Chief Operating Officer – Health PEI

Acas; Charlottetown; On-site; CAD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Health PEI is seeking a dynamic Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead healthcare operations in Prince Edward Island. The COO will oversee strategic initiatives and collaborate with diverse stakeholders to enhance healthcare delivery, requiring significant leadership experience in public health systems. This is an exceptional opportunity to influence healthcare services in a unique community.

Qualifications

• 10+ years senior leadership experience in healthcare systems.
• Proven experience managing substantial budgets and large unionized workforces.
• Strong communicator and collaborator in high-accountability environments.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational oversight of health system delivery.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to drive transformation efforts.
• Ensure high-quality, sustainable service delivery across healthcare operations.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Thinking

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Master's degree in healthcare administration, business, or related field

Job description

Health PEI is the health authority for Prince Edward Island, Canada – a unified One Island Health System, dedicated to providing Islanders with the right care, by the right provider, in the right place. Governed by a Board of Directors, Health PEI is accountable to the Minister of Health and Wellness and works collectively on behalf of all Islanders to ensure the management and delivery of safe, high-quality health care that meets or exceeds national standards. Headquartered in the capital city of Charlottetown, Health PEI manages an extensive network of hospitals, health centres, extended care homes, mental health and addiction facilities, and primary care sites, delivering a comprehensive range of programs and services across the province.

Health PEI is currently undergoing a period of significant transformation and measurable progress. In the past year (as of May 2025), over 419,000 primary care visits were delivered, more than 8,600 Islanders were newly connected to a primary care provider and wait times for key services such as MRIs and emergency admissions have been substantially reduced. Surgical capacity has increased by 36%, and the cataract surgery backlog is on track to be eliminated by 2025. These improvements are supported by a $1.1 billion operating budget and a $300 million capital investment plan aimed at strengthening frontline care and modernizing infrastructure. Central to Health PEI’s success is its people; 7,400 staff across the Island and working collaboratively with multiple health authorities and other provincial governments to deliver health services. We have a connected system underpinned by shared technology and a spirit of innovation.Health PEI’s commitment to staff is rooted in their Employee Value Proposition (EVP), which articulates the organization’s commitment to its people. The EVP is built on three pillars: My Path – offering opportunities for meaningful career development; My Team – fostering a culture of pride and collaboration; Our Health PEI – empowering staff to drive innovation and system-wide improvement.

We are looking for energetic leaders to join a high performing and accountable healthcare team.We are driven to connect every Islander with primary care and ensure our health services meet or exceed national standards. We are making progress and need skilled and collaborative leaders to connect across communities, staff and government organization to drive change, implementation and measurable results.

Health PEI is seeking a dynamic, systems-oriented executive to serve as its next Chief Operating Officer (COO). Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the COO is a key member of the executive leadership team, ultimately accountable for providing strategic and operational oversight of health system delivery across Prince Edward Island. As the senior leader accountable for the province’s acute care, primary care, long-term care, Mental Health and Addictions and community health operations, the COO plays a vital role in advancing provincial priorities, such as expanding access to care and improving patient flow. The COO will collaborate extensively with colleagues across Health PEI, government stakeholders, and the communities served to shape system-wide improvements, Drive transformation efforts, and ensure high-quality, sustainable service delivery.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned healthcare executive with over ten years of senior leadership experience in complex public or not-for-profit healthcare systems. They bring a track record of leading large-scale operations, overseeing substantial budgets, and managing a sizable and unionized workforce. A master’s degree in healthcare administration, business, or a related field is preferred. The COO must be a strong communicator, strategic thinker, and effective collaborator who thrives in a high-accountability, mission-driven environment. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of healthcare delivery in one of Canada’s most unique and closely connected communities as Prince Edward Island offers an unparalleled quality of life where big city amenities meet stunning coastal landscapes and vibrant communities.

To Apply

To explore this opportunity further in confidence, please submit your resume and letter of interest online.

For further information, please contact Sarah Shaikh, Engagement Manager, at [e-mail]. We would like to thank all applicants but regret that we are only able to personally contact those individuals whose backgrounds best match the requirements for the role.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Health PEI is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with the Accessible Canada Act, 2019, and all applicable provincial accessibility standards, upon request, accommodation will be provided by both Odgers and Health PEI throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.