The Opportunity
A 12-OR surgical program at a 388-bed acute care hospital in San Jose is looking for a Director of Surgical Services ready to take full operational ownership of a high-acuity, technology-forward department. This is a permanent placement with one opening — a genuine career-level opportunity in one of the most capable surgical environments in Northern California. The facility is Joint Commission Accredited, holds Primary Stroke Center designation, and runs active service lines across general surgery, spine, orthopedics, open heart, and neurosurgery. The robotics suite is a standout: four DaVinci systems (XI, DV5, and SP configurations), two Mako, two Globus, and a Rosa.
This is a full-time days role with rotating weekends. The Director reports directly to the VP of Surgical Services, oversees one manager, and leads a team of 50 to 55 FTEs. The scope is OR-focused — a clean operational mandate without fragmented departmental overlap.
The compensation package is competitive based on experience and includes an annual performance-based incentive of up to 17.5%. Relocation assistance is available and considered on a case-by-case basis. This role sits within a health system known for structured leadership support, capital investment in clinical technology, and a culture that holds directors accountable and backs them up. Leading a surgical division of this scale — with robotics capabilities that rival academic centers — is a meaningful platform for someone who wants to build something rather than just manage it.
Candidates must hold an active RN license and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. A Master's degree is preferred. A minimum of one year of recent leadership experience in surgical services at the director level is required, or strong managerial experience with a clear directorial track record. At least three years of applicable surgical services experience is expected. Familiarity with multi-OR perioperative operations, robotics-assisted procedural environments, and regulatory and accreditation standards is essential.
If this role fits where you are in your career, reach out directly. Apply through this listing or book a call — either works. These conversations are always confidential.
What You'll Own
- Take full operational ownership of a 12-OR surgical program at a 388-bed acute care hospital
- Lead a team of 50–55 FTEs with one direct manager report, reporting to the VP of Surgical Services
- Oversee active service lines across general surgery, spine, orthopedics, open heart, and neurosurgery
- Manage a technology-forward robotics suite: four DaVinci systems (XI, DV5, SP), two Mako, two Globus, and a Rosa
- Drive regulatory compliance, accreditation standards, and capital investment in clinical technology
What You'll Need
- Active RN license
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required; Master's degree preferred
- Minimum 1 year of recent leadership experience in surgical services at the director level, or strong managerial experience with a clear directorial track record
- At least 3 years of applicable surgical services experience
- Familiarity with multi-OR perioperative operations, robotics-assisted procedural environments, and regulatory/accreditation standards
The Package
Why San Jose?
San Jose sits at the center of Silicon Valley and carries all the energy that comes with it, without the density and cost that define San Francisco proper. The climate is Mediterranean year-round — mild winters, warm and dry summers, and sunshine that makes the outdoors genuinely usable in every season. The Santa Cruz Mountains rise to the southwest, putting redwood forests, mountain biking trails, and serious hiking routes within 30 minutes of most neighborhoods. Almaden Quicksilver County Park and Alum Rock Park offer thousands of acres of open space without leaving the county, and for bigger adventures, the Monterey coast and Lake Tahoe are both reasonable drives.
The city is built for families. Public and private school options are strong across most zip codes, neighborhoods range from walkable urban corridors to quieter suburban areas, and the average commute is manageable by California standards. San Jose International Airport connects directly to dozens of domestic and international destinations, making travel simple. San Francisco is roughly 50 miles north and accessible by both freeway and Caltrain when you want it — you get the full reach of the Bay Area without being priced into the middle of it. The food scene in San Jose reflects the city's considerable diversity, spanning Vietnamese, Mexican, Japanese, Indian, and well beyond, with a downtown arts corridor that continues to draw investment. For someone weighing a move to California, San Jose offers a real quality-of-life proposition — one of the most connected regions in the country, with room to breathe.
Chris Monroe
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Your dedicated surgical nurse recruiter. Chris personally reviews every application and will help you find your dream role — confidentially and at no cost to you.
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