Operational Readiness and Optimization Manager

At Caris, we understand that cancer is an ugly word—a word no one wants to hear, but one that connects us all. That’s why we’re not just transforming cancer care—we’re changing lives.

We introduced precision medicine to the world and built an industry around the idea that every patient deserves answers as unique as their DNA. Backed by cutting-edge molecular science and AI, we ask ourselves every day: “What would I do if this patient were my mom?” That question drives everything we do.

But our mission doesn’t stop with cancer. We're pushing the frontiers of medicine and leading a revolution in healthcare—driven by innovation, compassion, and purpose.

Join us in our mission to improve the human condition across multiple diseases. If you're passionate about meaningful work and want to be part of something bigger than yourself, Caris is where your impact begins.

Position Summary
The Operational Readiness and Optimization Manager is a key role within the Client Services organization, responsible for ensuring seamless operational preparedness and continuous improvement across laboratory-facing workflows. This role serves as the central coordination point for new product launches, workflow enhancements, and system integrations, while leading a high-performing Optimization team. The role drives cross-functional alignment, champions data-driven process improvements, and ensures systems, reporting, and workflows are effectively designed, implemented, and sustained to support operational excellence.

Job Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of accountability for operational readiness related to new product launches, workflow updates, custom workflow implementations, and system integrations.
• Act as the central coordinator across functional areas to ensure operational and technical preparedness.
• Develop and execute readiness plans including timelines, risk assessments, mitigation strategies, and go-live criteria.
• Identify and manage risks, dependencies, and constraints; drive mitigation plans and escalate issues as needed.
• Lead, coach, and develop the Optimization team, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Lead workflow analysis and continuous improvement initiatives using data-driven methods.
• Oversee SOP creation, governance, and alignment with Quality and Change Control processes.
• Support and deliver training tied to launches, workflow changes, and system updates.
• Evaluate and optimize operational tools and systems, partnering with IT and Operations.
• Support special projects and all other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 4 years of relevant experience in laboratory, healthcare operations, or client services.
• Demonstrated experience with operational readiness, process improvement, and project management.
• Strong understanding of HIPAA and regulated healthcare environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in clinical or molecular laboratory environments.
• Experience with system implementations (LIMS, CRM, workflow tools).
• Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement certifications.

Physical Demands

• Ability to sit, stand, and work at a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.

Training

• Completion of all job-specific, safety, and compliance training as required by role responsibilities.

Other

• Periodic travel required, with occasional evenings, weekends, or holidays.
• May require after-hours response to urgent operational issues.

Conditions of Employment:  Individual must successfully complete pre-employment process, which includes criminal background check, drug screening, credit check ( applicable for certain positions) and reference verification.

This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Caris Life Sciences is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.