Sterile Processing Technician Lead

Introduction / Summary

As a Sterile Processing Technician Lead for STERIS, you'll play a vital role in ensuring the highest standards of surgical instrument reprocessing across our contracted healthcare facilities. In this hands-on role, you’ll provide expert on-site support, training, and communication to Sterile Processing teams, ensuring full compliance with Department of Health, TJC, OSHA, CDC, AAMI, and AORN standards.

You’ll be the go-to clinical operations resource, working closely with facility leadership to align reprocessing practices with organizational goals and regulatory requirements. As a key partner to the Sterile Processing Manager, you’ll help lead daily operations, mentor staff, and drive continuous improvement in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment. This an on-site role based in Chattanooga, TN.

What you’ll do as a Sterile Processing Technician Lead:

• Support daily Sterile Processing operations, including decontamination, assembly, sterilization, and storage, ensuring compliance with all regulatory standards and facility policies.
• Assist the Sterile Processing Manager in leading team operations, enforcing procedures, and maintaining workflow efficiency.
• Coordinate and deliver orientation, on-the-job training, and in-service education for new and existing staff, promoting continuous learning and quality assurance.
• Apply Lean principles to manage department workflow, utilize the STERIS Production Board, and schedule daily staff assignments effectively.
• Monitor and report equipment issues, low supply levels, and non-compliance concerns to leadership promptly.
• Serve as a key point of contact for OR and end-user support, responding to calls and resolving issues in real time.
• Maintain professional relationships across departments to ensure seamless support for patient care teams.
• Demonstrate expert knowledge of surgical instruments and complex tray assembly, and proactively troubleshoot missing items or special case needs.
• Mentor and coach Sterile Processing Technicians, providing real-time feedback and supporting performance improvement.
• Communicate department needs, staffing gaps, and workflow updates clearly with leadership and team members.
• Assist in collecting and interpreting data for performance metrics and documentation in line with SOPs and facility policies.
• Promote best practices and a culture of continuous improvement through open communication and skill development.

The Experience, Skills, and Abilities Needed:

Required:

• High School diploma or GED
• 2+ years of SPD experience with demonstrated proficiency in all SPD Technician responsibilities, including a solid proficiency and ability to work independently with all tray sets.
• CRCST/ CSPDT and additional certification (CIS, CHL, FCS, and/or Endo) required.
• Must maintain certification by completing 12 Continuing Education Credit Hours annually

Preferred:

• Completion of a Sterile Processing or Surgical Technologist program

Education Degree