Chief Operating Officer, VMIH

Date: 24 Jun 2025

Location: Abu Dhabi, AE

Company: International SOS

About the role

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Via Medica International Healthcare (VMIH) is a pivotal leadership position responsible for overseeing and ensuring the effective daily operations of the organization. The COO plays a crucial role in maintaining operational readiness, service delivery excellence, and compliance with regulatory standards across all medical services, including Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Academic Health, and Industrial Medicine. This role requires strong leadership, strategic planning, and collaboration with various department heads to achieve company goals and meet client expectations. The COO acts as the primary operational liaison between the CEO and organizational leadership, fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Additionally, the COO is responsible for managing assets, particularly the vehicle fleet, and ensuring that operational systems and service models align with the evolving needs of VMIH’s clients and future growth opportunities.

Key responsibilities

  1. Leadership and Coordination: Lead and coordinate daily operations, fostering strong leadership and collaboration with department heads.
  2. EMS and Events Operations Management: Oversee daily EMS operations, ensuring timely emergency response and implementing protocols for patient care and transportation.
  3. Academic Health Operations Management: Plan and execute medical services in school health settings, ensuring regulatory compliance and child safeguarding.
  4. Technology & Digital Health Adoption: Implement technology platforms for dispatch, patient care reporting, scheduling, and quality monitoring.
  5. Regulatory Compliance and Safety: Ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks, monitor changes, and develop safety protocols.
  6. Quality Assurance and Improvement: Establish quality assurance programs, conduct audits, and identify areas for improvement.
  7. Training and Development: Oversee training and certification of EMS personnel, develop professional development programs.
  8. Resource Management: Manage allocation and maintenance of EMS resources, ensuring readiness and reliability.
  9. Community and Stakeholder Engagement: Foster relationships with community stakeholders and represent the organization in outreach initiatives.
  10. Emergency Preparedness and Response: Develop and implement emergency preparedness plans, coordinate with local emergency management agencies.

About you

  • Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Public Health, or relevant work experience.
  • 8+ years of leadership experience in healthcare operations or medical services, with 4+ years in a senior operational management or executive leadership role.
  • Extensive experience in EMS management or a related field, with a proven track record of operational leadership.
  • Lean Six Sigma, PMP, or similar certification preferred.
  • Proficiency in English is essential; ability to speak Arabic or another language relevant to the client base is advantageous.
  • Understanding of local UAE healthcare regulatory authorities (DOH, MOHAP, Dubai Health)

Benefits