Ethos Care is excited to create a new senior leadership role and is seeking to appoint a Chief Operations Officer (COO) to join its executive management team. The Chief Operations Officer (COO) is a key member of the senior leadership team, responsible for the overall operational performance, quality of care, and financial sustainability of the Ethos Care nursing home group.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the COO will lead the translation of strategic objectives into operational delivery across multiple care facilities. This role ensures excellence in resident care, regulatory compliance, workforce leadership, and financial performance.
This is a critical executive position requiring a dynamic and experienced leader capable of balancing operational excellence, clinical quality, and financial sustainability while delivering exceptional care outcomes across a multi-site nursing home group.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership & Strategy
Lead the delivery of the organisation’s strategic plan across all nursing home locations.
Translate corporate objectives into actionable operational plans with measurable outcomes.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, resident experience, and service delivery.
Oversee resource allocation, capacity management, and facility operations, including maintenance and infrastructure planning.
Quality, Safety & Regulatory Compliance
Ensure full compliance with all relevant regulatory and statutory requirements, including HIQA standards.
Lead internal audit programmes, inspections, and quality assurance frameworks across all sites.
Oversee incident management, risk mitigation, and safeguarding processes.
Drive quality improvement initiatives to enhance clinical outcomes and resident satisfaction.
Financial Management & Performance
Hold accountability for operational budgets and overall financial performance (P&L) of the group.
Partner with the CFO to monitor financial metrics, including occupancy, costs, and EBITDA.
Identify and implement cost efficiencies while maintaining high standards of care.
Approve and oversee capital expenditure projects, including refurbishment and expansion initiatives.
Workforce Leadership & Culture
Provide strategic leadership to senior operational teams, including Quality Managers, Persons in Charge, and support functions (HR, Clinical, Finance).
Collaborate with the Director of HR on workforce planning, recruitment, and retention strategies.
Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performance organisational culture aligned with company values.
Promote leadership development and succession planning across all levels.
Stakeholder Engagement & Representation
Act as a key liaison with regulatory bodies, healthcare professionals, and external agencies.
Build and maintain strong relationships with residents, families, and community stakeholders.
Represent the organisation at external forums, industry groups, and partnerships.
Collaborate with key service providers including GPs, allied health professionals, and pharmacy partners.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Occupancy Rates: Achievement of target occupancy levels across all facilities.
Regulatory Compliance: Positive inspection outcomes and adherence to national standards.
Financial Performance: Delivery of budget targets and EBITDA performance.
Quality of Care: Continuous improvement in clinical outcomes and quality indicators.
Employee Engagement: Staff retention, reduced turnover, and positive engagement results.
Resident Satisfaction: High satisfaction levels among residents and families.
Education & Qualifications
Minimum Level 8 (Honours) degree in Business, Healthcare Management, Nursing, Social Care, or related field.
Postgraduate qualification (MBA or Master’s in Healthcare Leadership/Management) is highly desirable.
Clinical qualification (e.g., Registered Nurse) is advantageous but not essential.
Professional Experience
10-15 years’ experience in the healthcare sector.
Minimum 5 years in a senior leadership or executive role.
Proven experience managing operations across multiple sites or services. Strong track record of regulatory compliance and successful inspections.
Skills & Competencies
Technical Expertise
Strong financial acumen, including P&L management and budgeting.
Expertise in operational planning and performance management.
Experience leading organisational change and transformation initiatives.
In-depth knowledge of HIQA regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements.
Leadership & Personal Attributes
Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into execution.
Exceptional leadership and people management capabilities.
Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
Resilient, adaptable, and capable of leading in complex, fast-paced environments.
Desirable
Experience implementing digital transformation initiatives.
Experience in the private nursing home or long-term care sector.
Working Arrangements
This role is primarily remote (work from home).
Candidates must be available to travel to any nursing home within the group as required.
Attendance at company offices in Athlone and Cork will be required for meetings and strategic sessions.
Why Join Ethos Care?
This is an opportunity to play a pivotal leadership role in shaping the future of a growing nursing home group, driving operational excellence while ensuring the highest standards of care for residents. If you are a strategic, results-driven leader ready to make a meaningful impact and help shape the future of care delivery, we invite you to apply now.
