Operations Director - Healthcare Provider

Keller Executive Search; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Paid vacation and sick leave

Onsite, full‑time role

Job summary

Keller Executive Search is seeking an experienced Operations Director to lead clinical operations across primary care and specialty service lines in Southern California. The role focuses on standardizing workflows, driving measurable results, and building strong teams in a fast-paced, patient‑centered setting.

The position requires hands‑on leadership, travel to sites, and collaboration with executive leadership to ensure compliant, efficient operations and service line growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in healthcare administration, business administration, or a related field.
• Progressive experience in healthcare operations within a multispecialty outpatient setting.
• Proven ability to manage multi-site clinic operations, staffing, scheduling and performance.
• Working knowledge of FQHC or similar regulated ambulatory care settings.
• Tech‑savvy with EMR experience and data analytics dashboards.
• Excellent verbal and written communication in a diverse workplace.
• Track record of longevity and strong project management skills.
• Ability to travel between sites regularly (20–30%).
• Must be able to work onsite full time.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight for day‑to‑day operations across assigned clinic sites and specialty service lines.
• Partner with the CEO and Chief Medical Officer to standardize workflows and drive growth initiatives.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate operations managers and staff.
• Develop and implement standardized policies, procedures, and performance expectations.
• Monitor metrics like patient volume, no-show rates, payments, scheduling, and satisfaction.
• Lead Lean process improvement and data‑driven decision making across operations.
• Ensure compliance with HRSA, CMS, OSHA, HIPAA, Joint Commission and related requirements.
• Collaborate with quality, compliance, IT, HR, revenue cycle, and finance teams.
• Support budget development, staffing models, and resource allocation.
• Lead or support new programs, site expansion, and service line growth.
• Analyze data and prepare reports for executive leadership.
• Prepare for audits, readiness reviews, and site visits.
• Promote accountability, collaboration, and patient‑centered care.

Skills

Leadership

Healthcare operations

Data analytics

EMR experience

Communication skills

Project management

Travel ability

Onsite work

Education

Bachelor's in healthcare administration

MBA or advanced degree (preferred)

FQHC experience (preferred)

Tools

EMR software

Job description

A well-established, mission-driven community health organization in Southern California is seeking an experienced Operations Director to lead operations across its primary care and specialty service lines. This is a high-impact leadership role for someone who thrives on standardizing workflows, driving measurable operational results, and building strong teams in a fast-paced, patient-centered environment. The organization serves a large, diverse patient population and is entering a period of steady growth, making this an excellent opportunity for a hands‑on operator ready to help shape that next chapter.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight for day‑to‑day operations across assigned clinic sites and specialty service lines.
• Partner closely with the CEO and Chief Medical Officer to drive workflow standardization, process optimization, and clinic growth initiatives.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate operations managers, supervisors, and other assigned operational staff.
• Develop and implement standardized policies, procedures, and performance expectations across all clinic sites.
• Monitor and improve key operational metrics including patient volume, no‑show and cancellation rates, payment collection, scheduling efficiency, and patient satisfaction.
• Lead Lean process improvement initiatives and champion data‑driven decision making across operations.
• Ensure full operational compliance with HRSA, CMS, OSHA, HIPAA, Joint Commission, and other applicable federal and state regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with quality, compliance, IT, human resources, revenue cycle, and finance teams to resolve operational issues and support coordinated performance.
• Support budget development, staffing models, and resource allocation for clinical operations.
• Lead or support the implementation of new programs, site expansion, and service line growth.
• Analyze operational data and prepare reports and recommendations for executive leadership.
• Prepare for and participate in audits, readiness reviews, and site visits.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and mission‑driven, patient‑centered care.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in healthcare administration, business administration, or a related field.
• Substantial progressive experience in healthcare operations within a large, multispecialty outpatient or ambulatory practice setting.
• Proven experience managing multi‑site clinic operations, staffing, scheduling, and performance management.
• Working knowledge of FQHC operations, including regulatory, compliance, access, quality, and patient care delivery considerations (or comparable regulated ambulatory healthcare experience).
• Tech‑savvy, with EMR experience and comfort working with data analytics and operational dashboards.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with demonstrated success leading in a culturally diverse workplace.
• A track record of longevity and enthusiasm in prior roles, with strong project and task management skills.
• Ability to travel between sites regularly (approximately 20 to 30 percent of schedule).
• Must be able to work onsite full time.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or other advanced degree in healthcare administration, business, or a related field.
• Experience at a Federally Qualified Health Center, FQHC look‑alike, Indian Health Service facility, or other safety‑net healthcare organization.
• Lean process improvement experience or certification.
• Genuine commitment to serving diverse, underserved, and vulnerable populations with cultural humility and respect.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary range: $160,000 to $220,000 per year, commensurate with experience.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Paid vacation accrual and sick leave.
• Permanent, full‑time, onsite position.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Commitment to Diversity: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected.

Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals.

Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws.

Compliance with Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.

Workplace Harassment: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

E-Verify Participation: Keller Executive Search and/or our clients may participate in E-Verify. Information about E-Verify participation will be provided during the application process where applicable.

Privacy and Pay Equity: Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.

State-Specific Information: Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants. Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation. New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed.

Veteran Status: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment.

Genetic Information: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information or request it, except as permitted by law.

Local Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment: Keller Executive Search and our clients may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the recruitment and candidate evaluation process. These tools are used exclusively to support human decision‑making by helping to review and assess candidate qualifications and materials.

Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.