Chief Operating Officer

Company: ARDENT
Location: Topeka
Posted on: January 10, 2026

Job Description:

Ardent Health is a leading provider of healthcare in communities across the country. With a focus on consumer-friendly processes and investments in innovative services and technologies, Ardent is passionate about making healthcare better and easier to access. We are driven by our purpose of caring for people: our patients, our communities and one another. Located in Brentwood, Tennessee, Ardent has earned a reputation as one of the industry’s strongest and most innovative healthcare systems. Our facilities and clinics are consistently recognized among healthcare’s best employers. We recognize each hospital and clinic is as unique as the community it serves. We strive to maintain strong community ties through advisory boards, contributions, charitable care, education and outreach. Ardent includes: 30 hospitals 280 sites of care 4,281 beds 24,000 team members 8,200 nurses 1,800 aligned providers 5.8M annual provider encounters 421 medical residents Ardent makes considerable investments in people, technology, facilities, and communities, producing high quality care and extraordinary results. From newly constructed facilities and expanded services, to lifesaving technology and outstanding opportunities for employees, Ardent is committed to providing its hospitals and clinics the tools needed to succeed. We believe it is this mix of corporate support and local autonomy that equips our teams for success. St. Francis Campus is proud to be a part of a long legacy of high-quality, compassionate care. St. Francis hospital began serving its community in 1909 as the mission of a group of Catholic nuns who rose up to meet a need. Today, the hospital has 378 licensed beds, a history of technological advancements, and a generous and supportive community. In 2017, through a partnership between Ardent Health Services and The University of Kansas Health System, St. Francis embarked on a new era. Ardent is renowned for its outstanding record of community investment, leading edge technology, and health care achievements to the hospital’s management. The University of Kansas Health System is known for its medical and surgical advancements, quality of care, research, and expansive provider network. Both organizations are dedicated to building healthier communities through world-class health care. With our new name we began a new chapter. One that celebrates and preserves this institution’s rich legacy while evolving to meet the challenges of today. With a shared commitment to quality and unwavering dedication to our patients, we endeavor to strengthen and grow the system for future generations. The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus, a part of a rich legacy of compassionate care since 1909, now offers 378 licensed beds, a history of innovation, and strong community support. Job Overview: We have an exciting opportunity to join our leadership team at The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus as a Chief Operating Officer. As a member of the senior management team, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) will actively participate in strategic, operational, and financial decision-making. The COO will work closely with the CEO in all aspects of hospital management, site coordination, and organizational integration activities to ensure achievement of adopted goals and strategies. The COO will have an active role in establishing systems and organizational structure to support the overall vision and strategic direction of the organization as well as assessing and identifying operational strategies, performance metrics, and financial opportunities to execute. Responsibilities Provides administrative direction, evaluation, and coordination of the functions and activities for the operation of assigned clinical and non-clinical departments. Collaborates routinely with the CEO concerning policy recommendations and suggested courses of action pertinent to the efficient operation of assigned departments. Manages the implementation for major strategic, clinical and/or operational initiatives. Mentors and develops leaders, fostering achievement of goals and objectives, high performing leadership practices, collaboration, and innovation. Guides department leaders in establishing measures of performance, increased productivity, quality improvement, and cost management. Initiates, coordinates, and enforces policies and procedures. Leads and manages change through influence to achieve performance. Attends Board of Trustees, Medical Staff, and community meetings. Strategizes and drives process improvements. These may focus on innovative care delivery and operational models designed to improve clinical services, outcomes, patient throughput, and patient safety. Promotes the use and implementation of technology in order to streamline operations, facilitate communications, and optimize work processes. Collaborates with other teams for the implementation of programs, policies, and procedures that address how patient care needs are assessed, met, and evaluated. Ensures patient and family centered care is comprehensive, coordinated, and monitored for effectiveness through a quality improvement model. This should result in outcome measures that outperform national benchmark statistics in clinical areas. Allocates financial, information, and human capital for improvement activities to ensure delivery of cost effective and efficient services to patients, physicians, and hospital departments. Serves as a member of the executive leadership team with a focus on building and supporting relationships with internal and external constituents and stakeholders and ensuring optimal operating effectiveness and strategic positioning. Assumes an active role with the hospital’s governing body, senior leadership, medical staff, management, and other clinical leaders in the hospital’s decision-making structure and process. Communicates expectations, develops leaders, and advances the organization to meet needs and strategic priorities that are current and/or anticipated. Promotes relationships with community organizations to improve patient outcomes and the health of the communities served. Establishes structures, processes, and expectations that support lifelong professional learning, role development, and career growth. Collaborates with directors in hiring, orientation, evaluation, discipline, and education of clinical staff. Rounds on patients, families, employees, and physicians to enrich communication, ensure alignment, oversee operations, and ensure that the experience is positive. Communicates with impact in order to effectively engage others and achieve desired results. Recognizes the broad and long-term implications of business decisions and plans. Adheres to the “Code of Conduct” and “Behavior Standards”. Qualifications Education & Experience : Masters degree is required. Preferred MHA or MBA 5 years of experience in hospital administration. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills to effectively communicate ideas, problems, instructions (written and oral) with corporate management staff, facility management staff and employees. Ability to analyze situations, evaluate data, recommend, and implement courses of action that would improve the functioning of the company. Ability to interpret, adapt, and apply guidelines, policies and procedures. Ability to use sound judgment in decision making and react calmly and effectively in an emergency situation. Knowledge of strategic planning and short and long-range goal implementation. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

Keywords: ARDENT, Manhattan , Chief Operating Officer, Healthcare , Topeka, Kansas