Description

Washington Permanente Medical Group (WPMG) is a clinician-led, self-governed and independent multi-specialty group practice, providing care to the Kaiser Permanente patients in Washington state. We work unencumbered by traditional health care obstacles and without silos; prioritizing people over profits, collaboration over ego, and driven by a singular goal: our patients' health. At WPMG, we take care of the whole person, with a team to address the fundamental, social, and emotional needs that contribute to total health.

We are clinicians motivated by the desire to make a purposeful difference in the communities we serve, and in how health care is delivered.

FTE allocated for this role: 1.0

Pay range: $673,176 - $922,159

Please submit a CV and letter of intent. Deadline for submission 9/30/26

JOB SUMMARY

The Executive Medical Director of Operations serves as a key operational leader reporting directly to the Executive Medical Director (EMD). Acting on behalf of the EMD, the EMDO is responsible for execution of Medical Group clinical operations strategy, operational performance, and care delivery effectiveness across the Market

The EMDO functions in a dyad partnership with the VP, Ambulatory Operations (VPAO) and VP COO. Together, they share accountability for operational performance of ambulatory care delivery. The EMDO provides physician leadership and clinical operational direction for all Market-based medical care, regardless of venue (ambulatory, acute, post-acute, diagnostic specialties), while the VP, Ambulatory Operations VP, Ambulatory Operations and VP, COO of Care delivery provides professional and administrative management leadership to ensure integrated operational execution. The EMDO and VPAO will partner closely with the KFHP/H Care Delivery COO to ensure optimize integration of the market internal delivery system and to ensure smooth transitions of care between the internal and external delivery system.

In collaboration with the "VP, Ambulatory Operations", the position will ensure that clinical operations meet all Market strategic goals related to quality, affordability, experience, equity, and growth. Given that the EMD and Medical Group have responsibility for controlling inappropriate and unnecessary medical costs, managing total cost of care will be a major responsibility for the position. Oversight for quality and effectiveness along the continuum of care, in consultation with clinician advisors, hospitalists and others, will be essential.

Primary accountability will also include operational effectiveness and facilitation of sharing best practices among service lines, departments, medical centers, practice sites, other care facilities and home care. Other accountabilities include the evaluation and deployment of optimal care delivery models as well as identification, alignment, and execution of evidence-based practices. Specific areas of focus and oversight include care delivery service planning, patient care access, stewardship, network management and quality care initiatives, and digital health.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Foundation Integration and Execution:

• Operationalizes KP Medical Foundation standards locally, addresses market-specific barriers, and is accountable for execution at the department and service-line levels
• Serves as the operational physician executive responsible for implementing WPMG and KP Medical Foundation strategic priorities, operating standards, and care delivery expectations within the Market.
• Translates enterprise and Market strategies into actionable plans across departments, service lines, and the Market, ensuring consistent execution while adapting to local needs and challenges.
• Drives implementation of WPMG and Foundation standards and performance expectations across clinical operations through innovative problem solving, operational redesign, and change management.
• Partners with clinician, operational, and Foundation leaders to identify and address market-specific barriers while maintaining alignment with WPMG and Foundation objectives.

Leadership:

Professional Respect and Credibility

• Models behaviors aligned with KP Medical Foundation and Enterprise mission, vision, values, and strategic goals.
• Promotes a Leading as One KP mindset through enterprise collaboration, shared accountability, and alignment of operational and clinical priorities.
• Builds trust and credibility through integrity, transparency, sound judgment, service excellence, and commitment to sustainable culture change.
• Collaborates with the Market Vice President of Ambulatory Operations and market COO to advance organizational priorities, operational effectiveness, and a respectful, high-performing work environment.
• Partners with market leadership to support operational performance, quality outcomes, partnership opportunities, and assessment of network needs and effectiveness.
• Provides credible clinical leadership with Continuum leadership and interdisciplinary teams, promoting respectful engagement, clear communication, and alignment with organizational standards.

Clinical Proficiency

• Maintains clinical proficiency by staying current on health care delivery practices, public policy trends, regulatory requirements, and emerging issues affecting patient care and clinical operations.
• Maintains knowledge of major advances in medicine and applicable specialties, including evidence-based standards of care and clinical best practices.
• Enhances clinical expertise through ongoing professional development, including conferences, educational seminars, continuing medical education, and relevant professional association activities.

Communications

• Communicates WPMG and KP vision, mission, strategic priorities, and operating plan with clarity, credibility, and executive presence to align medical group leadership and care delivery operations.
• Promotes transparent, timely, and effective communication among KP employees, clinician leaders, medical staff, and executive stakeholders to support shared understanding, engagement, and organizational alignment.

Strategic Leadership:

• Provides strategic oversight of where, how, and by whom care is delivered across the Market, in collaboration with Health Plan and Permanente Medical Group partners.
• Leads development and execution of strategic goals that differentiate KP through exceptional service, clinical quality, patient experience, and operational performance.
• Partners with the Vice President of Ambulatory Operations to plan, implement, and evaluate new care delivery models aligned with Market objectives and KP Medical Foundation priorities.
• Supports Market expansion and business growth by establishing priorities, aligning with enterprise objectives, and collaborating with Market and KP Medical Foundation leadership.
• Provides clinician and Market-level perspective on workforce planning, labor relations, and goal setting to support sustainable operational and organizational outcomes.

Leadership Development

• Coaches, mentors, and develops direct reports to strengthen leadership capability, accountability, performance, and readiness for expanded responsibilities.
• Builds a leadership pipeline by identifying and developing emerging leaders to support succession planning, organizational stability, and long-term priorities.
• Advances inclusive leadership by developing cultural competency, adaptability, and awareness in self and others to address diverse patient care experiences and needs.

Strategic Direction:

• Directs the design and advancement of medical care programs, including the Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, as directed by the EMD. Ensures network partnerships align with organizational strategy and collaborates with Health Plan leaders to support strategic network composition.
• Evaluates partnership opportunities, builds strong network relationships, and assesses performance to ensure the network remains responsive, aligned, and positioned to meet evolving organizational goals.
• Leads organizational change by integrating diverse perspectives, building stakeholder ownership, and advancing long-term enterprise priorities.
• Partners with the Vice President of Ambulatory Operations to oversee ambulatory clinic operations and programs, collaborating with the KP Medical Foundation and Market Leadership Team to drive improvement, operational alignment, and strategic execution.
• Creates and sustains an environment where clinicians and providers thrive by advancing workforce sustainability, professional growth, transparent communication, engagement, and satisfaction across the care delivery system.

Operational Excellence:

Operations

• Executes WPMG and Foundation operational standards across departments, service lines, and care settings through effective leadership, process improvement, and change management.
• Leads operational excellence across the integrated delivery system by coordinating care, optimizing internalization of services, and improving performance, access, and efficiency.
• Provides clinician and Market-level perspective to inform labor relations, operational decisions, workforce alignment, and delivery system effectiveness.
• Achieves experience standards and Market benchmarks through operational discipline, accountability, service excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Ensures high-quality care by setting operational expectations, monitoring accepted standards, and leading improvements in clinical outcomes and reliability.
• Optimizes care delivery resources to support efficiency, fiscal stewardship, capacity management, and sustainable performance.
• Designs and advances medical care programs, including the Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program as directed by the EMD, to improve performance, care integration, quality, and affordability.
• Partners with professional and facilities contracting teams to align vendor, provider, and facility arrangements with operational priorities and delivery system needs.
• Informs capital and facilities planning by identifying infrastructure needs, capacity requirements, and investment priorities supporting care delivery and long-term performance.
• Integrates care delivery across departments, ambulatory care, and the continuum to reduce silos, improve coordination and member/patient experience, and advance affordable, high-quality care.
• Advances an equity-centered culture by identifying health disparities, developing system-level interventions, and embedding equitable practices into operations, care delivery, and performance improvement.

Quality of Care

• Partners with Medical Directors and Quality leaders to ensure high-quality care and strategically design operational programs and initiatives that drive continuous improvement.

Care Experience

• Shares accountability with KFHPWA leadership for patient access and overall customer and patient satisfaction with KPWA.
• Develops a culture of exceptional service and ownership across all sites.

Finance and Resource Management

• Provides financial leadership for total cost of care, using PMPM measures to guide affordability, resource utilization, and operational decisions in collaboration with Health Plan and Permanente Medical Group partners.
• Shares executive accountability with the WPMG Senior Executive Team, KFHPWA leadership, and WPMG Executive Financial Officer for regional financial performance, fiscal discipline, and alignment with strategic and operational priorities.
• Partners with senior operations leaders to develop and execute enterprise resource strategies that optimize care delivery capacity, strengthen financial stewardship, and support sustainable performance.

Innovation

• Provides strategic sponsorship and executive leadership for innovation, including workforce planning, care delivery redesign, service planning, practice optimization, clinical technology, digital health, regional labor-management partnership priorities, and health equity across all populations.
• Partners with informatics and operational leaders to leverage information systems, data, and digital capabilities to enhance clinical practice, care team effectiveness, and innovation.
• Identifies, evaluates, and advances emerging technologies, innovative care models, and new products that accelerate transformation, improve performance, and strengthen market leadership.

Staff Engagement and Relationship Management:

• Serves as a key liaison between the Medical Group and KFHPWA, supporting collaboration on staffing, operations, and alignment among WPMG, other KP regions, and the Program Office.
• Builds inclusive, collaborative stakeholder relationships by modeling inclusive behaviors, advocating for equitable practices, and fostering trust.
• Partners with clinicians and operational leaders to strengthen engagement and promote a satisfying, sustainable work environment that supports clinician success.

HR Management:

• Partners with HR leadership to design and sustain HR practices, systems, and leadership development strategies supporting physician and clinician performance, engagement, workforce effectiveness, and organizational alignment.
• Provides HR consultation and support to direct reports and WPMG leadership on workforce planning, employee relations, performance management, change implementation, and leadership effectiveness.

Performance Management

• Oversees Senior Medical Director performance by setting clear leadership expectations, monitoring outcomes, addressing gaps, and ensuring accountability.
• Partners with WPMG HR to lead and manage complex physician, clinician, and staff performance matters, including performance concerns, corrective action, coaching, and escalated management issues - utilize KFHP/KPMF HR to support work needs as required.
• Conducts formal performance evaluations for Senior Medical Directors, KPWA managers, and other direct reports, ensuring timely feedback, documented expectations, goal assessment, and organizational alignment.
• Identifies high-potential providers with leadership capabilities, provides performance-based coaching and development, and partners with WPMG HR and KPMF to connect selected providers with appropriate leadership training.

EDUCATION

Required

• Medical Degree: MD, DO, with experience in a health care business leadership role not including required experience below. Completion of approved residency program.

Preferred

• MBA, MHA, or MPH - health administration or related field.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR OTHER ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Required

Minimum:

• Current, unrestricted Washington State license appropriate to the role (e.g., physician license).

• Credentialed by KPWA.
• Internal candidates must be shareholders in good standing.
• External must come shareholder within 3 years of hire.
• Board Certified by ABMS, member of ACPE, or another appropriate accreditation.
• Meets WPMG performance standards for quality, service, access, coding, and documentation. Maintains Board Certification and knowledge of major advances in medicine and specialty area.

EXPERIENCE

Required

Minimum:

• 5 years recent and progressive management, program, or business development experience.
• 3-5 years experience in clinical program design, development including evaluation of outcomes.
• 3-5 years clinical care experience

Preferred

• 10 years, progressively responsible healthcare management experience, with demonstrated success in quality and financial management, meeting customer requirements, selecting and developing managers, and partnering effectively with medical staff. Experience in medical staff relations, regulatory compliance, group leadership, and organizational services.

COMPETENCIES

• Leading as One: Partners with the Foundation, WPMG, and Health Plan to align operations, reduce waste, and improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Leading Change: Guides teams through change while promoting flexibility and adaptability. Helps others move beyond outdated approaches and resets goals and expectations as needed.
• Honesty, Transparency & Courage: Acts honestly, authentically, and responsibly. Communicates transparently without sugar-coating and engages in difficult conversations within and outside the immediate team.
• Accountability & Ownership: Establishes clear ownership, deadlines, deliverables, and goals. Holds self and direct reports accountable, seeks ways to contribute more, admits mistakes, avoids blame or excuses, and follows through on commitments.
• Inclusive Leadership: Seeks feedback to improve self and team. Creates an inclusive environment where people feel respected and comfortable speaking up, collaborating, admitting mistakes, and sharing different perspectives.
• Performance Management: Holds others accountable for behavior and performance. Addresses difficult physician, clinician, and staff performance issues and regularly provides positive and constructive feedback.
• Communication: Communicates authentically, clearly, and promptly, even when difficult. Encourages thoughtful dialogue that supports mutual learning and understanding.
• Drive for Results: Engages those doing the work to identify, prioritize, and track key performance metrics. Sets challenging, specific goals, recognizes success, and clearly explains the "why" behind the work and problems being solved.
• Operational Excellence: Promotes problem-solving, continuous improvement, and systems thinking. Establishes standard work and processes and uses tools such as visual boards, huddles, leader standard work, and A3 thinking to empower teams to solve problems.
• Enterprise Mindset: Considers decisions holistically beyond the immediate team, function, and goals. Advocates for KP and its members, not solely the individual team.

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by incumbents assigned to this job. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the responsibilities, duties, and skills required. The time devoted to the activities listed may be changed and other duties may be assigned.