CSSD Supervisor – Sterilization and Equipment Processing Management
Mediclinic vacancies
Available Locations:
Johannesburg, Gauteng
Job Description
Job Summary
Mediclinic is seeking a highly organized and technically proficient CSSD (Central Sterile Services Department) Supervisor to lead the end‑to‑end reprocessing of surgical instruments, medical devices, and procedure trays. You will ensure that all decontamination, inspection, assembly, packaging, sterilization, storage, and distribution activities are executed safely, efficiently, and in strict accordance with international standards and hospital policies. The ideal candidate combines deep technical knowledge of sterilization sciences with proven people leadership, unwavering attention to detail, and a continuous improvement mindset.
Key Responsibilities
- Operations Leadership: Plan, coordinate, and supervise daily CSSD workflows (decontamination, inspection, assembly, packaging, sterilization, and dispatch) to meet OR, ICU, ED, and ward turnaround times.
- Compliance & Standards: Enforce compliance with relevant standards and guidelines (e.g., AAMI, AORN, ISO 13485, local MoH regulations) and Mediclinic policies/SOPs.
- Quality Assurance: Implement and document routine biological, chemical, and mechanical monitoring of sterilizers; investigate and escalate non-conformances, near misses, and incidents.
- Instrument Integrity: Oversee inspection, functionality testing, and maintenance coordination of complex surgical sets and delicate instruments (e.g., laparoscopic, micro, robotic).
- People Management: Lead, coach, schedule, and evaluate CSSD technicians; plan staffing levels for peak loads; support competency development, onboarding, and ongoing training.
- Documentation & Traceability: Ensure complete, accurate, and auditable records for every instrument set and cycle, including lot control, load release, and tracking to point-of-use.
- Process Improvement: Analyze KPIs (e.g., turnaround time, sterility assurance failures, tray errors) and drive root-cause analyses and continuous process improvements (Lean/5S).
- Equipment Management: Monitor performance and coordinate preventive and corrective maintenance of washers, ultrasonic cleaners, sterilizers (steam, low-temp H2O2, etc.), dryers, and packaging equipment.
- Infection Prevention Collaboration: Partner with Infection Prevention & Control (IPC) to align on best practices, outbreak response, audits, and policy updates.
- Inventory & Cost Control: Optimize stock levels of consumables (wraps, indicators, detergents) and manage instrument lifecycle, repair, and replacement planning.
- Audits & Accreditation: Prepare, participate in, and close out internal/external audits (e.g., JCI, ISO); maintain a constant state of readiness.
- Safety Culture: Promote a culture of safety and accountability, ensuring correct PPE usage, chemical handling, and ergonomic practices.
Required Skills and Qualifications
- Diploma/Degree in Sterilization Technology, Nursing, Biomedical Sciences, or a related healthcare discipline.
- Formal certification in sterile processing/central service (e.g., CBSPD, IAHCSMM/CBSPD-equivalent) is strongly preferred.
- Demonstrable understanding of sterilization modalities (steam, low-temperature hydrogen peroxide/plasma, EO), decontamination chemistry, and validation/monitoring practices.
- Proficiency with instrument tracking and traceability systems (e.g., barcode/RFID-based solutions).
- Strong leadership, delegation, and team development skills.
- Excellent documentation, audit readiness, and report-writing capabilities.
- Solid grasp of infection prevention principles, microbiology basics, and aseptic technique.
- Competency in root-cause analysis, CAPA, and continuous quality improvement tools.
Experience
- 5+ years of hands-on experience in a CSSD/sterile processing environment, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or senior technician role.
- Proven experience managing complex surgical instrument sets and working closely with Operating Theatres and high-acuity units.
- Track record of successfully passing regulatory/accreditation audits.
- Experience implementing or optimizing instrument tracking software and KPI dashboards is advantageous.
Working Hours
- Full-time position with rotational shifts (including evenings, nights, weekends, and public holidays) to support 24/7 clinical services.
- On-call/standby duties may be required for urgent reprocessing needs or equipment failures.
- Flexibility to extend hours during peak surgical schedules or emergent situations.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Technical Mastery: Deep knowledge of sterilization cycles, IFUs (Instructions for Use), device materials compatibility, and pack assembly standards.
- Regulatory Awareness: Up-to-date understanding of national regulations, international best practices, and evidence-based guidelines.
- Data-Driven Mindset: Ability to interpret cycle data, BI/CI results, trending reports, and operational metrics to drive decisions.
- Communication & Collaboration: Clear communicator who can liaise effectively with surgeons, nurses, procurement, biomedical engineering, and IPC teams.
- Problem Solving: Methodical, analytical, and calm under pressure; capable of leading investigations and implementing CAPAs.
- Training & Coaching: Skilled at transferring knowledge, building competency frameworks, and conducting practical assessments.
- Change Management: Comfortable leading process change, technology upgrades, and standardization initiatives.
Benefits*
- Competitive salary aligned with experience and certifications.
- Comprehensive health insurance and wellness programs.
- Annual leave, sick leave, and additional leave benefits as per policy.
- Professional development support: certification renewals, CPD hours, workshops, and conferences.
- Access to Mediclinic’s career growth pathways across facilities and regions. *Benefits may vary by location and contract type.
Why Join Mediclinic
- Work with a respected, standards-driven healthcare group committed to patient safety and clinical excellence.
- Lead a mission-critical department with strong executive support and modern technology.
- Shape process excellence through data, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Grow your career through structured learning, mentorship, and cross-functional exposure.
- Be part of a team that places quality, compassion, and accountability at the center of everything we do.
How to Apply
- Prepare your CV highlighting your CSSD leadership experience, certifications, and key achievements (KPIs, audit successes, process improvements).
- Write a brief cover letter explaining how your expertise aligns with Mediclinic’s standards and the demands of a high-volume surgical environment.
- Submit your application via the Mediclinic Careers Portal under “Mediclinic Vacancies – CSSD Supervisor” (include reference number if provided).
- Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for:
- A technical interview (standards, sterilization science, audit scenarios).
- A practical/competency assessment (e.g., tray assembly, BI/CI interpretation, RCA case study).
- HR interview covering leadership, communication, and cultural fit.