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.