Managing Director, Center of Excellence in Mental Health

Khibraty; Saudi Arabia; On-site; SAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Saudi Arabia seeks a Joint Managing Director for a new Mental Health Center of Excellence. This role requires a seasoned leader with over 15 years of experience in mental health operations, particularly within military contexts, to develop and implement innovative strategies. Responsibilities include operational oversight, partnership development, and team mentorship in a fast-paced healthcare environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years of leadership experience in mental health operations.
• At least 8 years in senior roles supporting operational performance.
• Proven track record of implementing strategic plans.

Responsibilities

• Developing and implementing a strategic plan for the center.
• Evaluating and enhancing the operational performance of the mental health network.
• Leading transformation initiatives within psychiatry departments.

Skills

Leadership experience

Interpersonal skills

Data-driven decision making

Ability to mentor teams

Education

Psychiatrist or clinical psychologist

Job description

Organizational Overview

This opportunity is with one of the largest healthcare providers in Saudi Arabia, operating a network of 26 hospitals and multiple medical service centers. The system provides healthcare services to a broad population that includes active‑duty personnel, retirees, family members, and civilians referred through other healthcare systems. In recent years, mental health has emerged as a national priority in Saudi Arabia. To address the increasing complexity and prevalence of mental health conditions, the organization is establishing a Center of Excellence in Mental Health (MHCoE). This center will develop and apply world‑class capabilities across its healthcare network. The MHCoE will: serve as the central authority for military‑related mental health within the healthcare system, lead the development of clinical service models, policies, and standardized care pathways, deliver specialized tertiary mental health services tailored to military‑specific needs (e.g., trauma, PTSD, addiction, geriatric care, and complex psychiatric cases), oversee the training, certification, and professional development of the mental health workforce, guide infrastructure and technology development across facilities, promote research and innovation with a focus on military and digital mental health, standardize mental health data reporting and analytics, and coordinate and integrate mental health services across the network.

About the Role

This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned mental health leader to shape a transformative initiative as the founding co‑leader of a high‑impact mental health institution in Saudi Arabia. Serving as Joint Managing Director of the MHCoE—and as a senior advisor on autism care—the selected candidate will work closely with a national counterpart to establish and operate a world‑class mental health center.

Location & Contract Type

Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Contract Type: Full‑time preferred

Key Responsibilities

• Developing and implementing a strategic plan to achieve the center’s vision of excellence in mental health,
• Evaluating and enhancing the operational performance of the mental health network,
• Conducting a comprehensive audit of care delivery, clinical operations, research, communication, and outreach,
• Leading transformation initiatives within psychiatry departments to streamline operations and improve patient experience,
• Establishing global partnerships with leading mental health institutions,
• Designing and tracking KPIs to measure performance and drive improvement,
• Supporting executive leadership in aligning mental health services across the system.

Key Requirements

• Have led the development or management of a recognized mental health center or multi‑site program of excellence,
• Be a psychiatrist (preferred) or clinical psychologist with expertise in military mental health,
• Bring a minimum of 15 years of leadership experience in mental health operations, including at least 8 years in senior roles,
• Demonstrate a strong grasp of care models, financial management, and healthcare regulatory frameworks,
• Possess a proven track record of implementing strategic plans that drive efficiency and improve outcomes,
• Exhibit strong interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to build, mentor, and motivate teams,
• Be data‑driven with experience managing large, complex healthcare organizations,
• Show adaptability and resilience in fast‑paced healthcare environments,
• Be committed to developing local leadership through active coaching and knowledge transfer.