Job Description
About the Role
- Lily Hospitals Limited, a leading private healthcare institution in West Africa, is hiring a forward-thinking and results-driven Chief Operating Officer (COO) to serve as the strategic engine room of our hospital operations.
- This is not a routine operations role; it is a pivotal leadership appointment designed for a seasoned operations executive with cross-functional agility and an unflinching commitment to excellence in healthcare delivery.
- The ideal candidate will bring a firm grip on core administrative functions, a working command of IT systems, and the dexterity to manage people, processes, and performance with clear-eyed precision.
- From asset and fleet management to warehouse operations, this is a multi-dimensional role that requires someone both grounded in detail and expansive in vision.
- This is a global leadership role that requires a combination of strategic thinking, technological proficiency, and a strong inclination toward innovation and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Excellence:
- Lead and coordinate all operational arms of the hospital, ensuring seamless delivery across clinical and non-clinical departments.
- Drive synergy among teams and foster a responsive, accountable culture of execution.
- Monitor and improve workflows to reduce bottlenecks and improve patient and staff experience.
Project Management:
- Lead the planning, execution, and closure of key operational and capital projects, ensuring they meet quality, time, and budget expectations.
- Maintain structured reporting and oversight frameworks for ongoing initiatives.
Asset & Fleet Management:
- Oversee the acquisition, utilization, and maintenance of hospital assets, facilities, and fleet resources.
- Implement predictive maintenance systems and technology-driven fleet scheduling for optimal efficiency.
Warehouse & Inventory Operations:
- Manage end-to-end supply chain and inventory systems including procurement, warehousing, and distribution of medical and non-medical supplies.
- Ensure real-time inventory visibility, minimize wastage, and improve accountability through automated tracking tools.
Biomedical Oversight:
- Supervise biomedical equipment lifecycle from procurement to preventive maintenance and calibration.
- Collaborate with clinical teams to ensure equipment reliability, safety, and regulatory compliance.
Cost Optimization & Lean Operations:
- Champion cost-saving initiatives across departments while maintaining quality of care.
- Apply lean management principles (e.g., Kaizen, 5S, Six Sigma) to eliminate inefficiencies and promote continuous improvement.
IT Systems & Digital Transformation:
- Partner with the IT team to advance digital health initiatives, including ERP and hospital management systems.
- Promote a data-informed culture through the use of dashboards, analytics, and automation
Standards & Compliance:
- Ensure operational compliance with local and international standards including ISO, COHSASA, SON, and other regulatory frameworks.
- Embed quality improvement cycles into the hospital’s operational rhythm.
Ideal Candidate Profile
Educational Background:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Management, Engineering, or related fields.
- A Master’s degree (e.g., MBA, MHA, MPH) is strongly preferred.
- Professional certifications in operations, quality management, IT systems, or Six Sigma will be an advantage.
Professional Experience:
- Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership in hospital or health system operations, with at least 5 years in a C-suite or senior executive capacity.
- Demonstrable experience in asset and fleet management within structured, regulated organizations.
- Strong background in operationalizing technology in healthcare settings — from digital inventory systems to performance analytics.
- Familiarity with quality assurance systems and standards such as ISO, COHSASA, or SON is a clear advantage.
Skills and Competencies:
- Strong leadership and organizational skills with a strategic mindset.
- Hands-on knowledge of hospital operations, fleet and inventory systems, and biomedical equipment standards.
- Proficient in enterprise IT systems and data-driven decision-making.
- Exposure to lean tools such as Kaizen, 5S, or Six Sigma will be a strong advantage.
Leadership Attributes:
- Bold, resilient, and decisive — with the courage to lead change and the discipline to build systems that last.
- Highly analytical with excellent organizational intelligence and the ability to manage complexity.
- Innovative and pragmatic - able to combine vision with practical steps for execution.
What We Offer
- Accommodation Cover: Comfortable housing to support relocation or proximity to the hospital.
- Official Vehicle: For professional duties.
- Competitive Remuneration: Salary and executive benefits reflective of market benchmark for the role.
- Career Growth Opportunity: A platform to build legacy impact and institutional transformation.
- Training Opportunity: Access to professional development and global leadership programs.