Operating Room Director - Cardiac Surgery And Transplant

Job Title: Operating Room Director – Cardiac Surgery and Transplant

The Operating Room Director for Cardiac Surgery and Transplant provides 24/7 leadership and strategic direction for a high-acuity perioperative service line within a large academic hospital. This role oversees unit operations, staff performance, and resource management across 29 operating rooms, with a focus on cardiac surgery and transplant services. The Director fosters a professional, patient- and family-centered environment, champions evidence-based and ethical practice, and ensures alignment with the organization’s mission, vision, and values. This position plays a key role in shaping clinical excellence, operational efficiency, quality outcomes, and staff engagement in a nationally recognized surgical program.

Responsibilities

• Provide 24/7 leadership and accountability for operating room operations and staff performance, with a primary focus on cardiac surgery and transplant services.
• Support nursing leadership in developing and executing strategic goals that align with the organization’s mission, vision, and values.
• Clearly communicate departmental objectives, build consensus, and guide the team toward achieving clinical, operational, and financial goals.
• Foster a healing environment that promotes patient- and family-centered care and supports optimal clinical outcomes.
• Create and sustain a professional workplace culture that encourages respect, engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Champion evidence-based, ethical, and compassionate practices in all aspects of perioperative care.
• Oversee staffing for the operating room, including scheduling and coordinating coverage, and collaborate with Human Resources on recruitment and workforce planning.
• Provide guidance, direction, and mentorship to nurse managers, assistant nurse managers, and other team members.
• Direct and oversee performance evaluations, promotions, compensation recommendations, and corrective actions for staff within the department.
• Serve as a role model for high standards in clinical practice, education, leadership, and professional behavior.
• Support team members with career development planning, succession planning, and leadership development.
• Educate staff on new and existing departmental procedures, clinical workflows, technologies, and fiscal responsibilities.
• Manage the unit’s operating budget, monitor expenditures, and develop and implement corrective actions to address variances.
• Track, analyze, and report key performance metrics to drive quality, safety, efficiency, and patient experience improvements.
• Ensure adherence to established care delivery models, professional nursing standards, and perioperative practice standards.

Skills NEDDED:

• Active Registered Professional Nurse (RN) license, with eligibility for reciprocity in New York State.
• Master’s degree required; either the master’s degree or the bachelor’s degree must be in Nursing.
• Minimum of 8 years of nursing experience, including at least 3 years in a progressive leadership role at the manager level or higher.
• Proven experience overseeing complex perioperative or surgical services, strongly preferred in cardiac surgery and/or transplant settings.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in cardiac surgery and transplant operating room environments.
• Advanced knowledge of regulatory and accreditation standards, including CMS, Joint Commission, and state and public health regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage departmental budgets, monitor financial performance, and develop action plans to address variances.
• Strong collaboration skills, with the ability to partner effectively with surgeons, anesthesiologists, anesthesia technicians, surgical technologists, nurses, and other multidisciplinary team members.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey expectations, goals, and performance feedback.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• CNOR certification preferred.
• Experience as a Nurse Manager or in a similar perioperative leadership role.
• Experience in non-union-based settings preferred.
• Experience managing large, complex operating room departments with multiple specialties.
• Demonstrated ability to educate staff on new technologies, systems, and departmental procedures.
• Experience using performance metrics and data analysis to inform operational and quality improvement decisions.
• Familiarity with scheduling and coordinating complex surgical services.
• Ability to stay current with healthcare legislation, standards of practice, and population health trends affecting perioperative care.
• Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.
• Commitment to patient- and family-centered care and to fostering a respectful, inclusive workplace culture.

The hospital operates in a high-acuity, fast-paced environment with a strong focus on cardiac surgery, transplant, and other complex surgical services. The surrounding area offers the option to live in New York City or in nearby suburbs with convenient access to Manhattan, cultural attractions, and seasonal recreational activities. The work setting emphasizes professionalism, collaboration, evidence-based practice, and continuous improvement in a modern perioperative facility.

This is a Permanent position based out of Manhasset, NY.

The pay range for this position is $175000.00 - $228000.00/yr.

Comprehensive Medical Coverage:Multiple plan options to fit your needs, including Value, Buy-Up, and High Deductible Health Plans (HDHP) with Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions.Free or low-cost care when you use in-network (Tier 1):- $0 copays for primary and specialist visits.- Many services—including preventive care, maternity, lab tests, and more—are covered at 100% when you stay in-network.- Lowest out-of-pocket costs with access to over 39,000 providers, 50 hospitals, and 150 urgent care centers.Generous Well-being Credit Program:- Earn up to $3,400 in paycheck credits annually by completing simple wellness actions.Enhanced Behavioral Health & Family Planning:- Expanded behavioral health options with lower deductibles.- Increased fertility prescription allowance and comprehensive family planning resources, including adoption assistance up to $40,000.Dental & Vision Benefits:- Affordable dental plans with coverage for preventive, restorative, and orthodontic care.- Vision plan covers annual exams, lenses, frames, and contact lenses.Financial Security:- Robust retirement plans with up to 7.5% employer contributions and a competitive pension plan.- Automatic basic life insurance (1.5x salary) and options for supplemental coverage.Disability & Income Protection:- Short-term and long-term disability coverage at no cost to employees.- Buy-up options for increased coverage.Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs):- Tax-advantaged accounts for healthcare, dependent care, and commuter expenses.Voluntary & Lifestyle Benefits:- Options for accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, legal, and pet insurance.- Discounts on gym memberships, tuition reimbursement, and student loan repayment.Support for Your Whole Family:- Childcare partnerships, employee assistance programs, and citizenship assistance.

This is a fully onsite position in Manhasset,NY.

This position is anticipated to close on May 1, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.