Chief Operating Officer

Behavioral Health Allies•Kansas City, MO

About The Position

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is BHA’s senior operating executive, accountable for the day-to-day performance of every program BHA delivers. Reporting to the CEO and serving on the executive leadership team, the COO has direct line authority over Community Living, BHA Academy and Transportation, central staffing and scheduling, and operational training. The COO is expected to be a hands-on operator who assesses operational problems, identifies root causes, implements solutions, and builds systems and accountability to prevent recurring issues. BHA operates 24/7 residential homes, a special education school, and a transportation operation across dozens of locations, under close regulatory oversight and in a demanding staffing environment. The COO is expected to make a fast, visible impact, manage competing priorities and deadlines, lead leaders through change, and hold divisional Vice Presidents and their teams accountable for results. The COO translates BHA’s strategy and goals into daily execution and ensures every location operates safely, consistently, in compliance, and within budget. Guided by BHA’s Core Values, the COO builds an operating culture of ownership, follow-through, and high-quality care.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
At least 10 years of progressive operations leadership experience.
At least 5 years at the senior director, vice president, or executive level overseeing multiple sites or service lines.
Experience with full operating budget accountability across multiple programs or divisions.
Experience operating in a highly regulated environment and leading operations through audits, surveys, and corrective action plans.
Valid driver’s license, acceptable motor vehicle record, and ability to pass all BHA background and registry screenings.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree (MBA, MHA, or similar).
Experience running 24/7 or multi-site operations with a large hourly workforce in behavioral health, IDD services, residential treatment, healthcare, education, or human services.
Proven record of turning around underperforming operations, with measurable results achieved within the first 6 to 12 months.
Training or experience in a structured improvement or execution method such as Lean, Six Sigma, 4 Disciplines of Execution, or EOS.

Responsibilities

Serve on BHA’s executive leadership team and act as the CEO’s senior partner on operational matters.
Act for the CEO on operational decisions in the CEO’s absence.
Lead all operating divisions, including Community Living, BHA Academy and Transportation, central staffing and scheduling, and operational training.
Make operational decisions on staffing, scheduling, processes, and resource use within the approved budget.
Reassign staff and resources across divisions and locations to address urgent needs.
Set operating standards and performance expectations for all divisions.
Hold Vice Presidents and their leadership teams accountable for results, including performance improvement and personnel actions in partnership with the Chief Human Resources Officer.
Approve operational policies and procedures, subject to compliance review by the Chief Risk and Compliance Officer.
Translate BHA’s strategy and goals into daily operational execution.
Ensure locations operate safely, consistently, in compliance, and within budget.
Assess operational problems, identify root causes, implement solutions, and establish systems and accountability to prevent recurrence.
Lead leaders through change and manage competing priorities and deadlines.