Vice President of Ground Operations

CareFlite is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit ambulance service sponsored by Baylor Scott & White Health, JPS Health Network, Methodist Health System, Parkland Health, and Texas Health Resources. CareFlite provides critical medical transport services by helicopter, fixed-wing aircraft, and ground ambulance, as well as non-medical transport services.

We are committed to delivering exceptional patient care, advancing clinical excellence, and supporting the communities we serve through innovative and compassionate service.

Position Summary

CareFlite is seeking a strategic and experienced Ground Operations Executive Leader to oversee all aspects of ground transport operations across our service area. This role is responsible for leading large-scale emergency and non-emergency transport services, including ambulance operations, communications, fleet management, and logistical support.

This leader will drive operational excellence, ensure regulatory compliance, and optimize performance across a complex, multi-site operation while maintaining a strong focus on patient care, safety, and customer satisfaction.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven executive leader with strong strategic thinking and operational expertise
• Ability to lead large, complex teams across multiple locations
• Strong financial acumen and data-driven decision-making skills
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement
• Leader who fosters accountability, engagement, and professional development

Key Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership for all ground operations, including emergency and non-emergency ambulance transport, wheelchair transport, communications, fleet readiness, and logistics
• Develop and execute strategic plans to ensure safe, reliable, and patient-centered transportation services
• Oversee operational performance, including deployment, staffing models, scheduling, and service-level metrics
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as response times, productivity, utilization, and customer satisfaction
• Lead the development and implementation of operational policies, procedures, and internal controls
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory, licensing, privacy, and safety requirements
• Provide leadership, coaching, and development for directors, managers, supervisors, and field personnel
• Partner with HR on recruiting, retention, workforce planning, and employee engagement initiatives
• Oversee dispatch and communications functions to ensure efficient call intake and resource coordination
• Direct fleet readiness, maintenance strategy, and capital planning for vehicles and equipment
• Collaborate with clinical, quality, finance, IT, and business development teams to align operational strategies
• Build and maintain relationships with healthcare partners, government agencies, and community stakeholders
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance for ground operations
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, control costs, and enhance service quality
• Drive performance improvement initiatives using operational data, trends, and stakeholder feedback
• Oversee operational readiness for high-demand events, system disruptions, and emergency situations
• Review and address operational incidents, complaints, and escalations
• Provide strategic recommendations to executive leadership and the Board of Directors

Work Schedule & Environment

• Full-time leadership role with flexibility to support a 24/7 operation
• Availability required for operational oversight, emergencies, and critical incidents
• Regular travel within the service area to operational sites
• Combination of office, field, and stakeholder engagement environments

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Ability to travel frequently between operational locations
• Ability to perform both office-based and field-based responsibilities
• Ability to engage in extended periods of standing, walking, and stakeholder interaction as needed

Why Join CareFlite?

• Executive leadership opportunity within a mission-driven organization
• Direct impact on system-wide operations and patient care delivery
• Collaborate with highly experienced clinical and operational leaders
• Opportunity to shape the future of EMS and medical transport services in North Texas

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, healthcare administration, EMS, public administration, or related field
• Master’s degree required (MBA, MHA, MPA, or related)
• Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in EMS, ambulance operations, or healthcare operations
• Minimum 5 years of senior management experience overseeing large-scale or multi-site operations
• Strong operational, financial, and strategic leadership experience
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex systems, teams, and performance outcomes

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior field experience as an EMT, Paramedic, or EMS leader
• Experience with RFP/RFI processes and contract negotiations
• Advanced knowledge of EMS system design, deployment modeling, and dispatch operations
• Experience working with hospital systems, government entities, and community partners

Required Certifications

• Valid Texas Driver’s License
• EMS certification/licensure preferred

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. The statements contained in this position description reflect the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job as identified and shall not be considered a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position.