Vice President | Pharmacy Operations

Gundersen Health System•La Crosse, WI

40d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Vice President of Pharmacy Operations to provide senior leadership across our multi-state pharmacy business units. This role is responsible for operational excellence, financial performance (full P&L ownership), regulatory compliance, and strategic growth. The VP will lead pharmacy teams, drive integration and expansion, and foster collaboration across clinical, administrative, and supply chain functions to deliver high-quality, cost-effective pharmacy care aligned with Emplify Health’s mission and values.

Requirements

Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree or equivalent required.
Master’s Degree in Business, Healthcare, or Pharmacy Administration, or demonstrated Profit & Loss (P&L) management experience required.
Wisconsin Pharmacist License required.
10+ years of leadership experience in large-scale, multi-state pharmacy operations with proven operational and financial success.
Deep knowledge of pharmacy laws, accreditation standards, payer and PBM dynamics, and healthcare operations.
Strong communication, organizational, strategic leadership skills, and proficiency in data analytics and pharmacy information systems.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and direction for all enterprise pharmacy operations across multiple states.
Translate organizational vision into actionable operating plans that drive performance across retail, specialty, mail-order, and long-term care pharmacy segments.
Own the strategic planning process for pharmacy operations and execute plans aligned with enterprise and regional goals.
Align all pharmacy operations with Emplify Health’s High Performance Operating Model (HPOM) and the next-level, pharmacy-specific operating model (AOR).
Lead expansion and integration efforts across four states, ensuring scalability, consistency, and standardization.
Eliminate unnecessary variation across operations to achieve best-in-class efficiency.
Represent pharmacy operations in executive leadership forums and contribute to enterprise and regional strategic planning.
Own full P&L accountability for all pharmacy divisions, driving revenue growth, margin expansion, and cost optimization.
Oversee pharmacy budgeting, financial management, and resource allocation.
Monitor and manage key financial and operational metrics (e.g., prescription volume, gross margin per script, labor utilization, inventory turns, expense ratios).
Optimize pricing, 340b benefit, payer relationships, and reimbursement processes to ensure financial sustainability.
Implement real-time performance scorecards, dashboards and reporting systems for transparency and accountability.
Drive Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) growth, market expansion, and operating margin improvement.
Ensure compliance with all federal and state pharmacy laws, Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and Board of Pharmacy regulations, controlled substance handling, and HIPAA requirements.
Maintain robust quality assurance, safety, and audit programs across all pharmacy locations.
Drive a culture of safety, integrity, and accountability throughout the organization.
Ensure ongoing accreditation compliance and readiness across all sites.
Standardize and streamline workflows, technology platforms, and best practices across all pharmacy operations.
Oversee logistics, supply chain, and inventory management to optimize working capital and ensure uninterrupted operations.
Utilize automation, ai, data analytics, and emerging pharmacy technologies to enhance scalability, accuracy, turnaround time, and patient satisfaction.
Integrate pharmacy operations with clinical service lines to optimize outcomes, quality, cost, and experience.
Partner with the Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer, Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), other executive leaders and business development function and regional committees and downline pharmacy leaders to pursue strategic growth opportunities (e.g., acquisitions, partnerships, new service lines such as specialty, infusion, or telepharmacy).
Manage relationships with payers, Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), wholesalers, suppliers, and Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs) to optimize contracts and business performance.
Collaborate with enterprise stakeholders to optimize pharmacy contracts including 340B, retail, and payer agreements.
Identify market trends and develop strategies to diversify revenue streams (e.g., specialty, compounding, home delivery, clinical programs).
Lead business transformation initiatives including mergers, acquisitions, and integrations.
Drive innovation in digital health, patient engagement, and data-driven care models.
Build, mentor, and retain a high-performing, multidisciplinary pharmacy leadership team across operations, distribution, and clinical services.
Promote a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement aligned with Emplify Health’s Leadership Accountability Model.
Ensure alignment with Emplify Health’s values: Belonging, Respect, Excellence, Accountability, Teamwork, and Humility.
Lead talent development, succession planning, and performance management for all pharmacy staff.
Foster employee engagement and professional development through execution of standard work and enterprise priorities.
Collaborate closely with clinical, IT, finance, quality and safety, HR, legal, compliance, external affairs and strategy teams to align pharmacy operations with organizational goals and strategic priorities.
Build strong partnerships with external stakeholders, regulatory agencies, and industry associations.
Represent the organization at state and national levels to advance the enterprise’s reputation and influence.

Benefits

Tailored Benefits Package: We offer a comprehensive benefits package that varies based on your location. To learn more about the specific benefits available in your area, please inquire with the recruiter during the application process.
Flexible work location: While this role offers some flexibility in work location, candidates must reside within a reasonable commuting distance of La Crosse or Green Bay, WI due to frequent on-site needs.
Comprehensive Care: Be part of a team that delivers compassionate, patient-centered care across multiple specialties.
Community Impact: Work in communities where your contributions make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Professional Growth: Access continuous learning opportunities and career development programs.
Collaborative Environment: Join a supportive network of healthcare professionals committed to excellence.

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