Chief Operating Officer - Health Insurance / Health Plan Organization - Confidential Search
Job Description
Confidential Executive Search – Nonprofit Healthcare Organization
Chief Operating Officer
Location: Southern California
The Organization (Confidential)
A mission-driven nonprofit healthcare organization operating within the health insurance/health plan ecosystem is undertaking a strategic transformation to position itself for the next generation of healthcare delivery and administration.
The organization serves a large and diverse member population and has built a strong reputation over many years of service. However, leadership and the Board recognize that the healthcare landscape is changing rapidly, driven by escalating claims costs, technology disruption, and increasing consumer expectations.
To remain competitive, the company must evolve from a traditional operating model toward a more innovative, technology-enabled organization.
This search is highly confidential. The organization has chosen to remain unnamed during the early stages of the process.
The Opportunity
Our client is looking for an innovative operational leader with a strong healthcare and technology perspective to guide the organization through a critical period of transformation.
Historically, operational leadership was structured under a combined CFO/COO role. Leadership is now intentionally seeking an executive who can dedicate significant focus to operational modernization, technology enablement, and long-term strategic differentiation.
The role may ultimately be structured as:
- Chief Operating Officer
- Vice President of Operations
- Vice President of Technology / Digital Transformation
This executive will partner closely with the CEO and senior leadership team to help answer a central strategic question:
Strategic Context
Healthcare organizations are facing a structural shift:
- Claims costs continue to rise dramatically
- Regulatory complexity continues to increase
- Competition from technology-enabled healthcare disruptors is accelerating
- Member expectations for digital access and experience are changing rapidly
Leadership recognizes that the way the organization has historically operated will not be sufficient moving forward.
The Board is committed to investing in leadership capable of helping the company rethink its operations, technology infrastructure, and member engagement to remain competitive.
Over the next 3–5 years, the organization intends to:
- Modernize operational infrastructure
- Improve claims cost management through data and analytics
- Expand technology capabilities
- Build a more efficient and scalable operating model
- Deliver a more differentiated member experience
This role will be central to shaping that transformation.
Leadership Mandate
The selected executive will be responsible for helping the organization bridge traditional healthcare operations with a forward-looking technology strategy.
This leader will provide oversight and strategic direction across:
Operational Functions
- Claims administration
- Member services
- Enrollment and administration
- Utilization and case management
Technology & Infrastructure
- Data strategy and analytics
- Operational systems modernization
- Digital engagement capabilities
- IT infrastructure supporting operational efficiency
The role requires a balanced leader who understands healthcare operations while also appreciating the role technology will play in the future of healthcare delivery and administration.
Leadership Style
The organization is seeking a leader who can operate at both strategic and operational levels.
While this individual will contribute to executive-level strategy, they must also be comfortable engaging directly with operational leaders and managers to solve problems and drive execution.
This is not a purely strategic or advisory role.
The ideal executive will be:
- Strategic and innovative
- Operationally engaged
- Comfortable working closely with teams across the organization
- Able to translate ideas into practical improvements
Ideal Candidate Profile
The organization is seeking a forward-thinking leader who brings both an understanding of the healthcare industry and a modern technology mindset.
Candidates may come from backgrounds such as:
- Health insurance/payer organizations
- Healthcare technology companies
- Healthcare services platforms
- Insurance organizations with strong digital transformation initiatives
The ideal candidate will bring:
- 10–15+ years of leadership experience
- Exposure to both healthcare operations and technology-enabled transformation
- Experience improving operational efficiency through data, systems, and process redesign
- Curiosity about the future of healthcare delivery and insurance models
The organization is particularly interested in candidates who bring fresh thinking rather than replicating legacy approaches.
Location
The candidates' preferred home base will be in Southern California.
The organization currently operates within a hybrid environment.
Candidates should be comfortable engaging regularly with leadership and operational teams in person when needed.
Compensation
- Base Salary: $200,000 – $300,000
- Performance Bonus: 25–30% (including contingency-based components)
- Additional executive compensation details will be shared during the process.
Why This Role Matters
Healthcare is entering a period of significant structural change.
Organizations that succeed will be those that can combine operational excellence with technology-enabled innovation.
In this role, you'll help lead that evolution by shaping how a healthcare organization competes, operates, and delivers value in the years ahead.
If you believe you would be a good fit for this opportunity and wish to explore further, we look forward to your application!
Riam Recruiting