OPERATIONS MANAGER

OPERATIONS MANAGER The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of several critical departments, including housekeeping, security, plant and facilities, and biomedical engineering.

Job title:                    Operations Manager

Reports to:                Chief Executive Officer

Direct Reports:          Six: Biomedical Engineer, Housekeeping Supervisor, Transport Coordinator, Operations Manager,                                          Catering Supervisor, Chief of Security.

Department:              Plant and Facilities

Internal Laison:        Executive Leadership Team, Facilities Management Team, Clinicians, Administrative Staff, Security,                                       Supply Chain Management.

External Laison:       Government Agencies, Contractors and Vendors, Utility Providers, Equipment Manufacturers, Law                                       Enforcement Agencies, Emergency Services, Business Partners.

Job Summary:          The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of several critical departments, including housekeeping, security, plant and facilities, and biomedical engineering. This role ensures that all operational aspects function seamlessly to provide a safe, clean, and efficient environment for patient care. The Operations Manager will work closely with department heads, staff, and external partners to drive continuous improvement and maintain compliance with regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Supervision:

• Provide leadership and direction to departmental managers and staff, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
• Oversee staff recruitment, training, and professional development programs to maintain a skilled and competent workforce.
• Foster a positive work environment that promotes teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback to staff.
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Lead change management initiatives to ensure smooth transitions and adoption of new processes and technologies.
• Stay informed about industry trends and advancements to drive innovation and improvement within the hospital.

Operational Oversight:

• Oversee the daily operations of the hospital, ensuring that all departments function smoothly and efficiently.
• Develop, implement, and monitor operational policies and procedures to enhance productivity and service quality.
• Monitor departmental performance through regular audits, inspections, and performance metrics analysis.
• Identify opportunities for improvement within each department and implement initiatives to enhance service quality and operational efficiency.
• Develop and implement emergency response plans and manage crisis situations to ensure patient safety and operational continuity.
• Coordinate with other hospital departments to ensure seamless operations and effective communication.
• Plan and oversee facility renovations and upgrades to improve hospital operations and patient care environments.
• Manage relationships with external contractors and service providers.

Resource Management:

• Work with the finance department to prepare and manage departmental budgets, ensuring cost-effective operations.
• Oversee the maintenance and management of hospital facilities, ensuring a safe and clean environment for patients and staff.

Strategic Planning and Development:

• Contribute to the development and implementation of the hospital’s strategic plans and goals.
• Identify opportunities for growth and improvement, developing initiatives to enhance hospital services and patient care.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with all relevant health and safety regulations, accreditation standards, and legal requirements.
• Conduct periodic safety inspections, identifying hazards, implementing corrective actions, and promoting a culture of safety and compliance among staff and contractors.
• Implement and monitor quality control procedures to maintain high standards of care and service delivery.
• Prepare for and manage internal and external audits and inspections.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Engineering, Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in healthcare operations management or a related field.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team.
• Proven track record of managing complex operations in a healthcare setting.
• Possession of a valid St. Lucian Driver’s License is desirable.

Key Competencies:

• Leadership and Team Management: Strong leadership abilities are crucial for an Operations Manager to inspire and motivate a diverse team. This includes providing clear direction, fostering a positive work culture, and empowering staff to take initiative. Effective management skills are also necessary to coordinate multiple departments, manage resources, and drive continuous improvement.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: An Operations Manager must possess exceptional verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey information, instructions, and feedback across all levels of the organization. This includes liaising with medical staff, administrative personnel, and external stakeholders. Clear and concise communication is essential for ensuring smooth operations, resolving conflicts, and maintaining a collaborative environment.
• Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Abilities: The ability to quickly identify issues, analyze data, and develop effective solutions is vital for an Operations Manager. This role requires making sound decisions under pressure, often in a fast-paced environment, to ensure that hospital operations run smoothly and that patient care is not compromised.
• Adaptability and Flexibility: These are important traits for Operations Managers to respond to changing operational needs, emergent situations, and evolving regulatory requirements in a dynamic healthcare environment. They should be able to adjust plans and priorities quickly, accommodate shifting demands, and proactively anticipate and address challenges to ensure the smooth operation of plant and facilities management functions.
• Interpersonal Skills: High emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills are key for building and maintaining positive relationships with staff, patients, and stakeholders. An Operations Manager must be approachable, empathetic, and adept at handling sensitive situations with professionalism and tact.
• Adaptability and Flexibility: Hospitals are dynamic environments where unexpected challenges frequently arise. An Operations Manager must be adaptable and flexible, able to quickly adjust to changing circumstances and priorities. This includes being open to new ideas and approaches to improve operational efficiency and patient care.