team as Manager of Sterile Processing. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment where precision and quality are paramount. We're seeking someone who brings a proactive mindset, inspires excellence in others, and is deeply committed to patient safety and operational integrity. This is a unique opportunity to lead a dedicated team and make a meaningful impact on the care we deliver every day. If you're a collaborative problem-solver with a sharp eye for detail and a heart for service, we want to hear from you. Join us and help shape the future of health care at MU. 
  
ABOUT MU HEALTH CARE 
    
MU Health Care is proud to be named one of Forbes’ Best-in-State Employers seven years in a row, and that’s largely a result of the incredible culture and team we’ve built. At MU Health Care, we have an inspired, hard-working and collaborative environment driven by our mission to save and improve lives. Here, we believe anything is possible and rally around solutions. We celebrate innovation and offer opportunities to be a part of something bigger — to have a voice and role in the work that is serving our community and changing the field of medicine. 
  
Our academic health system — the only in mid-Missouri — is home to seven hospitals, including the region’s only Level 1 Trauma Center and region’s only Children’s Hospital, as well as over 90 specialty clinics. Here you can define your career among our many clinical and nonclinical positions — with growth, opportunity and support every step of the way. 
  
Learn more about MU Health Care. 
  
Learn more about living in mid-Missouri. 
  
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 
  
Health, vision and dental insurance coverage starting day one  
Generous paid leave and paid time off, including nine holidays  
Multiple retirement options, including 100% matching up to 8% and full vesting in three years 
Tuition assistance for employees (75%) and immediate family members (50%)  
Discounts on cell phone plans, rental cars, gyms, hotels and more 
See a comprehensive list of benefits here.  
  
DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION 
Implement policies, procedures, and protocols to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.  
Fosters a culture of excellence, teamwork, and continuous improvement within the department.   
Trains, develops, and evaluates a high-performing team of sterile processing staff.  
Manages departmental resources, including budget, equipment, and supplies, to support operational efficiency.   
Implements workflows and processes for instrument decontamination, sterilization, and distribution to support surgical services and other clinical areas.  
Collaborates closely with operating room staff, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals to ensure the timely availability of sterile instruments and equipment.  
Maintains a robust quality assurance program within the sterile processing department.  
Ensures compliance with all applicable regulatory guidelines, infection control standards, and hospital policies.  
Conducts regular audits, inspections, and performance evaluations to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions. 
Promotes a culture of infection prevention and control, including proper handling, cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization techniques.  
Develops and delivers comprehensive education and training programs for sterile processing staff to ensure competency, compliance, and professional growth.  
Guides other healthcare professionals regarding proper handling, storage, and care of sterile instruments and equipment. 
Collaborates effectively with other hospital departments, including surgery, nursing, infection control, and supply chain, to optimize patient outcomes and operational efficiency.  
Fosters relationships with vendors and suppliers to ensure the availability of high-quality instruments, equipment, and supplies. 
Leads a culture of safety through proactive risk mitigation and continuous quality improvement, taking measures to routinely evaluate regulatory readiness. Monitors and analyzes safety and performance metrics to identify trends and implement corrective actions for staff and/or patients as appropriate. 
Manage the development, coordination, and maintenance of daily staffing schedules to ensure the appropriate level of coverage and continuity of care.  
Monitor and oversee time and attendance in alignment with MU Health Care policies and practices, ensuring accuracy of records and timely approval for payroll purposes.  
May complete unit/department specific duties as outlined in department documents.

Requirements

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS  
 

• Bachelor's degree in healthcare administration, nursing, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities can be acquired. 
• Five (5) years of progressive leadership experience in sterile processing. 
• Prior managerial experience.  
• Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).  
  Certified Healthcare Leader certification by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) within one (1) year of hire as a condition of continued employment in this job classification. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS  

Experience in an academic or complex healthcare setting.  
Certified Healthcare Leader certification by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA). 
Additional license/certification requirements as determined by the hiring department.