Description
Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Bronson Battle Creek Hospital
Bronson Healthcare Group, Battle Creek, Michigan, United States (On-site)
We are looking for a leader who believes that where you live should be where you receive the very best healthcare!
Bronson Healthcare is conducting a search for our next Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital — and this is not a typical COO role.
In our system, the hospital COO functions as the senior executive leader of the hospital. You will not simply manage day-to-day operations. You will set the strategic direction, own the financial performance, champion physician partnerships, and serve as the face of Bronson in Battle Creek and Calhoun County.
About the opportunity:
Bronson Battle Creek Hospital is a 189-bed, all-private room, nationally recognized acute-care hospital. We were just named to the inaugural Forbes Top Hospitals 2026 5 Star Honoree list — one of the few hospitals in the country to achieve that distinction. We are part of Bronson Healthcare, southwest Michigan's leading health system and largest employer, with over 9,000 employees and $1.5 billion in annual revenue.
Nationally Recognized for Specialty Care by Healthgrades
Bronson Battle Creek Hospital received national, five-star recognition in several categories for 2025. Only the top 15% of hospitals achieve five-star performance, meaning we deliver better-than-expected outcomes in each specialty. Bronson Battle Creek Hospital earned five-star ratings in specialty care for:
Total Knee Replacement
Hip Fracture Treatment
Treatment of Stroke
Treatment of Pneumonia
Treatment of Sepsis
Treatment of Respiratory Failure
Bronson Battle Creek Hospital also ranked #5 in Michigan for Critical Care. This recognition reflects Bronson’s commitment to delivering exceptional, accessible specialty care to every patient, every time.
Why Battle Creek?
Battle Creek is a community with a proud history, deep roots, and real needs. Our patients deserve a leader who sees the challenges in healthcare not as obstacles, but as a calling. If you are energized by the opportunity to close health equity gaps, build community partnerships, and make a measurable difference in people's lives, this is your role.
What you will do:
As COO, you will serve as the primary executive leader of the hospital — driving strategy, financial performance, and clinical excellence. You will build and mentor a high-performing leadership team, cultivate deep physician alignment, and champion a culture of engagement, inclusion, and belonging. You will be an active, visible presence in the Battle Creek community, partnering with civic leaders, community organizations, and foundations to advance the health and well-being of Calhoun County.
Who you are:
You are a resilient, emotionally intelligent executive with a minimum of 10 years of progressive healthcare leadership experience, ideally at the CEO, President, or COO level in an acute-care setting. You hold a Master's degree (MHA, MBA, or equivalent). You have a proven track record in physician alignment, operational excellence, growth and acquisitions, financial stewardship, and community advocacy. You lead with integrity, build trust quickly, and thrive in complex, matrixed environments.
This is more than a job. It is a mission.
If you are ready to lead a hospital that is the heartbeat of its community, I want to hear from you.
Requirements
Education
A Master’s Degree is required for this executive role. A Master’s in Healthcare Administration (MHA), Business Administration (MBA), Nursing, Public Administration, or a related field is highly preferred.
Experience
Candidates must possess a minimum of 10 years of experience and background in healthcare leadership. Ten to fifteen (10-15) years of progressive management experience is preferred, ideally with experience serving as a hospital CEO, President, or COO in a comparable acute- care setting. Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, operational/financial management, very strong partnership and acquisition experience, and community relations is essential. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in physician alignment, workforce retention, and navigating the complexities of an underserved or rural-adjacent market. Knowledge of contemporary leadership practices and models, including
Lean Principles, strategic thinking, strong operations, team player, strong decision maker and demonstrated success in building physician trust and relationships are all required competencies.
Must have experience in a medium to large size hospital with a minimum of 180 beds that is part of a larger hospital system.
Skills & Abilities
The COO must have excellent communication, storytelling, and negotiation skills. Resiliency and the ability to lead effectively in a rapidly changing healthcare environment are crucial. The candidate must be a strategic thinker who can position the organization to compete, gain market share, and innovate. Finally, a profound dedication to serving the local community and being an active, visible member of Battle Creek and Calhoun County is a fundamental requirement.
The Competencies Essential for this Role Include
Drives Vision and Purpose
Balances Stakeholders
Growth Mindset
Strategic Thinking and Agility
Builds Effective Teams
Collaborates
Develops Talent
Drives Engagement
Emotional Intelligence
Ensures Accountability
Healthcare Insights
Instills Trust
Manages Conflict
Manages Inclusion
Optimizes Processes
