Chief Operating Officer

Position: Chief Operating Officer

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Location: Trumbull, CT (onsite with hybrid flexibility)

Company: Nonprofit Healthcare Transportation Solutions Organization

Compensation: Package is competitive and commensurate with experience, including benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off

Chamberlain Advisors is conducting an executive search seeking a Chief Operating Officer for our direct client Coordinated Transportation Solutions. The COO will lead the operational strategy and execution of a growing nonprofit focused on providing essential healthcare transportation services. This role is designed for a seasoned operations leader with direct industry experience, a track record of managing large-scale regional operations, and a deep understanding of business models and process transformation. The ideal candidate is a driven leader, capable of leading operational excellence, improving the P&L, and positioning the organization for long-term growth and capital investment.

Summary Of Most Suitable Profile

The ideal candidate must have significant industry experience, with a proven track record of running a region generating revenue for a growing organization. They should possess a strong understanding of business models and operational frameworks, coupled with expertise in contracting, team management, and driving operational results to enhance P&L performance. This role is well-suited for a director or regional director ready to transition into a COO position. The candidate must be capable of structuring the organization for capital investment while aligning it with a long-term strategic vision. Additionally, they should be skilled in process transformation, able to identify operational gaps, and implement cost-effective improvements in customer service. A continuous improvement mindset is essential, with experience using methodologies such as Lean Six Sigma to address bottlenecks and improve efficiency.

Core profile: alignment with one of the following is essential to be considered for the conversation.

• Senior Operations Executive or VP of Operations: A dynamic operations leader with a proven track record of driving significant growth and operational transformation within nonprofit organizations. Expertise in streamlining processes, optimizing operations, and leading change management initiatives, particularly in the industry sector. Adept at guiding nonprofits through strategic transitions while maintaining a strong focus on mission-driven outcomes and enhancing community impact. Exhibits strong leadership presence, emotional intelligence, and a collaborative approach to aligning operations with long-term goals, including securing capital investments and overseeing large-scale program expansions.
• Significant operations expertise managing a region and revenues for a growing organization: A senior operations executive and trusted advisor with a proven track record in leading operations within a rapidly growing, mission-driven nonprofit environment. Demonstrates deep expertise in logistics and operations management within a nonprofit setting, focusing on delivering essential services to underserved communities. Skilled in managing operations across a complex network, optimizing resource allocation, and driving operational efficiencies. Experience in leading large-scale, transformative initiatives within nonprofit organizations, aligning operations with long-term strategic goals and capital investment.
  
  

Differentiators: these will set you apart in the selection process.

Executive Advisory & Leadership Development

• Mentor executives, enhancing their strategic thinking, decision-making, and leadership capabilities.
• Demonstrate exceptional executive presence and strong emotional intelligence to manage complex social dynamics, resolve conflicts, and build robust relationships.
• Advise, counsel, and empower partners and business unit leaders, providing clarity and reassurance in management meetings.
• Influence and drive change across multiple organizational layers, managing diverse C-level executives and personalities.
• Exhibit a mentorship style, coaching and guiding executives through transitions and maintaining alignment with the platform's strategic goals.
  
  

Multi-Stakeholder Management, Leadership, And Influence

• Excel in managing relationships with diverse stakeholders, including Board of Directors, executives, future donors, customers, and employees.
• Possess strong communication and negotiation skills to align varying interests and achieve consensus.
• Ensure all parties are engaged and informed throughout the decision-making process.
  
  

Ongoing Business Transformation And Change Management

• Drive business transformation initiatives that focus on value creation.
• Balance the demands of rapid change with maintaining operational stability and efficiency.
  
  

Team Building And Management

• Build and manage teams effectively, particularly in high-pressure environments with limited resources.
• Demonstrate the ability to work hands-on while also delegating tasks appropriately to maximize team performance and productivity.
  
  

Clear And Effective Communication

• Exhibit strong communication skills, ensuring clear and effective information flow within the organization.
• Foster an environment of transparency and open dialogue, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.
  
  

Strong Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

• Demonstrate exceptional self-awareness, empathy, and interpersonal skills.
• Manage emotions effectively and understand and respond to the emotions of others, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Navigate complex social dynamics, resolve conflicts, and build strong, productive relationships.
  
  

Self-Starter, Entrepreneurial Spirit

• Desire to build, grow, and own the outcomes of a business’s success. Someone with a continuous improvement mindset capable of driving for results often with limited or incomplete information. Fast learner who takes initiative to learn quickly, is proactive and goal-oriented, and runs with what information is available versus waiting to be told what to do next.
  
  

Key Responsibilities, Obligations, & Duties

• Operational Leadership and Strategy:
• Oversee the organization’s daily operations, ensuring efficient service delivery and program management across all regions.
• Drive continuous improvement efforts to assess, streamline, and optimize operational processes, including logistics and customer service, while maintaining cost efficiency.
• Oversee logistics and quality assurance operations, ensuring efficient supply chain management, on-time delivery, and adherence to the highest quality standards, while continuously seeking improvements to enhance performance and customer satisfaction.
• Implement process transformation initiatives, assessing gaps, bottlenecks, and operational challenges to enhance overall productivity.
• Financial and P&L Management:
• Drive operational excellence with full P&L responsibility for $75M-$100M, ensuring revenue growth, cost optimization, and profitability through strategic decision-making and effective management of resources across the business.
• Manage the organization’s operational budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources and alignment with financial goals.
• Drive operational results that improve the nonprofit’s P&L through strategic initiatives, cost-saving measures, and revenue-enhancing opportunities.
• Assess and approve contract pricing mix, ensuring that contracts are competitively priced while delivering value to both the organization and its clients.
• Process Transformation and Continuous Improvement:
• Lead efforts to assess the organization’s current processes, identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement, with a strong focus on efficiency and cost savings.
• Lead the evaluation and optimization of operational processes to drive efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall service delivery, ensuring seamless execution while aligning with long-term business goals.
• Utilize lean Six Sigma or similar methodologies to drive process improvements, reducing waste and improving customer service at a lower cost.
• Ensure that operational processes are aligned with the nonprofit’s long-term vision, particularly as the organization seeks to secure capital investment.
• Operational Risk & Mitigation:
• Oversee the identification, assessment, and mitigation of operational risks to ensure business continuity, regulatory compliance, and the safeguarding of company assets while fostering a proactive risk management culture.
• Develop and implement comprehensive risk mitigation strategies, focusing on minimizing operational disruptions and financial exposure, while enhancing resilience across all business functions and ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
• Team Leadership and Development:
• Lead and mentor a team of operational managers, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and performance.
• Implement performance metrics and KPIs to track and drive operational success, ensuring high levels of service and efficiency.
• Function as a key decision-maker for the organization’s operational direction, influencing senior leadership and gaining buy-in from stakeholders.
• Contract and Stakeholder Management:
• Lead the contracting process, negotiate and manage contracts with key partners and vendors to ensure favorable terms and outcomes for the organization.
• Build strong relationships with external partners, including funders, government agencies, and other stakeholders, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission and long-term goals.
• Capital Investment and Strategic Growth:
• Play a pivotal role in structuring the organization for capital investment, ensuring operational readiness for future growth and scalability.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to develop and execute a long-term operational strategy, positioning the organization for sustainable success.
• Articulate the return on investment (ROI) for operational improvements and strategic initiatives, gaining buy-in from key stakeholders.
  

What Qualifications You Need

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Operations Management, or related field. MBA and/or a Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 10 years of leadership experience in Operations, with proven success managing regional operations and maximizing revenue for a growing organization.
• Operational Expertise: Deep experience in process transformation, gap analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) focused on efficiency and cost control.
• P&L Management: Strong financial acumen with a track record of driving operational improvements that enhance profitability and organizational performance.
• Leadership Skills: Ability to manage teams, drive performance, and lead through influence. Proven experience in mentoring leaders ready to step into executive roles.
• Contracting and Stakeholder Engagement: Skilled in managing contracts and external partnerships, with a focus on achieving strategic and financial outcomes.
• Strategic Vision: Demonstrated ability to develop and implement long-term operational strategies that align with organizational goals, including preparing for capital investment.
• Exceptional executive presence, emotional intelligence, and multi-stakeholder management skills.
• Proven track record in team building, management, and clear, effective communication.
• Ability to work closely with executive leadership, board members, team members, and customers.
• Exceptional strategic thinking and execution capabilities.