Job Title: Deputy Chief Operations Officer Reports to: Chief Operations Officer. Key relationships: CEO, Executive Team, Clinical Directors, consultants, department managers, Blackrock Health group colleagues, professional advisors, contractors, regulators and external healthcare partners. Direct reports: Operational, service or project teams as assigned by the COO and in line with the evolving needs of the hospital. Location: Primarily based at Blackrock Clinic, Blackrock. On occasion, as per business needs, support may be required at any of our Dublin locations. On-Call Requirement: Participation in operational on-call responsibilities as required. Job Type: Permanent Hours: 37 per week (Full-Time) Blackrock Clinic is the leading and longest established private hospital and clinic in Ireland. Since it opened in the mid-1980s, the clinic has consistently built an unparalleled reputation in new high-tech surgical procedures, medical treatments, and ground-breaking diagnostics. Blackrock Clinic is now part of Blackrock Health private hospital group along with the Hermitage Clinic, Galway Clinic, and Limerick Clinic, some of the most advanced hospitals in Irish private healthcare. As a JCI accredited hospital, Blackrock Clinic is a progressive and pioneering hospital in which care for the patient is central to everything we do. The Deputy Chief Operations Officer (Deputy COO) is a senior operational leadership role responsible for supporting the Chief Operations Officer in the delivery of safe, efficient, high-quality and commercially sustainable hospital operations at Blackrock Clinic. Reporting directly to the COO, the Deputy COO will help coordinate the day-to-day performance of clinical, therapeutic, administrative and hospital services departments, supporting patient flow, capacity utilisation, service integration, operational standards and continuous improvement across the hospital. The role will work closely with the COO, CEO, Executive Team, clinical leaders, consultants, department managers and Blackrock Health colleagues to translate strategic priorities into practical operational delivery. The Deputy COO will play a key role in supporting the hospital's journey of growth, ensuring that service development, new consultant onboarding, capital projects, quality standards, digital and process improvements, and patient experience initiatives are delivered in a way that reflects Blackrock Health's vision: to be the best place to receive care, to practice medicine and to work. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong operational discipline, excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, sound judgement, commercial awareness, and a values-led approach. They will be expected to model Blackrock Health's culture of being Better Together and uphold the values of Patients First, Innovation, Excellence, Dignity, Sustainability, Integrity and Collaboration in all aspects of their work. Key Responsibilities 1. Operational Leadership Support the COO in the coordination and oversight of daily operations across relevant clinical, therapeutic, administrative and hospital services departments. Work with department managers and service leads to ensure high-quality, efficient and patient-centred services are delivered consistently. Monitor operational performance, patient flow, capacity utilisation, service standards and agreed KPIs, escalating risks, delays or deficits to the COO in a timely manner. Promote integrated working across departments to streamline workflows, reduce duplication, improve handovers and enhance the overall patient and consultant experience. Identify and implement practical process improvements and operational efficiencies that support quality, productivity, safety and financial performance. Deputise for the COO at meetings, forums and operational decision-making groups as required. 2. Supporting the Hospital Journey of Growth Contribute to the delivery of Blackrock Clinic and Blackrock Health growth plans, ensuring operational readiness for new services, expanded capacity and evolving patient demand. Support the implementation of growth initiatives across clinical services, diagnostics, patient access, theatre capacity, bed management, consultant engagement and supporting hospital infrastructure. Work with the COO to ensure growth is delivered sustainably, with clear governance, operational planning, resource alignment and measurable benefits. Collaborate with Blackrock Health group colleagues to share learning, standardise where appropriate, benchmark productivity and support the wider network ambition for integrated, advanced and personal care. Ensure growth initiatives are aligned with Blackrock Health values, particularly Patients First, Excellence, Innovation, Sustainability and Collaboration. 3. Project Management and Service Development Support the COO in the planning, coordination and delivery of capital projects, facility upgrades, digital improvements, technological enhancements and operational change initiatives. Coordinate project workstreams, timelines, risks, actions and communications to ensure delivery on time, within agreed budget and to required quality standards. Engage with architects, contractors, project managers, suppliers, clinical users and internal stakeholders to support effective implementation and minimal disruption to patient services. Assist in the operational planning and mobilisation of new or expanded clinical services, ensuring pathways, staffing, equipment, systems, governance and patient communications are in place. Support cross-hospital initiatives that standardise services, improve productivity and strengthen Blackrock Health ways of working. 4. Strategic Planning and Execution Support the COO in translating strategic plans into operational objectives, workplans, milestones and measurable outcomes. Collaborate with the CEO, COO and senior management team to ensure operational plans are aligned with the hospital's mission, vision, goals and growth priorities. Prepare operational reports, analysis, updates and recommendations for the COO and Executive Team as required. Identify risks, opportunities and dependencies that may impact the delivery of strategic priorities and support mitigation planning. Champion a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and evidence-based decision-making. 5. Quality, Safety and Compliance Support the COO and relevant Executives in maintaining quality assurance, patient safety, risk and compliance standards across operational areas. Work with managers to ensure services remain prepared for regulatory, accreditation and inspection requirements, including JCI, HIQA, JAG, INAB and other relevant standards as applicable. Support the identification, monitoring and delivery of quality improvement initiatives within operational departments. Escalate patient safety, quality, compliance or operational risks appropriately and support the implementation of corrective actions. Assist the COO in coordinating sustainability, CSRD and ECOMerit-related actions where these intersect with hospital operations. 6. Financial and Commercial Management Work with the COO and CFO to support budget development, budget monitoring and financial performance across relevant operational areas. Analyse activity, cost, revenue, productivity and utilisation data to support informed decision-making. Assist managers in identifying cost-control measures, resource optimisation opportunities and productivity improvements while maintaining patient safety and quality. Support business case development for new services, equipment, staffing models, operational improvements and capital projects. Contribute to shared-service and group collaboration opportunities across Blackrock Health where they improve value, quality or efficiency. 7. Leadership, People and Culture Provide visible, approachable and values-led operational leadership to managers and teams. Support the COO in workforce planning, succession planning, leadership development and performance management for relevant operational managers. Promote staff engagement, wellbeing, accountability and retention by fostering a positive and respectful working environment. Model Blackrock Health's Better Together culture by encouraging collaboration, openness, problem-solving and shared ownership across departments. Ensure communication with teams is clear, timely and aligned with hospital priorities. 8. Patient Experience and Service Excellence Support initiatives that improve patient access, patient flow, patient satisfaction and the overall standard of personal care. Work with managers and clinical teams to respond to patient feedback, complaints, service delays and operational barriers through appropriate channels. Ensure operational decisions are guided by the needs and safety of patients, consistent with the Blackrock Health value of Patients First. Support service configuration and pathway design to meet patient demand and enhance the patient journey. 9. Capacity, Admissions and Utilisation Support the COO in optimising admissions, bed management, patient flow and discharge processes across the hospital. Work with relevant internal and external stakeholders to maximise capacity, reduce delays and support efficient use of hospital resources. Monitor bed occupancy, activity levels and service demand, identifying trends, risks and opportunities for improvement. Coordinate actions with departments to minimise bottlenecks and ensure timely escalation where capacity pressures arise. 10. New Consultant Onboarding and Consultant Support Support the COO in the operational onboarding and integration of new consultants, ensuring they are welcomed, prepared and aligned with hospital systems, pathways and culture. Coordinate practical onboarding requirements, including operational readiness, access to systems, administrative support, room or theatre requirements, referral pathways and relevant introductions. Work with Consultant Support, clinical departments and administrative teams to ensure new consultants can practice efficiently and contribute to the hospital's growth ambitions. Monitor early operational issues or barriers and coordinate resolution with relevant teams. 11. Emergency Preparedness and Risk Management Support the development, implementation and review of emergency preparedness and business continuity plans. Assist with operational risk identification, mitigation planning, incident learning and escalation processes. Participate in emergency planning exercises, operational response meetings and post-incident reviews as required. Ensure departments understand their role in operational resilience, patient safety and service continuity. 12. Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration Build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including medical staff, patients, healthcare partners, contractors, professional advisors and Blackrock Health colleagues. Represent the COO and the hospital at internal and external meetings as required. Support communication between operational teams and the Executive Team, ensuring issues, decisions and actions are clearly understood. Promote collaboration across Blackrock Health, supporting shared learning and consistent standards across the wider network. Key Skills and Qualifications Education: Master's degree in healthcare administration, business administration, management, nursing, clinical leadership or a related field is desirable. A relevant primary degree or equivalent experience will be considered. Experience: Significant progressive experience in healthcare operations, hospital management, service management or a comparable complex operational environment. Senior management experience is desirable. Operational Knowledge: Strong understanding of hospital operations, patient flow, clinical services, administration, consultant practice, capacity management and service delivery. Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead, influence and support multidisciplinary teams in a complex, fast-paced environment. Strategic Execution: Ability to translate strategy into practical operational plans, actions, timelines and measurable results. Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of budgets, cost control, revenue, productivity, utilisation and business case development. Quality and Compliance: Knowledge of healthcare regulation, accreditation, quality improvement, patient safety and risk management standards. Project Management: Experience supporting or leading service development, capital projects, operational change, digital improvements or process redesign. Technology and Data: Comfortable using operational data, dashboards, healthcare technology and digital systems to inform decisions and improve services. Communication and Stakeholder Management: Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to build trust and collaborate with diverse stakeholders. Values and Culture: Demonstrated commitment to patient-centred care, clinical excellence, integrity, dignity, sustainability, collaboration, inclusion and respect. Clinical background or substantial experience working closely with clinical teams is advantageous. Personal Attributes Calm, credible and solutions-focused under pressure. Commercially aware while remaining strongly patient-centred. Collaborative and relationship-focused, with the confidence to challenge constructively. Highly organised, delivery-focused and comfortable managing competing priorities. Committed to continuous improvement, innovation and sustainable growth. A visible role model for Blackrock Health values and the Better Together culture. Please Note: Job descriptions are a reflection of the present service requirements and may be subject to review and amendments to meet the changing needs of the service. Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received. Blackrock Clinic is an Equal Opportunities employer, and we are committed to creating an environment that promotes equality and dignity at work. Blackrock Clinic is committed to providing reasonable accommodation when needed. Please advise if you have particular requirements, so that we can look into arranging reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. You can contact us at It is essential that you have valid work permission for the Republic of Ireland to take up employment for this position, or in the case of critical skills, you must be eligible for a work permit. Skills: Deputy COO Hospital Operations Management