Head of Operations

About Optima Living

Founded in 2007 by two friends inspired by their families’ dementia journeys, Optima Living was created to provide a more home-like experience in seniors housing and care. What began as a personal mission has grown into one of Western Canada’s leading senior living and continuing care providers. Today, Optima Living offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, Supportive Living, Long-Term Care, Brain Health, and Memory Care across Alberta and British Columbia. Our innovative approach includes Spark, Your Wellness, Your Way; our proprietary brain health and care model. As the only Top 10 Canadian senior living and care provider focused exclusively on Western Canada, we proudly serve more than 4,300 residents. Guided by our North Star, Let us welcome you home™, we are committed to People, Place, and Community. With a resident-first philosophy and a focus on innovation, we are redefining aging with purpose, creating communities where seniors live with dignity, connection, and joy.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and serving as a member of the Senior Leadership Forum (SLF), the Head of Operations is accountable for end-to-end operational performance across Independent Living (IL), Supportive Living (SL), Assisted Living (AL), and Long-Term Care (LTC) portfolios.

This executive leadership role provides strategic and operational oversight to the Senior Directors of Operations (SDOs) and ensures that Optima Living’s operating model, standards, and priorities are executed consistently across all communities. The Head of Operations is responsible for achieving strong financial performance, outstanding resident satisfaction, and high levels of employee engagement across the organization.

As a key enterprise leader, the Head of Operations sponsors, advances and plays a key role in organizational “Big Rocks,” translating corporate strategy into clear, measurable operational priorities while holding regional leadership accountable for disciplined execution. This role plays a critical part in advancing Optima Living’s commitment to operational excellence, quality care, and sustainable growth.

All duties and responsibilities are carried out in alignment with Optima Living’s mission, vision, and values, promoting person-centered care and ensuring adherence to organizational policies, industry best practices, and applicable regulations.

Responsibilities & Accountabilities

Operations Leadership

• Provide unified leadership and oversight across all operating models, including IL, SL, AL, and LTC.
• Lead and support Senior Directors of Operations to deliver consistent performance and exceptional resident experiences.
• Ensure clarity of accountability, decision rights, and escalation pathways across the operations portfolio.
• Drive alignment and consistency in operational standards and performance expectations across all communities.

Strategic Execution and Sponsorship of Big Rocks

• Sponsor and support organizational “Big Rocks” and strategic priorities.
• Translate corporate strategy into clear, measurable operational objectives.
• Ensure priorities are defined, communicated, and executed effectively across regions.
• Monitor progress, remove barriers, and escalat e risks as required.

Senior Leadership Forum (SLF) Participation

• Serve as an active member of the Senior Leadership Forum.
• Contribute to enterprise-wide strategy, decision-making, and organizational planning.
• Collaborate with executive leaders to advance Optima Living’s strategic priorities.
• Provide operational insights to support innovation, growth, and performance excellence.

Quality, Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all regulatory, licensing, and accreditation standards.
• Sponsor audit readiness and champion continuous quality improvement initiatives.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and risk management across the organization.
• Ensure operational practices align with organizational policies and regulatory requirements.

Financial Accountability

• Partner with the Executive Director, Finance, and SDOs to uphold budget discipline and labour management.
• Oversee financial performance across the portfolio, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Drive operational efficiencies that support long-term financial sustainability.
• Ensure initiatives align with approved budgets and strategic priorities.

People & Leadership

• Provide executive leadership, coaching, and mentorship to Senior Directors of Operations.
• Foster a high-performance culture aligned with Optima Living’s values and leadership principles.
• Strengthen leadership capability through succession planning and talent development.
• Promote employee engagement, accountability, and operational excellence across all communities.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive senior leadership experience in multi-site operations.
• Demonstrated experience leading leaders within regulated environments such as seniors living, healthcare, or hospitality.
• Proven track record of delivering operational excellence, financial performance, and quality outcomes.
• Strong financial, operational, and risk management acumen.
• Executive-level leadership experience within a complex, multi-site organization is preferred.
• Post secondary Bachelor’s degree in Business, Healthcare Administration, Public Administration, or a related discipline.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, decision-making, and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead transformational initiatives and drive organizational performance.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence at the executive level.

Working Conditions

• Regular travel across Alberta and British Columbia.
• Availability to respond to urgent operational escalations as required.

Conditions of Employment

• Clear Police Information Check
• Clear Vulnerable Sector Check

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