The Director of Clinical Operations is responsible for overseeing the performance optimization of work groups, strategic planning, and performance improvement efforts for UMMC Perioperative & Procedural Services. This includes optimizing workflows, ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations, achieving financial metrics, and maintaining the highest standards of patient care. The Director collaborates closely with physicians, team members, nursing leaders, department heads, and other stakeholders to deliver excellent clinical services, improve patient outcomes, and foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

Responsible for directing and facilitating the identification, implementation, and ongoing measurement of projects under limited guidance, which improves the effectiveness and quality of clinical care. Requires interpersonal skills, negotiation skills, focus on innovation, and the ability to balance multiple priorities. This is a tactical and facilitative role that requires a combination of focus and flexibility as well as a willingness to play an active, behind-the-scenes role.

Primary Responsibilities

Operational Management: Ensure smooth coordination between clinical services and other departments including hospital operations departments through the optimization of workflow processes to enhance patient care and financial targets. Provide high level oversight of major improvement projects for PPS to include status of major project milestones, goals, and scope. Responsible for the creation and maintenance of a tracking dashboard. Independently identify and establish workgroups based upon needed improvements in operational flow or quality events. Lead work groups as needed. Establish and align performance metrics with organizational priorities to drive operational accountability and outcomes. Define and implement strategies to achieve AOP priorities and department goals.

Technology and Products : Stay current with advancements in technology and healthcare practices within perioperative services to incorporate innovations in clinical care. Collaborate with Supply Chain, IT, Clinical Engineering, and service line leaders on equipment planning, procurement, and deployment.

Lead Clinical Quality Value Analysis (CQVA) team

Lead the implementation of new clinical systems or technologies, such as creating standard work, policies and procedures, and monitoring performance in collaboration with clinical directors and managers on initiatives such as:

Implementation of Robotic Platforms

Implementation of Clinical Trials for Clinical Products

Managing the clinical components of Capital Projects

Leadership and Strategy: Develop and implement strategies to improve the efficiency, quality, and profitability of clinical services. Provide leadership and direction to clinical managers ensuring alignment with the hospital’s mission and goals. Strategic partnership with hospitals operations to achieve clinical outcomes, including patient experience. Collaborate with senior leadership to develop long-term clinical operations plans. Responsible to drive the creation of annual strategic goals for Perioperative and Procedural Services.

Quality Improvement and Compliance: Ensure all clinical operations adhere to federal, state, and local healthcare regulations, including Joint Commission standards. Strategic partnership on the development and implementation of quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient care and clinical outcomes.

Coordination of Work team: Ensures workgroups are organized and well defined with dashboard, KPIs and work teams that drive the optimization of this service line. Maintains database outlining all projects to include status, and metrics.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Work Experience

Education & Experience - Required

Master’s degree in nursing, health care administration, or related field.

At least 5 years of progressive leadership experience in a hospital or clinical setting. Strong understanding of hospital operations, clinical workflows, and healthcare regulations. Proven record of leading operational improvements

PMP (Project Management Professional), Lean, Six Sigma, or equivalent process improvement certification preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Knowledge of healthcare regulations

Understanding of clinical processes, patient care standards and medical terminology

Awareness of qualityimprovement practices, patient safety initiatives and performance metrics

Strong leadership and management skills to motivate and guide clinical teams

Ability to identify issues and implement effective solutions

Proficient in analyzing data to drive clinical improvements and operational efficiency

Skilled in managing multiple projects, timelines and resources

Ability to build relationships with staff, patients and other stakeholders

Skills to manage and resolve conflicts effectively

Ability to analyze and present data in clear concise manner

Advanced leadership skills, including the ability to motivate and inspire staff to high performance levels, resolve conflict, establish alignment and clear direction, prioritize initiatives, optimize workflows, and create a goal-driven environment supported by well-defined procedures and performance metric

Exhibit sound judgment and self-direction, operating confidently and constructively without the need for detailed guidance

Proficient in project management tools (e.g., Smartsheet, MS Project)

Advanced skill managing cross-functional, multi-dimensional teams and projects of the highest complexity which have business risk and impact.

Expert analytical, critical thinking, strategic thinking, planning, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Advanced skill in the use of Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Expert verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.