Manager, Operations – Patient Flow and Utilization –

The Manager of Operations is a vital member of the Management Team, reporting directly to the Director of Patient Flow and Utilization. The Manager of Operations is responsible for the day-to-day operations and business performance of the Patient Flow department, including full oversight of clinical and non-clinical functions across all shifts—days, evenings, nights, weekends, and statutory holidays. They hold delegated authority and 24/7 accountability for coordinating patient flow, making real-time staffing decisions, and directing resource allocation across the organization.

Functioning as the most senior administrative leader on-site during after-hours and off-peak periods, the Manager holds delegated authority and 24/7 accountability to make critical operational decisions impacting patient care delivery, hospital capacity, and continuity of services. They are accountable for aligning frontline action with the strategic direction of Sault Area Hospital, helping to realize the organization's mission, vision, and goals.

The Manager oversees hospital-wide clinical and support services during off-hours, proactively responding to staffing challenges, patient flow barriers, surge conditions, and emergent incidents. They coordinate patient transitions across care settings, using data-driven tools and interdepartmental partnerships to drive optimal throughput and system performance. This role supports a workforce with evolving experience levels highlighting the need for experienced on-site leadership, mentoring capacity, and clinical decision support during high-risk hours.

By facilitating the placement of the right patient, in the right bed, at the right time, these leaders uphold high standards of safe, timely, and person-centered care—particularly in a setting characterized by significant capacity pressures and a high Alternate Level of Care (ALC) population.

Patient Flow Shift Manager plays a critical role in safeguarding hospital operations, supporting staff, and championing patient-centered outcomes—especially during periods of system stress when leadership, coordination, and accountability are paramount.

Duties

• Serve as the designated administrative authority on-site during evenings, nights, weekends, and statutory holidays.
• Exercise independent decision-making in the absence of senior leadership, including initiating surge protocols, redirecting resources, and resolving operational crises.
• Provide leadership direction to all clinical and support service departments during off-hours, including nursing, diagnostics, environmental services, and security.
• Lead and support interdisciplinary teams in managing complex patient care and flow scenarios.
• Ensure compliance with hospital policies, professional standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Make real-time decisions regarding staffing adjustments, including redeployment, overtime approval, and emergency call-ins
• Provide coaching, guidance, and performance feedback to frontline staff and clinical leads during off-hours.
• Participate in incident debriefs, investigations, and documentation related to staff conduct, patient safety, or service disruptions.
• Escalate and document labour relations issues in collaboration with HR and union representatives.
• Assess and mitigate clinical and operational risks in real time, including infection control, staffing shortages, and patient safety concerns.
• Authorize and coordinate emergency responses, including code events, service disruptions, and critical incidents.
• Ensure availability and functionality of critical resources, including beds, equipment, and support services.
• Maintain accurate documentation of decisions, incidents, and flow metrics for leadership review.

Qualifications

• Current registration with a regulated health profession
• Minimum 3- 5 years of progressive leadership experience in an acute care hospital setting.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex operational environments.
• Strong knowledge of patient flow, ALC management, and hospital surge protocols.
• Proven skills in conflict resolution, crisis management, and systems thinking.

Skills & Experience

• Experience leading teams and managing people in a unionized environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to change in a rapidly changing work environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and make appropriate decisions, exercise sound judgement and use considerable initiative.
• Additional coursework related to LEAN and/or various facets of management an asset.
• Knowledge of legislation provisions which impact on work performed (i.e. Employment Standards Act; Occupational Health and Safety Act, etc.)
• Knowledge and familiarity with staff scheduling, workload measurement, budgets, labour relations and hospital operations.
• Ability to engage and support all hospital staff in carrying out their roles and responsibilities.
• Excellent time management with demonstrated ability to coordinate numerous and diverse activities, organizing and prioritizing appropriately to meet demands and expectations.
• Effective communicator with strong organizational skills, influence skills, patient-focused care and commitment to providing quality services.Ability to maintain successful working relationships with the interdisciplinary team to achieve positive patient outcomes.
• Ability to be a change facilitator with a proven track record of implementing effective and sustainable change initiatives while building effective teams.
• Demonstrated behaviour consistent with the hospital's mission statement and core values.

To apply to this exciting opportunity please send a cover letter and resume outlining how your knowledge, experience, and personal attributes are a good fit with the requirements.