Managing Director, Center of Excellence in Mental Health

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

This opportunity is with one of the largest healthcare providers in Saudi Arabia, operating a network of 26 hospitals and multiple medical service centers. The system provides healthcare services to a broad population that includes active-duty personnel, retirees, family members, and civilians referred through other healthcare systems.

In recent years, mental health has emerged as a national priority in Saudi Arabia. To address the increasing complexity and prevalence of mental health conditions, the organization is establishing a Center of Excellence in Mental Health (MHCoE). This center will develop and apply world-class capabilities across its healthcare network. The MHCoE will:

• Serve as the central authority for military-related mental health within the healthcare system,
• Lead the development of clinical service models, policies, and standardized care pathways,
• Deliver specialized tertiary mental health services tailored to military-specific needs (e.g., trauma, PTSD, addiction, geriatric care, and complex psychiatric cases),
• Oversee the training, certification, and professional development of the mental health workforce,
• Guide infrastructure and technology development across facilities,
• Promote research and innovation with a focus on military and digital mental health,
• Standardize mental health data reporting and analytics,
• Coordinate and integrate mental health services across the network.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned mental health leader to shape a transformative initiative as the founding co-leader of a high-impact mental health institution in Saudi Arabia. Serving as Joint Managing Director of the MHCoE—and as a senior advisor on autism care—the selected candidate will work closely with a national counterpart to establish and operate a world-class mental health center.

• Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• Contract Type: Full-time preferred

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The selected candidate will serve as an executive coach to the appointed Managing Director while also sharing accountability for the MHCoE’s establishment and operations. Key responsibilities may include:

• Developing and implementing a strategic plan to achieve the center’s vision of excellence in mental health,
• Evaluating and enhancing the operational performance of the mental health network,
• Conducting a comprehensive audit of care delivery, clinical operations, research, communication, and outreach,
• Leading transformation initiatives within psychiatry departments to streamline operations and improve patient experience,
• Establishing global partnerships with leading mental health institutions,
• Designing and tracking KPIs to measure performance and drive improvement,
• Supporting executive leadership in aligning mental health services across the system.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate should:

• Have led the development or management of a recognized mental health center or multi-site program of excellence,
• Be a psychiatrist (preferred) or clinical psychologist with expertise in military mental health,
• Bring a minimum of 15 years of leadership experience in mental health operations, including at least 8 years in senior roles,
• Demonstrate a strong grasp of care models, financial management, and healthcare regulatory frameworks,
• Possess a proven track record of implementing strategic plans that drive efficiency and improve outcomes,
• Exhibit strong interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to build, mentor, and motivate teams,
• Be data-driven with experience managing large, complex healthcare organizations,
• Show adaptability and resilience in fast-paced healthcare environments,
• Be committed to developing local leadership through active coaching and knowledge transfer.