Director, Transformation and Risk Projects

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director, Transformation & Risk Management, is a leader reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO). This role is responsible for driving strategic transformation initiatives, leading the hospital's integrated risk management framework, and ensuring regulatory and operational accountability across the organization.

The Director plays a pivotal role in aligning strategic priorities with risk management and operational execution, enabling hospital-wide transformation, and ensuring the hospital remains responsive to the evolving demands of Ontario's healthcare system. The Director fosters a high-performing, inclusive, compliant and accountable team culture that champions innovation, supports patient-centered care, and reflects the hospital's strategic vision and core values.

This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangement. On-site presence in our Ottawa office location is currently required 3 days per week.

Duties

• Under the direction of the COO and with input from the Senior Leadership Team ("SLT"), lead the development, execution, evolution and performance oversight of multi-year transformation strategies aligned with the hospital's strategic plan.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and work with director colleagues to facilitate strategic decision-making using data, industry insights, and stakeholder input.
• Oversee the implementation of complex, large-scale change initiatives using established change management and project management methodologies.
• Drive innovation through the identification and integration of digital health solutions and systems optimization
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• Develop, oversee and evolve a comprehensive Risk Management (RM) framework aligned with Ontario's hospital accountability structures and healthcare standards.
• Lead enterprise risk identification, assessment, and mitigation across clinical, operational, financial, labour relations, and IT domains.
• Conduct risk assessments using standardized tools and escalate high-impact and emerging risks to the Board through the COO.
• Oversee internal risk reporting and cultivate a proactive, risk-aware culture by implementing organization-wide mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate with data and technology leadership to manage digital risks, ensure data governance, and uphold privacy obligations related to digital health and operations.
• Establish internal audit processes or targeted reviews to assess the effectiveness of risk controls, mitigation strategies, and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Ensure documented compliance with legislation, regulatory frameworks (e.g., PHIPA, Accreditation Canada, Ministry of Health), hospital policies, and collective agreements.
• In collaboration with Legal Services, monitor emerging legislation and health policy changes, advising the COO and SLT on potential impacts and readiness.
• Partner with Human Resources and Labour Relations to align risk practices with labour strategy, collective agreement compliance, and grievance or arbitration processes.
• Build an adaptable, responsive project management office ("PMO") team that supports organizational transformation, aligned with the goals of the SLT and the Strategic plan.
• Responsible for ensuring the successful planning, execution and delivery of hospital projects relating to the mission and The Royal's strategic plan.
• Provides advice and support on strategic initiatives, project coordination, operational planning, resource allocation and utilization monitoring.
• Engage SLT to ensure intake and reporting of key project priorities are clear and operational.
• In collaboration with Legal Services, develop and implement a transformation and sustainability plan for the policy and procedure function for the organization, to meet legal and accreditation standards.
• Lead strategic planning and budgeting for transformation and risk portfolios, ensuring responsible stewardship of public funds.
• Monitor financial performance for the portfolio, implement cost containment strategies, and identify opportunities for reinvestment or operational savings.
• Develop comprehensive cost-benefit analyses, business cases, and return-on-investment evaluations to support decision-making for new initiatives.
• Support long-term financial sustainability planning in alignment with provincial funding frameworks and hospital priorities.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of transformation and risk management professionals.
• Support workforce planning, performance management, recruitment, and employee engagement in alignment with hospital HR policies and union agreements.
• Strong diagnostic and problem-solving capabilities to address complex organizational challenges, operational barriers, and transformation needs within a hospital environment.
• Ability to engage and influence internal and external stakeholders at the executive level, including clinical leaders, union representatives, and system partners (e.g., Ontario Health, Ministry of Health).
• Advanced financial literacy, including the ability to prepare and evaluate business cases, support cost-benefit analysis, and manage budgetary planning within the constraints of public hospital funding models.
• High proficiency in project and change management methodologies, including the ability to lead large-scale transformation initiatives with cross-functional and clinical teams.
• Strong data analysis and performance measurement skills to inform decision-making, drive quality improvement, and measure outcomes of change initiatives.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and maintain strategic focus on long-term transformation goals while addressing evolving operational risks and demands.
• Proven ability to align transformation strategies with clinical realities and frontline workflows.
• Proven experience leading or collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including clinical leaders, union representatives, and both frontline and administrative staff, to drive shared goals and organizational alignment.
• Ability to synthesize complex information and communicate with clarity and precision to diverse audiences, including executive, clinical, and front-line teams.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in health administration, Public Administration, Business, Risk Management, or a related field.
• Master's degree (e.g., Master of Health Administration (MHA) , Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Public Health (MPH)
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in healthcare transformation, risk management, or operational leadership within a hospital or healthcare system in Ontario.
• Experience working with unionized environments and applying the principles of collective agreement administration.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder change initiatives with measurable impact.
• Preferred - Certified Healthcare Executive (CHE), Professional designations e.g., Project Management Professional (PMP), Canadian Risk Management (CRM) or Prosci Change Management Certification (PROSCI).
• In-depth knowledge of Ontario's healthcare regulatory environment, funding models, risk governance, and quality improvement methodologies
• English level A- is mandatory in oral expression, oral comprehension, reading and writing. Bilingual (French/English) is considered an asset.