Vice President of Ground Operations

CareFlite — Irving, TX, us

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

Qualifications 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