Implementation Director

Compensation: $130,000 to $170,000 + annual bonus + full benefits The Implementation Director serves as the executive lead for complex healthcare transformation engagements, partnering with leading health systems to design, build, and launch high-performing specialty pharmacy programs. This role combines strategic consulting, operational transformation, project leadership, and client relationship management to help hospital partners achieve meaningful clinical, operational, and financial outcomes. From contract signature through go-live and optimization, the Implementation Director acts as the trusted advisor to executive stakeholders, leading cross-functional teams through large-scale change initiatives that span operations, technology, workforce planning, process redesign, and organizational adoption. This role is ideal for professionals with experience in consulting, healthcare transformation, private equity portfolio operations, or large-scale implementation programs who enjoy solving complex business challenges and driving measurable outcomes. The successful candidate will bring a consultative mindset, strong executive presence, structured problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to influence stakeholders across all levels of an organization. Given the highly collaborative nature of the role, regular travel to partner health systems is expected (typically 50%+). Key Responsibilities Lead Strategic Client Engagements Serve as the executive owner and primary point of accountability for planning and delivering complex specialty pharmacy implementation engagements across leading health systems. Function as a trusted advisor to C-suite, VP, and Director-level stakeholders, helping clients navigate operational, organizational, and strategic decisions. Build long-term executive relationships that support both implementation success and future partnership growth. Drive Transformation and Change Management Assess current-state operations and identify opportunities to improve workflows, staffing models, patient experience, and program performance. Lead the design and implementation of future-state operating models, ensuring alignment across clinical, pharmacy, operational, and administrative stakeholders. Apply structured change management methodologies to drive stakeholder alignment, adoption, and sustainable outcomes. Manage Large-Scale Programs Develop and execute comprehensive project plans, workstreams, milestones, and governance structures across multiple concurrent implementations. Proactively identify risks, remove obstacles, and drive accountability across internal and client teams. Lead executive steering committee meetings, project reviews, and operational status discussions. Solve Complex Business Challenges Utilize data-driven analysis and structured problem-solving approaches to address implementation challenges and optimize program performance. Develop recommendations and action plans that balance strategic objectives with practical execution considerations. Demonstrate flexibility and critical thinking when navigating unique health system environments and evolving client needs. Lead Cross-Functional Teams Coordinate initiatives involving operations, technology, analytics, human resources, training, marketing, and clinical stakeholders. Influence teams without direct authority while ensuring alignment toward key project objectives and timelines. Provide coaching, guidance, and leadership to implementation team members and newly onboarded site staff. Develop and Present Executive-Level Deliverables Create client-ready presentations, business cases, implementation roadmaps, operational analyses, and executive communications. Present recommendations and progress updates to senior healthcare leaders with confidence and credibility. Translate complex operational concepts into clear business insights and actionable recommendations. Build High-Performing Site Teams Lead workforce planning and staffing strategy for newly launched programs. Support recruiting, onboarding, training, and development efforts to ensure successful operational readiness. Serve as interim site leadership when needed during critical implementation and go-live periods. Ideal Background We are particularly interested in candidates with experience from: Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG, Accenture, Guidehouse, Huron, ECG, Chartis, Vizient, or similar consulting organizations Healthcare strategy, operations, performance improvement, transformation, or implementation consulting Private equity portfolio operations and value creation teams Provider, health system, or healthcare services organizations leading enterprise initiatives Program management, transformation, or implementation leadership roles supporting complex client environments Preferred Qualifications 5-8+ years of consulting, transformation, implementation, or healthcare operations experience Demonstrated success leading large-scale, client-facing engagements with executive stakeholders Experience managing multiple complex workstreams in fast-paced environments Strong analytical, problem-solving, and executive communication skills Advanced PowerPoint, Excel, and executive presentation capabilities Proven ability to influence stakeholders, drive change, and deliver measurable business outcomes Willingness to travel approximately 50% California residents employed by or applying for work at Shields have certain privacy rights. Please review our: California Workforce Privacy Notice and Privacy Policy . By providing your mobile number, you agree to receive text messages from Shields Health Solutions related to job opportunities, interview scheduling, and recruiting updates. Message and data rates may apply. You may opt out at any time by replying 'STOP.' Consent is not a condition of employment. Solid computer skills are required, including proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) for communication, documentation, and data management, as well as, navigating the internet and web-based platforms. Data entry and computer skills will be evaluated through an assessment as part of the pre-employment process. Shields Health Solutions provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Shields Health Solutions is committed to providing an inclusive hiring experience; if you need assistance or accommodation during the application or interview process, please email talentacquisition@shieldsrx.com.