Chief Operating Officer, Central Puget Sound

Providence•Seattle, WA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Calling All Esteemed Leaders! Are you a seasoned, mission ‑ driven healthcare executive who excels at translating strategy into operational excellence? Do you thrive in complex environments where clinical quality, financial stewardship, and caregiver engagement must work in harmony? If so, the Chief Operating Officer role at Swedish Medical Center offers a rare opportunity to shape the future of one of the region’s most respected healthcare institutions. As a key member of the executive leadership team, you will play a pivotal role in advancing Swedish Medical Center’s mission, strengthening operational performance, and ensuring exceptional care for the communities we serve. This position will oversee Swedish First Hill & Cherry Hill, along with Issaquah and Ballard campuses. The Role Reporting to the President and Chief Executive Officer of Swedish Health Services, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Swedish Medical Center (SMC) provides executive leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for all aspects of hospital operations in Seattle, Washington. Under the general direction of the CEO, the COO serves as the primary operational leader of Swedish Medical Center, working in close partnership with the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) to implement SMC’s strategic plan and oversee day‑to‑day operations. This role is accountable for aligning operational execution with clinical excellence, financial performance, regulatory compliance, and the Mission and Values. The COO provides high‑level administrative oversight across the organization, ensuring operational systems, processes, and teams are positioned to deliver safe, high‑quality, efficient, and patient‑centered care.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Health Administration, Hospital Administration, Business Administration, Healthcare, or a related field
Minimum of five (5) years of senior ‑ level leadership experience within a healthcare delivery organization
At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in healthcare
Five (5) or more years of administrative leadership in an acute care hospital or medical center
Demonstrated success developing and executing strategic plans focused on growth and performance
Broad knowledge of healthcare industry trends and the operational and financial implications of change
Experience working within integrated health systems, including successful collaboration with employed and independent physicians
Proven ability to lead complex, multi ‑ site healthcare organizations through periods of transformation
Strong financial and operational acumen, including oversight of large ‑ scale budgets and performance metrics
Exceptional communication, listening, and relationship ‑ building skills
Ability to engage and influence diverse stakeholders, including physicians, caregivers, executives, and community leaders
Skill in articulating Mission, Vision, and Core Values in ways that inspire action and alignment
Mission ‑ aligned values consistent with Swedish Health & Services
High integrity, credibility, and emotional intelligence
Ability to energize teams around shared goals and continuous improvement

Responsibilities

Operational Excellence & Performance Leadership Monitor, assess, and continuously enhance operational processes to achieve key hospital objectives and performance metrics.
Lead initiatives that improve quality of care, patient safety, resource utilization, and overall stakeholder satisfaction.
Maintain accountability for Swedish Medical Center’s operating budget, staff productivity and efficiency, key contracts, and operational performance for select service lines.
Strategic Execution & Business Leadership Translate strategic priorities into operational reality by aligning communication, accountability, resources, and performance measurement systems.
Partner with executive leadership to establish and execute long‑term strategies that respond to evolving market dynamics, regulatory requirements, and healthcare delivery models.
Leverage strong business acumen to manage complex financial operations and identify opportunities for sustainable growth and efficiency.
Clinical, Community & Stakeholder Partnerships Establish and sustain strong relationships with physicians, caregivers, hospital and regional leadership, community board members, government officials, and external partners.
Cultivate trusted partnerships across the health system to advance clinical, operational, and strategic objectives.
Serve as a visible and credible leader representing Swedish Medical Center across regional and community forums.
Mission‑Driven Leadership & Culture Role model and actively lead with Mission and Core Values through daily language, behaviors, and decisions.
Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Empower leaders and caregivers through thoughtful delegation, clear expectations, and shared ownership of outcomes.
Talent Development & Change Leadership Build and sustain systems that attract, develop, engage, and retain high‑performing and diverse healthcare talent.
Coach and develop leaders to strengthen organizational capability and readiness for future challenges.
Lead organizational change efforts to adapt to market shifts, technology advancements, and evolving care models.
Governance, Compliance & Decision‑Making Serve as executive lead for regulatory and accreditation activities in partnership with the CMO and CNO.
Apply sound judgment and data‑driven decision‑making to address complex operational and business challenges.
Demonstrate executive presence and credibility that instills confidence and trust among stakeholders.