Chief Operating Officer Jobs in Kentucky
Chief Operating Officer jobs in Kentucky are concentrated in healthcare systems, logistics, manufacturing, and financial services, with demand strongest in Louisville, Lexington, and the Northern Kentucky corridor near Cincinnati. Major employers with lasting COO-level hiring presence include Humana, Ashland, and Baptist Health, alongside Kentucky's deep network of regional hospital systems and mid-market manufacturers. The most in-demand specialties are healthcare operations, supply chain management, and multi-site manufacturing leadership. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 21+ Chief Operating Officer jobs
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, MEDICAL GROUP - SURGICAL SERVICES | Paducah, KY
Marshall Nemer Pavilion
1532 Lone Oak Road
Paducah, KY 42003
Reports to: VP of Operations, Medical Group (Market)
# of Direct Reports: 40-50
9 service lines, 36 providers, 5 operational leaders, ~40 FTEs:
Cardiology | Vascular Surgery | Pulmonology | Cardiothoracic Surgery | General Surgery | ENT | Gastroenterology | Plastic Surgery | Urology
Primary Function/General Purpose of Position
Provide operational oversight of all activities for assigned practices and departments. In collaboration with appropriate interdisciplinary team members, is responsible for the oversight of clinical programs, regulatory compliance, performance improvement, certification and accreditation and quality improvement processes. Managerial oversight for each of these identified areas along with supervision of the practice managers. Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of assigned practices. Works closely with the operational and clinical leadership both within the medical group and in the market to advance the goals and mission of the ministry. Leadership responsibilities include revenue cycle management, administration, program management, business development and strategic planning.
Essential Job Functions
Supports and directs the efficient, effective operations of assigned practices including provider productivity, appropriate staffing, supply utilization and resource allocation.
Proactively advances the performance of the medical group through improved processes, efficiencies, and provider and associate engagement.
Leads change efforts in areas of responsibility and may lead larger scale efforts across the market medical group practices including M&A activity, technology, patient experience and clinical improvement efforts.
Functions as a positive representative and leader within the ministry and the external community.
Directs and develops physician practice leaders.
Ensures the ministry’s clinical providers provide high quality, efficient, effective care by supporting and developing and retaining highly responsive, reliable, competent support teams.
Creates a culture of clinical and operational performance focused on quality, service, stewardship and engagement.
Participate in market or system-level projects, committees, councils or work groups.
In collaboration with talent acquisition, actively participates in the recruitment process to interview, retain, train and develop practice clinical and administrative teams. Partners with ministry leaders to identify opportunities for candidate pipelines.
Identifies and supports meaningful coaching and development opportunities to grow talent within the practice and ministry.
Acts as a practice and operational leader, and models desirable behaviors that reinforce ministry culture.
Education
Bachelors Degree in Healthcare administration, business, finance or related field (required)
Work Experience
5 years in physician practice management with increasing scope of management responsibilities and achievement.
Skills
Proficient in all Microsoft Office products
Experience with capital and system projects including building and equipment
Proficiency in budgeting, financial management and project management
Ability to think strategically, solve complex problems and make sound decisions
Effective time management
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to engage at all levels of the organization.
Leading through influence and relationship building
Ability to lead change
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
As a Mercy Health associate, you're part of a Mission that matters. We support your well-being—personally and professionally. Our benefits are built to grow with you and meet your unique needs, every step of the way.
What we offer
- Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible)
- Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HSA/FSA options, life insurance, mental health resources and discounts
- Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, backup care for children and elders
- Tuition assistance, professional development and continuing education support
Benefits may vary based on the market and employment status.
All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you'd like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Mercy Health – Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours – Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employers, please email recruitment@mercy.com. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at recruitment@mercy.com
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, MEDICAL GROUP - SURGICAL SERVICES | Paducah, KY
Marshall Nemer Pavilion
1532 Lone Oak Road
Paducah, KY 42003
Reports to: VP of Operations, Medical Group (Market)
# of Direct Reports: 40-50
9 service lines, 36 providers, 5 operational leaders, ~40 FTEs:
Cardiology | Vascular Surgery | Pulmonology | Cardiothoracic Surgery | General Surgery | ENT | Gastroenterology | Plastic Surgery | Urology
Primary Function/General Purpose of Position
Provide operational oversight of all activities for assigned practices and departments. In collaboration with appropriate interdisciplinary team members, is responsible for the oversight of clinical programs, regulatory compliance, performance improvement, certification and accreditation and quality improvement processes. Managerial oversight for each of these identified areas along with supervision of the practice managers. Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of assigned practices. Works closely with the operational and clinical leadership both within the medical group and in the market to advance the goals and mission of the ministry. Leadership responsibilities include revenue cycle management, administration, program management, business development and strategic planning.
Essential Job Functions
Supports and directs the efficient, effective operations of assigned practices including provider productivity, appropriate staffing, supply utilization and resource allocation.
Proactively advances the performance of the medical group through improved processes, efficiencies, and provider and associate engagement.
Leads change efforts in areas of responsibility and may lead larger scale efforts across the market medical group practices including M&A activity, technology, patient experience and clinical improvement efforts.
Functions as a positive representative and leader within the ministry and the external community.
Directs and develops physician practice leaders.
Ensures the ministry’s clinical providers provide high quality, efficient, effective care by supporting and developing and retaining highly responsive, reliable, competent support teams.
Creates a culture of clinical and operational performance focused on quality, service, stewardship and engagement.
Participate in market or system-level projects, committees, councils or work groups.
In collaboration with talent acquisition, actively participates in the recruitment process to interview, retain, train and develop practice clinical and administrative teams. Partners with ministry leaders to identify opportunities for candidate pipelines.
Identifies and supports meaningful coaching and development opportunities to grow talent within the practice and ministry.
Acts as a practice and operational leader, and models desirable behaviors that reinforce ministry culture.
Education
Bachelors Degree in Healthcare administration, business, finance or related field (required)
Work Experience
5 years in physician practice management with increasing scope of management responsibilities and achievement.
Skills
Proficient in all Microsoft Office products
Experience with capital and system projects including building and equipment
Proficiency in budgeting, financial management and project management
Ability to think strategically, solve complex problems and make sound decisions
Effective time management
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to engage at all levels of the organization.
Leading through influence and relationship building
Ability to lead change
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
As a Mercy Health associate, you're part of a Mission that matters. We support your well-being—personally and professionally. Our benefits are built to grow with you and meet your unique needs, every step of the way.
What we offer
- Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible)
- Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HSA/FSA options, life insurance, mental health resources and discounts
- Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, backup care for children and elders
- Tuition assistance, professional development and continuing education support
Benefits may vary based on the market and employment status.
All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you'd like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Mercy Health – Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours – Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employers, please email recruitment@mercy.com. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at recruitment@mercy.com
See All 21 Chief Operating Officer Jobs in Kentucky
Find roles in Kentucky that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Chief Operating Officer JobsChief Operating Officer Jobs by City in Kentucky
Where Kentucky roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Chief Operating Officer Job Market in Kentucky
A snapshot from current Kentucky openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Education
What Kentucky Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in chief operating officer jobs across Kentucky.
- Bachelor's degree in business administration, operations management, or a related field required
- Ten or more years of progressive leadership experience across operations and strategy
- Demonstrated experience managing P&L responsibility and cross-functional teams
- Expertise in supply chain, healthcare administration, or manufacturing operations preferred
- Strong record of executing organizational growth initiatives and operational efficiencies
- MBA or advanced business degree strongly preferred by most Kentucky employers
Chief Operating Officer Jobs in Kentucky: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a chief operating officer in Kentucky?
Reaching a chief operating officer role in Kentucky typically requires a bachelor's degree in business, operations, or a related discipline followed by an MBA or equivalent graduate credential, which most large Kentucky employers list as preferred. Kentucky does not require a state-issued license specifically for COO roles, but advancement generally comes through progressively senior director and VP-level positions within healthcare systems, logistics companies, or manufacturers headquartered in the state.
How much do chief operating officers make in Kentucky?
Chief operating officers in Kentucky earn a median of about $179,530 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $72,800 for the lowest 10% to over $466,660 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire chief operating officers in Kentucky?
Kentucky chief operating officer roles are posted by UPS, Levata, and Rapport and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Kentucky's concentration of regional hospital networks, Fortune 500 logistics firms, and manufacturing headquarters means COO openings appear across a range of industries statewide.
Which Kentucky cities have the most chief operating officer jobs?
Louisville, Lexington, and Paducah account for the greatest concentration of chief operating officer openings in Kentucky. Louisville drives the highest volume given its status as home to major healthcare corporations, logistics operations, and financial services firms, while Lexington and Northern Kentucky attract COO roles through university-affiliated health systems and the dense employer base linked to the greater Cincinnati metro.
Are there remote chief operating officer jobs in Kentucky?
Yes, but they're rare. Chief operating officer roles are by nature heavily on-site because they involve direct oversight of facilities, teams, and day-to-day operations. About 43% of chief operating officer openings tied to Kentucky are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, with remote arrangements most common for COOs overseeing distributed digital operations or multi-state service businesses rather than manufacturing or healthcare facilities.
How can I get hired as a chief operating officer in Kentucky with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is building operational leadership experience through director or VP-level roles in Kentucky's healthcare, logistics, or manufacturing sectors before stepping into a COO position. Large employers such as Humana and Baptist Health run formal leadership development programs that move high-potential managers toward executive tracks. Lateral moves from roles like director of operations, plant manager, or VP of supply chain are the most common stepping stones, and an MBA from a Kentucky institution such as the University of Kentucky or University of Louisville strengthens a candidate's profile considerably.
Where can I find and apply to chief operating officer jobs in Kentucky?
You can find and apply to chief operating officer jobs in Kentucky on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers hiring in the state right now. Search the listings, find the roles that match your background and target industry, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 21 Chief Operating Officer Jobs in Kentucky
Find roles in Kentucky that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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