Senior Director, Tactical Operations

Location:
Guardian Corporate

Senior Director, Tactical Operations

Drive Change. Solve Complex Challenges. Shape the Future of Growth.

Guardian Dentistry Partners is entering a defining phase of growth as our network continues to expand through new partnerships and acquisitions. With that growth comes the need for experienced operational leaders who can step into complex situations, identify opportunities, solve challenges, and drive performance where it matters most.

At Guardian Dentistry Partners, we support a growing network of 169+ dental practices across 11.5 states (shout out D.C.!). As one of the Fastest Growing Dental Groups (No. 384 on the 2024 Inc. 5000), we are committed to building strong, lasting partnerships that help dental practices thrive while preserving the individuality that makes each practice unique.

As the Senior Director, Tactical Operations, you will serve as a strategic problem-solver and operational leader focused on supporting practices, regions, and markets facing unique challenges or opportunities. Working closely with our executive leadership team, including the COO, you will lead critical integration efforts for newly acquired practices while also providing hands-on support to underperforming offices, emerging markets, and high-priority operational initiatives across the organization.

This is not a traditional operations role. We're looking for someone who enjoys stepping into ambiguity, diagnosing problems, building action plans, and leading teams through meaningful change. Whether supporting a newly acquired practice, stabilizing a struggling office, or helping execute strategic priorities across multiple markets, you'll play a direct role in Guardian's continued growth and success.

This is a highly visible, execution-driven leadership role that requires significant travel and a hands-on approach to leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead operational integration efforts for newly acquired practices, ensuring a smooth transition into Guardian's systems, processes, and culture
• Support newly partnered practices during their first year with Guardian, helping establish operational consistency, leadership alignment, and long-term success
• Partner closely with the COO and executive leadership team to identify and address operational challenges across the organization
• Serve as a tactical operations leader for practices, regions, or markets requiring focused support, stabilization, or performance improvement
• Lead turnaround efforts for underperforming practices through hands-on coaching, process improvement, and accountability measures
• Analyze operational and financial performance to identify risks, opportunities, and actionable solutions
• Drive execution of strategic initiatives, acquisitions, integrations, and special projects as needed
• Support Regional Managers and practice leaders in achieving operational, financial, and patient care objectives
• Collaborate with cross-functional departments including HR, Finance, Recruiting, IT, Marketing, Clinical Support, and Revenue Cycle to remove barriers and improve outcomes
• Lead change management efforts and support teams through periods of transition, growth, and organizational change
• Develop and implement best practices that improve operational efficiency, team engagement, and practice performance
• Serve as a trusted advisor and resource for field leadership across Guardian's network

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; MBA or equivalent experience preferred
• 7+ years of senior operational leadership experience within a multi-site healthcare, dental services, retail healthcare, or service-based organization
• Demonstrated success leading practice integrations, operational turnarounds, acquisitions, or large-scale business transformation initiatives
• Proven experience managing multi-site operations and developing leaders
• Strong financial acumen with the ability to analyze performance metrics and translate insights into action
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Highly adaptable, solutions-oriented, and comfortable operating in fast-paced environments
• Experience partnering directly with executive leadership teams preferred
• Willingness to travel extensively (up to 75%)

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary:
  Up to $150,000
• Annual Bonus:
  Up to 20% based on individual performance and company goals
• Equity Participation:
  Eligibility for Guardian's profit-sharing program following one year of service
• 401(k):
  Company-matched retirement plan
• Benefits:
  Competitive medical, dental, and vision coverage

Why This Role?

This role sits at the intersection of growth and execution. You'll help welcome new partner practices into Guardian while also stepping into complex operational challenges across the organization. Whether supporting an acquisition, stabilizing a struggling office, or helping a market navigate change, you'll have a direct impact on the success of our practices, teams, and patients.

If you're energized by solving problems, building relationships,…