The role of Manager, CSSD (Central Sterile Supply Department) at Aga Khan University Hospital involves overseeing the entire operation of the Sterile Processing Department to ensure the timely availability of sterile packs, sets, and supplementary instruments to all hospital departments (OR, wards, Units, OPD, etc.). This position requires a strong focus on quality improvement, regulatory compliance, and staff leadership within an acute care hospital environment. Aga Khan University Hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan and Nairobi, Kenya are private, not-for-profit institutions providing high quality health care. The Main Hospitals serve as the principal sites for clinical training for the University's Medical Colleges and Schools of Nursing and Midwifery in Pakistan and East Africa.
Responsibilities
Leadership and Staff Management:
- Provide leadership, supervision, and performance management of CSSD staff.
- Develop duty rosters, manage staffing levels, and ensure appropriate skill mix.
- Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous quality improvement.
- Coordinate training, competency assessments, and staff development programs.
Policy and Compliance:
- Develop, review, and update CSSD policies, SOPs, and guidelines.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory, accreditation, and licensing requirements.
- Participate in hospital committees related to infection control, quality, and patient safety.
Operational Oversight:
- Plan, organize, and supervise daily operations of the Sterile Processing Department including cleaning, disinfecting, sterilizing, packing, storage and distribution surgical instruments.
- Ensure timely availability of sterile packs, Set and supplementary instruments, etc to all hospital departments (OR, wards, Units,OPD, etc.).
- Implement and monitor sterilization processes according to hospital infection control protocols and national/international standards.
- Maintain cleaning, Disinfection and sterilization records, load control logs, and traceability documentation.
- Conduct regular audits and biological/chemical indicator tests to validate sterilization efficacy.
Equipment and Inventory Management:
- Oversee maintenance and calibration of washers, sterilizers, ultrasonic, Heat sealer (autoclaves, plasma, etc.), other CSSD equipment.
- Coordinate with biomedical engineering for preventive maintenance and repairs.
- Ensure no supplies are out of stock.
- Plan for replacement or procurement of CSSD instruments and consumables.
- Monitor inventory levels of sterile and non-sterile supplies.
- Manage requisition, storage, and distribution of sterile items.
Financial and Reporting:
- Ensure cost-effective use of resources and minimize wastage by controlling and monitoring the cost of running the operations and department.
- Liaise with operating theatres, nursing units, and other departments to understand and fulfill sterilization requirements.
- Report departmental performance, incidents, and quality issues to hospital management.
- Preparing Annual Budget Planning for ongoing & benchmarked upcoming year services.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in health sciences, Sterile Processing, or a related healthcare field.
- Certification or training in CSSD Technician or equivalent.
- Postgraduate training in Healthcare Management, Quality Management, or Infection Prevention will be an added advantage.
- Minimum 5–7 years in CSSD operations, with at least 2–3 years in a supervisory or managerial role.
- In-depth knowledge of sterilization techniques and infection control.
- Leadership and team management skills.
- Excellent organizational and communication abilities.
- Familiarity with hospital accreditation standards like JCIA.
- Experience in an acute care hospital or surgical environment is essential.