Chief Operating Officer (Research Institute)

McGill University Health Centre; Montreal; On-site; CAD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in health research is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to join its executive leadership team. This pivotal role involves driving operational excellence and aligning day-to-day operations with the ambitious 2030 Vision of the Institute. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in operational strategy, finance, and innovation in a high-performance environment. This is a unique opportunity to influence the growth and efficiency of a globally recognized research institute while collaborating with senior leadership and external stakeholders. If you are a dynamic leader with a passion for advancing health research, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in operational leadership and strategic financial management.
• Experience in managing complex organizations and fostering collaborations.

Responsibilities

• Drive operational excellence aligned with the Institute’s long-term strategic goals.
• Oversee operational functions, ensuring continuous improvement and compliance.
• Develop and manage budgets while monitoring financial performance.

Skills

Leadership in operational strategy

Financial management

Innovation in high-performance environments

Collaboration with stakeholders

Education

Master's degree in Business Administration or related field

Tools

Budgeting software

Performance management systems

Job description

The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC or The Institute) is a world-renowned health research hospital. Located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, The Institute is the research arm of the McGill University Health Centre, an academic health centre affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at McGill University and an establishment of Santé Québec. The Institute offers a dynamic, multidisciplinary research environment that fosters local to international collaboration and harnesses discoveries to advance precision health across the lifespan. This involves all types of research, including basic biomedical research, patient-oriented research, applied clinical research, healthcare services and systems research, and population and health promotion research, including societal and cultural impacts on health. The Institute is funded in part by the Fonds de recherche du Québec - Santé (FRQS).

INTRODUCTION AND ROLE
The Institute is seeking an experienced and dynamic Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join its executive leadership team. Reporting to the Executive Director and Chief Scientific Officer (ED/CSO) and collaborating closely with senior leadership of the MUHC and McGill University, the incumbent will drive operational excellence, ensuring alignment between day-to-day operations and the Institute’s long-term strategic goals, particularly its ambitious 2030 Vision. This position offers a unique opportunity to influence the growth and efficiency of a globally recognized research institute within an academic health network. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a record of accomplishment of leadership in operational strategy, finance and innovation in a complex, high-performance environment.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Strategic Leadership & Operations
   • Work with and support the ED/CSO to execute and operationalize The Institute’s 2030 Vision,
   • Serve as Secretary to the Board of Directors,
   • Actively participate on Board Committees and follow up on resolutions and action items,
   • Work with senior leadership of MUHC Finance directorate and foundations to achieve shared goals through financial success,
   • Translate high-level organizational strategies into actionable operational plans, optimizing resource allocation across all business units,
   • Lead administrative teams to support and enable the research and The Institute’s 2030 Vision,
   • Champion new research initiatives, fostering collaborations with foundations, sponsors, industry, and government partners to enhance operational capabilities,
   • Act as the interface between administrative teams at the MUHC and The Institute.
2. Operational Excellence
   • Oversee all operational functions, driving continuous improvements in processes, systems, and policies,
   • Set clear objectives and establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to track performance and ensure alignment with financial and service delivery goals,
   • Implement quality control measures to guarantee operational excellence and cost-effective performance,
   • Identify and resolve operational matters, continuously seeking opportunities for innovation and optimization.
3. Financial Management & Budgeting
   • Work with the executive leadership of The Institute, the Audit and Finance and Investment committees of the Board to develop and manage budgets, project plans, and long-term financial and investment strategies,
   • Monitor financial performance, identifying cost-saving opportunities and efficiency improvements,
   • Analyze operational and financial data to inform decision-making and optimize performance,
   • Ensure compliance with financial regulations and industry standards, overseeing timely reporting and audits.
4. Risk Management & Compliance
   • Identify and mitigate operational risks, including financial, legal, ethical and compliance-related challenges,
   • Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and best practices across all operational functions,
   • Develop and implement risk management policies to safeguard The Institute’s assets and reputation.
5. External Relationships & Stakeholder Engagement
   • Serve as the liaison between The Institute, affiliated organizations, foundations, and external partners to support and facilitate collaborative efforts,
   • Build and nurture relationships with stakeholders, including funding agencies, governmental bodies, healthcare institutions, research centers, and vendors,
   • Represent The Institute at key events, conferences, and meetings, both locally, nationally and internationally,
   • Engage with external auditors, consultants, and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with operational standards.
6. Talent Development
   • Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing teams (administration),
   • Establish individual development plans and promote employee engagement and growth opportunities in collaboration with the “People and Culture” division.