Vice President Operations

Scion Executive Search has been engaged to conduct an immediate search for a Vice President, Operations for our client, a mission-driven acute care hospital committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality healthcare to its community. This full-time, on-site executive role is based in Chicago, IL, and is available immediately.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Vice President, Operations serves as a senior operational leader responsible for the day-to-day performance, efficiency, and integration of hospital operations. This role partners closely with executive leadership, clinical leaders, and department heads to ensure high-quality patient care, operational excellence, and financial performance. The Vice President, Operations oversees core hospital functions including clinical and non-clinical departments, driving process improvement, optimizing patient flow, and ensuring alignment with strategic, regulatory, and financial goals. This is a highly visible, hands‑on leadership role focused on execution, accountability, and continuous improvement across the organization.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational Leadership & Performance Lead day‑to‑day hospital operations, ensuring efficient, high‑quality delivery of care across all service lines. Drive operational performance across key metrics, including patient throughput, length of stay, capacity management, and patient experience. Partner with clinical leadership to align operational processes with care delivery goals and quality standards. Identify and implement process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve outcomes. Departmental Oversight Oversee a portfolio of hospital departments (clinical and/or support services), ensuring strong leadership, accountability, and performance management. Supervise department leaders, including hiring, coaching, performance evaluation, and succession planning. Ensure effective coordination across departments to support seamless patient care and operational flow. Strategic Execution & Growth Translate organizational strategy into operational plans, ensuring alignment across departments and service lines. Support growth initiatives, including service line expansion, volume growth, and improved access to care. Partner with executive leadership on strategic planning, capital initiatives, and operational scaling efforts. Maintain accountability for operational budgets, resource allocation, and cost management across areas of responsibility. Monitor financial performance and identify opportunities to improve margin through operational efficiencies. Ensure appropriate staffing models and workforce optimization to meet patient demand. Quality, Compliance & Patient Experience Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, accreditation standards, and hospital policies. Partner with quality and clinical teams to drive patient safety, quality outcomes, and continuous improvement initiatives. Champion a patient‑centered culture focused on service excellence and community impact. Cross‑Functional Collaboration Collaborate closely with medical staff, nursing leadership, and administrative teams to ensure alignment and effective communication. Serve as a key liaison across departments to resolve operational challenges and drive organizational priorities. Foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and collaboration across the organization.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, or related field preferred. 7+ years of progressive healthcare operations leadership experience, ideally within an acute care hospital setting. Demonstrated experience overseeing multiple departments or service lines with accountability for operational and financial performance. Strong knowledge of hospital operations, regulatory requirements, and performance improvement methodologies. Proven ability to lead teams, drive change, and execute in fast‑paced, resource‑constrained environments. Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This full‑time, on‑site executive role offers a competitive compensation range of $160,000 - $180,000 (DOE), along with a comprehensive benefits package including health coverage and paid time off. #J-18808-Ljbffr Scion Executive Search