Managing Director, Center of Excellence in Mental Health

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

Comprising 26 hospitals and multiple medical service centers, the Ministry of Defense Health Services (MoDHS) is the second largest healthcare provider in Saudi Arabia after the Ministry of Health. The MoDHS healthcare system not only serves active-duty military personnel, but also retired personnel, military families and dependents. In addition, the network also supports civilians as and when referred by other healthcare systems.

In the recent years, mental health has emerged as a key priority in Saudi Arabia in general, and for the Ministry of Defense ecosystem in particular. Given the rising incidence rates, and complexity of the disorder and the required care system, the Ministry is establishing a Center of Excellence (CoE) in Mental Health (MHCoE) that acquires, builds and applies world class competence and capability across the MoD healthcare network. The MHCoE will:

• Serve as the central authority for military mental health for the MoDHS ecosystem under the General Directorate of Health Services (GDHS),
• Lead the development and oversight of clinical service models, mental health policy, and standardized care pathways,
• Provide specialized tertiary mental health services focused on military-specific needs, including trauma, PTSD, addiction, geriatric mental health, and complex psychiatric conditions,
• Oversee workforce development through structured training, certification, and fellowship programs,
• Oversee physical and technology infrastructure development across the system,
• Promote research and innovation, particularly in military-related mental health challenges and digital mental health solutions,
• Standardize mental health data collection and reporting,
• Coordinate and integrate mental health services across Ministry of Defense Health Services facilities.

ABOUT THE JOB

This is a rare opportunity for a senior, highly accomplished healthcare leader to establish enduring legacy as a founding co-leader of a high-impact Mental Health institution in Saudi Arabia. As a Joint Managing Director of the envisioned Center of Excellence, and advisor to MoDHS Leadership on autism care, the candidate will work closely with the appointed Managing Director (Saudi national) and take shared responsibility of the establishment and operation of a world-class Center.

• Location: Prince Sultan Military Medical City (PSMMC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• Contract type: Full-time (preferred); Part-time acceptable only if the candidate is already in the Middle East region and is willing to travel to Riyadh to spend 2-3 days every week in Riyadh.
• Contract Duration: (6 months initially, with a view to become a 2-to-3-year long engagement)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Act as an executive coach and mentor to the appointed Managing Director, while simultaneously taking joint responsibility and accountability for the establishment and operation of the MHCoE.
• Shared responsibilities may include, but not be limited to:

1. Develop and implement a robust strategy to achieve the leadership’s vision for excellence in military mental health,
2. Evaluate and elevate the operational excellence and overall performance of the MoDHS mental health network,
3. Strategic audit of all functions, including patient care delivery, clinical functions, research and innovation, awareness building and strategic communication etc.,
4. Design Transformation Programme for existing Psychiatry departments to streamline processes, improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the patient experience,
5. Identify and engage leading institutions around the world as strategic partners,
6. Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess and improve operational performance, and
7. Collaborate with executive leadership to ensure seamless integration of operational functions across the organization.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate must:

• Have demonstrated leadership in establishing and managing a reputed mental health center/ multi-center program of excellence,
• Be a psychiatrist (preferred) or clinical psychologist with special focus and expertise in military mental health,
• Have at least 15 years of progressive leadership experience in mental health related healthcare operations, including 8+ years in a senior leadership role.
• Possess in-depth understanding of models of care, financial management, and regulatory requirements.
• Have proven ability to lead and execute strategic plans that drive efficiency and improve patient outcomes.
• Display strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and motivate dynamic teams and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Possess data-driven decision-making skills and experience managing complex organizations.
• Be flexible and adaptable to thrive in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
• Be able and willing to engage in a fixed (6 month) contract initially with a view to engage for a longer period of 2-3 years.
• Be fully vested in building leadership capability locally through hands-on coaching and mentoring.