Job Details

Director of Surgical Services (RN)

Acute Care Hospital | Southern California Full Time, Day Shift, Onsite, Permanent

Compensation: $149,000 to $205,000 base salary plus annual incentive bonus (AIP) Relocation assistance available

Why This Role

Take the lead of a busy surgical program at a growing community hospital in Southern California. This hospital is looking for a hands-on perioperative leader who can raise the bar on quality, energize the OR team, and become a trusted partner to surgeons. If you want real ownership of a department and the backing of a large national health system, this is a strong next step.

The Hospital

Our client is a mid-sized acute care hospital and part of a regional hospital network in Southern California. The network is backed by a large national health system and offers a broad range of services, including stroke, cancer, trauma, and neonatal intensive care.

Your Impact

• Set the direction for Surgical Services and keep day-to-day OR operations running safely and smoothly
• Hire, coach, and keep a strong perioperative team, including onboarding, competencies, ongoing education, and performance reviews
• Own the department's budget, watching labor, supply spend, and productivity closely
• Work side by side with surgeons and anesthesia to tighten scheduling, case starts, and room turnover
• Keep the department survey-ready and aligned with state and federal regulatory standards
• Champion quality and patient safety, leading the department's role in hospital-wide improvement work
• Foster a culture where staff feel safe, supported, and accountable
• Serve as the face of the department to patients, families, physicians, and the community

What We're Looking For

Must have

• Active California RN license (or ability to obtain before start)
• At least 5 years of progressive leadership experience in the Operating Room
• Deep perioperative clinical expertise
• Current BLS certification
• Proven skill managing budgets, staffing, and teams
• Comfort working in an EHR and everyday software tools

Nice to have

• BSN, with an MSN, MBA, or MHA a plus
• CNOR and/or NE-BC certification
• Surgical leadership experience in an acute care or trauma hospital
• Background in a multi-hospital health system



Benefits Snapshot

• Full health coverage including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Generous paid time off
• Career growth and continuing education support
• HSA and flexible spending accounts
• Employee assistance and discount programs
• Optional extras such as pet, legal, and long-term care coverage

Ina Phillip is the recruiting expert managing this search. Reach out directly for a confidential conversation about the role.

Ina Phillip American Recruiters Email: iphillip@ariteam.com Call/text: 770-433-2220

Job ID: 359640