The Executive Director, Strategic Planning is a pivotal leadership role responsible for the development, deployment, and execution of the integrated strategic plan for the Southern California Region of Kaiser Permanente. This position plays a key role in translating enterprise and market strategies into actionable annual operating plans, including the establishment of key performance indicators (KPIs), prioritized initiatives, and rigorous performance tracking at both the regional and service area levels. In collaboration with the KFH/HP executive team, the position is accountable for establishment of annual goals and ongoing market performance management. They will partner with market executives on the prioritization and execution of strategic initiatives, cost structure improvements, and membership growth opportunities.. The position also plays key role in business planning and provides support for new ventures and partnerships to advance the Southern California market strategy. Also, the Executive Director leads the Strategic Program Management Office (PMO), ensuring the successful delivery of high-impact strategic projects and continuous performance improvement across the region

This position is a key member of the Regional Executive Team reporting directly to the SVP of Strategic Development and Technology, Southern California. This role will collaboratively work with other functions serving the Region including, but not limited to, Financial Planning and Analysis, Hospital & Health Plan Operations, Marketing, Sales and Business Development, Office of Care & Consumer Experience, Delivery System Strategy, Communications, Quality, Information Technology and SCPMG. They will work in close collaboration with the service areas across Southern California, as well as the Hawaii Region. .

Responsibilities include strategy development and execution for the Region, as well overseeing the Region-s project management, performance benchmarking, and process improvement resources.

With a clear customer focus, this planning and consulting expert will address a broad range of environmental factors including social, political, economic, consumer and competitive trends, and issues affecting health care.

• The Executive Director of Strategic Planning & PMO is a pivotal leadership role responsible for defining, implementing, and overseeing the organization-s strategic initiatives and ensuring their effective execution through a centralized Project Management Office (PMO). This executive will translate the organizational vision into actionable plans, manage the portfolio of programs and projects, and foster a culture of continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making to enhance patient care, operational efficiency, care delivery transformation and financial health.
• Integrated Plan Development: Lead the collaborative development and deployment of the integrated regional strategic and annual operating plans, ensuring alignment with enterprise objectives and market needs.
• Annual Operating Plan & KPI Management: Oversee the creation of annual operating plans, including the identification and tracking of KPIs and prioritized initiatives; manage monthly performance reviews at regional and service levels.
• Strategic Program Management Office (PMO) Leadership: Direct the Strategic PMO, providing vision, structure, and oversight for project management practices, resource allocation, and progress tracking.
• Strategic Project Management: Drive key strategic projects from initiation through execution, ensuring timely delivery, quality outcomes, and alignment with organizational goals.
• Performance Improvement: Lead performance improvement initiatives utilizing proven methodologies such as Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA), fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Standardized Tools & Systems: Develop and implement standardized program management tools and platforms, such as a Smartsheet database, to enhance project tracking, reporting, and accountability.
• Cost Improvement & Business Optimization: Support and oversee cost improvement and business optimization initiatives, including change management and consolidation efforts to maximize efficiency and value.
• PMO Structure & Enterprise Alignment: Structure efficient PMOs, ensure alignment with enterprise PMO activities, and report results to the enterprise level in a clear and actionable manner.
• HRO Practices Rollout: Champion the implementation of High Reliability Organization (HRO) practices, including Daily Management Systems, huddles, and standard work

• Minimum ten (10) years of progressive leadership experience in health care with a background in strategic planning, program management, management consulting or related disciplines.

• Master-s degree or equivalent in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Healthcare Administration, or a related field

• N/A

• Proven expertise in developing and executing integrated strategic and operating plans within complex organizations
• Demonstrated experience leading large-scale PMOs and managing multi-disciplinary teams
• Strong background in performance improvement methodologies (e.g., PDSA, Lean, Six Sigma)
• Proficiency in program management tools (e.g., Smartsheet, Microsoft Project)
• Experience in healthcare delivery systems and managed care environments
• Exceptional analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to drive change management and lead cost optimization initiatives
• Familiarity with High Reliability Organization (HRO) principles and practices

• Certification in Program/Project Management (PMP, PgMP) - preferred