Inpatient Operations Director - Lead Quality & Care

gundersenhealth; West Union (IA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Gundersen Health, operating as Emplify Health by Gundersen Palmer in West Union, Iowa, is seeking a Director of Inpatient Operations to lead multiple inpatient departments and drive accountability, quality, and operational excellence.

This leadership role balances strategy with day-to-day operations, requires strong clinical background, and calls for partnering with physicians, managers, and staff to improve patient care. Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field preferred, or ability to complete within 5 years.
• 5–7 years of experience leading system-level work in healthcare.
• Strong leadership experience in health care.
• Experience overseeing multiple departments or a diverse operational portfolio.
• Strong clinical background, preferably nursing.
• Experience as a PDN, charge nurse, quality leader, or similar clinical leadership role is a plus.
• Experience in rural or critical access hospital settings is helpful.
• Strong relationship-building skills and ability to hold teams accountable.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of operational plans aligned with system strategy.
• Oversee fiscal performance, resource management, and cost-effective operations.
• Build, coach, and hold accountable a team of managers and staff across departments.
• Drive quality, safety, service, and patient experience improvements.
• Partner with physicians, leaders, and staff to remove barriers and improve care delivery.
• Support a culture of collaboration, respect, communication, and growth.
• Participate in senior leadership call rotation with four leaders sharing coverage.
• Contribute to system-level committees and initiatives.

Skills

Healthcare leadership

People leadership

Relationship-building

Quality improvement

Clinical leadership

Education

Master's degree

Job description

Gundersen Health, operating as Emplify Health by Gundersen Palmer in West Union, Iowa, is seeking a Director of Inpatient Operations to lead multiple inpatient departments and drive accountability, quality, and operational excellence.

This leadership role balances strategy with day-to-day operations, requires strong clinical background, and calls for partnering with physicians, managers, and staff to improve patient care. Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40.