Manager, Surgical Services

About the role

Join LifeLink — Join a Life Saving Team! More than four decades ago, a visionary group of innovators, led by renowned nephrologist Dr. Dana Shires, made a life-changing commitment—to save lives through organ and tissue donation. From that bold beginning, LifeLink Foundation was established – founded with heart, purpose, and a mission that still guides us today. What started as a nonprofit with big dreams has grown into a vision-driven organization of more than 700 dedicated professionals across west-central Florida, Georgia, parts of South Carolina, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. At LifeLink, we are united by our mission: To honor donors and save lives through organ and tissue donation. Our vision remains clear: To maximize the gift of life while giving hope to donor families and transplant patients. We are grounded in the values that shape our work and culture—Compassion. Excellence. Legacy. People. Quality.

Responsibilities

• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional excellence aligned with LifeLink’s mission, vision, and values; model high standards of professional conduct and leadership presence in high-acuity surgical environments.
• Provide leadership and strategic direction for the surgical services program; establish program priorities, standards, and operating systems to achieve consistent recovery performance, preservation practices, and logistical excellence in alignment with organizational goals and regulatory requirements.
• Represent the surgical program internally and externally; communicate initiatives, performance, and progress on delegated priorities; support organizational initiatives, research opportunities, and strategic planning related to surgical services.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with applicable regulatory and accrediting standards; partner with Quality and division leadership to maintain audit readiness, documentation standards, and corrective action planning.
• Establish and maintain documentation and reporting standards to ensure accuracy, timeliness, traceability, and compliance, including chain-of-custody requirements.
• Lead clinical quality and performance improvement through QAPI participation, metric monitoring, and case debriefs; identify trends, drive sustained improvements, and report program outcomes to leadership on a defined cadence.
• Investigate adverse events, deviations, and complications related to surgical recovery and preservation/perfusion activities; lead or support root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Establish and standardize surgical standards and workflows (sterile technique, instrumentation, infection prevention, preservation methods, equipment use, perfusion-related support, and recovery logistics) and integrate best practices through training and competency validation.
• Monitor and evaluate team performance during organ recovery via direct observation as appropriate; provide real-time coaching and structured post-case feedback to reinforce standards and continuous improvement.
• Design and oversee the surgical training and competency system, including needs assessment, onboarding, annual competencies, continuing education, and role-appropriate certification expectations.
• Oversee the preceptor program and staff development activities; develop and maintain education content and deliver presentations/workshops as appropriate for internal and external audiences.
• Lead talent management for the surgical team in collaboration with leadership (recruitment, orientation, training, competency assessment, coaching, performance evaluation, and corrective feedback); maintain availability to support escalated operational issues.
• Develop staffing schedules, on-call coverage, and resource allocation plans to meet operational requirements and service-level expectations.
• Maintain inventory and storage controls for surgical supplies, preservation solutions/media, additives, and equipment; ensure appropriate handling and environmental conditions.
• Ensure readiness and maintenance of surgical and machine perfusion equipment (as applicable); evaluate upgrade needs and provide recommendations for capital planning and procurement.
• Manage external resources and vendors to ensure performance, compliance, and fiscal responsibility; manage delegated budget and resources and provide input into staffing models and operational planning.
• Serve as liaison with hospital OR teams, transplant programs, medical examiners, and other partners to support coordinated, efficient recovery operations; provide stakeholder education on recovery processes, preservation, and perfusion-related technologies as applicable.
• Fulfill additional individual and departmental directives, obligations, and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• Passionate about helping others and making a difference
• Aligned with LifeLink’s core values of Compassion, Excellence, Legacy, People, and Quality
• Certified Transplant Preservationist (CTP) with at least five (5) years of progressive experience in surgical services, organ recovery, transplant support services, or closely related perioperative clinical operations.
• Associate degree in a clinical discipline or equivalent combination of education and directly related experience. Preferred, bachelor’s degree in nursing, Surgical Technology, Allied Health, Health Administration, or a related field.
• Four years of experience as a Surgery center, hospital operating or ICU management or experience in material management or other positions with similar responsibilities preferred.
• Required previous supervisory experience and proven leadership skills
• Advanced technical, organizational, communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills
• Current valid state driver license with a good driving record
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds; May require lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling supplies and equipment consistent with operational needs (reasonable accommodations as applicable).

Qualifications

• Possess a strong understanding of surgical procedures, organ recovery, and transplant support services.
• Have excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Be able to work independently and manage multiple competing priorities in a dynamic, time-sensitive environment.
• Be comfortable working in high-stress environments and managing confidential information.
• Have the ability to travel occasionally for training, supervisory, vendor, or organizational responsibilities.

Skills

• Strong leadership and supervisory skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Experience with medical terminology and surgical protocols
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and accreditation standards

Benefits

Company-paid medical, dental, disability, and life insurance

Generous company-paid pension plan for retirement

Paid vacation, sick days, and holidays

Growth opportunities in a mission-driven, high-impact nonprofit

Pay

Competitive salary commensurate with experience

Schedule

Flexible schedule with occasional evening and weekend work as needed