Director, Surgical Services

About the Role:

The Director of Surgical Services is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing all aspects of surgical operations within a healthcare facility or system. Responsible for coordinating clinical and non-clinical activities in Perioperative Services including operating room/PACU/SPU/GI and Sterile Processing Dept. as well as the Ambulatory Outpatient Surgery Center. Responsible for overall managerial direction and 24-hour accountability which includes planning, leading, organizing and controlling, as well as developing staff in order to fulfill the goals of each department and the mission of the Hospital. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality, safe, and efficient surgical care by managing surgical staff, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, and optimizing resource utilization. The Director leads strategic planning initiatives to enhance surgical services, improve patient outcomes, and maintain compliance with regulatory standards. They serve as a key liaison between surgeons, nursing staff, administration, and external partners to foster collaboration and continuous improvement. Ultimately, the Director of Surgical Services drives operational excellence and innovation to support the facility’s mission and growth objectives.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Current RN
• BLS
• Master’s degree in Nursing.
• BSN
• Minimum 8 - 10 years experience as operating room staff nurse; at least 3 years of progressive management experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of surgical operations, patient safety standards, and healthcare regulatory requirements.
• Strong experience in staff management, budgeting, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration, Nursing, or Business Administration.
• Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR) or Certified Healthcare Executive (FACHE) credential.
• Experience with electronic health record (EHR) systems and surgical scheduling software.
• Proven track record of leading large multidisciplinary teams in a complex healthcare environment.
• Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the surgical services department, including recruitment, training, and performance evaluation of surgical staff.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and protocols to ensure compliance with healthcare regulations and accreditation standards.
• Collaborate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, nursing, and other clinical teams to coordinate surgical schedules and optimize patient flow.
• Oversee budgeting, resource allocation, and capital planning to support surgical services and equipment needs.
• Monitor quality metrics, patient safety initiatives, and satisfaction scores to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.
• Drive strategic initiatives to expand surgical services, incorporate new technologies, and improve operational efficiency.
• Serve as a key representative in interdisciplinary committees and external partnerships related to surgical care.
• Ensure effective communication and collaboration across departments to support seamless perioperative care.

Skills:

The Director of Surgical Services utilizes leadership and communication skills daily to effectively manage diverse surgical teams and foster a collaborative environment. Analytical and strategic thinking skills are essential for interpreting quality metrics, optimizing resource allocation, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. Proficiency in healthcare regulations and patient safety standards ensures compliance and high-quality care delivery. Financial acumen supports budgeting and capital planning to maintain operational efficiency and support growth. Additionally, technological skills enable the Director to leverage EHR systems and surgical scheduling tools to streamline workflows and enhance patient outcomes.