Vice President | Pharmacy Operations

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

• Location: La Crosse or Green Bay, WI (50% travel between regions)

• Please note: Position will close by EOD 1/23/26

Position Summary:
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Vice President of Pharmacy Operations to provide senior leadership across our multi-state pharmacy business units. This role is responsible for operational excellence, financial performance (full P&L ownership), regulatory compliance, and strategic growth. The VP will lead pharmacy teams, drive integration and expansion, and foster collaboration across clinical, administrative, and supply chain functions to deliver high-quality, cost-effective pharmacy care aligned with Emplify Health's mission and values.

Essential Job Duties:

Strategic and Operational Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for all enterprise pharmacy operations across multiple states.

• Translate organizational vision into actionable operating plans that drive performance across retail, specialty, mail-order, and long-term care pharmacy segments.

• Own the strategic planning process for pharmacy operations and execute plans aligned with enterprise and regional goals.

• Align all pharmacy operations with Emplify Health's High Performance Operating Model (HPOM) and the next-level, pharmacy-specific operating model (AOR).

• Lead expansion and integration efforts across four states, ensuring scalability, consistency, and standardization.

• Eliminate unnecessary variation across operations to achieve best-in-class efficiency.

• Represent pharmacy operations in executive leadership forums and contribute to enterprise and regional strategic planning.

Financial and Performance Management

• Own full P&L accountability for all pharmacy divisions, driving revenue growth, margin expansion, and cost optimization.

• Oversee pharmacy budgeting, financial management, and resource allocation.

• Monitor and manage key financial and operational metrics (e.g., prescription volume, gross margin per script, labor utilization, inventory turns, expense ratios).

• Optimize pricing, 340b benefit, payer relationships, and reimbursement processes to ensure financial sustainability.

• Implement real-time performance scorecards, dashboards and reporting systems for transparency and accountability.

• Drive EarningsBeforeInterest,Taxes,Depreciation,andAmortization (EBITDA) growth, market expansion, and operating margin improvement.

Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance

• Ensure compliance with all federal and state pharmacy laws, Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and Board of Pharmacy regulations, controlled substance handling, and HIPAA requirements.

• Maintain robust quality assurance, safety, and audit programs across all pharmacy locations.

• Drive a culture of safety, integrity, and accountability throughout the organization.

• Ensure ongoing accreditation compliance and readiness across all sites.

Operational Excellence and Technology

• Standardize and streamline workflows, technology platforms, and best practices across all pharmacy operations.

• Oversee logistics, supply chain, and inventory management to optimize working capital and ensure uninterrupted operations.

• Utilize automation, ai, data analytics, and emerging pharmacy technologies to enhance scalability, accuracy, turnaround time, and patient satisfaction.

• Integrate pharmacy operations with clinical service lines to optimize outcomes, quality, cost, and experience.

Strategic Partnerships and Market Growth

• Partner with the Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer, Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), other executive leaders and business development function and regional committees and downline pharmacy leaders to pursue strategic growth opportunities (e.g., acquisitions, partnerships, new service lines such as specialty, infusion, or telepharmacy).

• Manage relationships with payers, Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), wholesalers, suppliers, and Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs) to optimize contracts and business performance.

• Collaborate with enterprise stakeholders to optimize pharmacy contracts including 340B, retail, and payer agreements.

• Identify market trends and develop strategies to diversify revenue streams (e.g., specialty, compounding, home delivery, clinical programs).

• Lead business transformation initiatives including mergers, acquisitions, and integrations.

• Drive innovation in digital health, patient engagement, and data-driven care models.

Leadership, Culture, and Talent Development

• Build, mentor, and retain a high-performing, multidisciplinary pharmacy leadership team across operations, distribution, and clinical services.

• Promote a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement aligned with Emplify Health's Leadership Accountability Model.

• Ensure alignment with Emplify Health's values: Belonging, Respect, Excellence, Accountability, Teamwork, and Humility.

• Lead talent development, succession planning, and performance management for all pharmacy staff.

• Foster employee engagement and professional development through execution of standard work and enterprise priorities.

• Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate closely with clinical, IT, finance, quality and safety, HR, legal, compliance, external affairs and strategy teams to align pharmacy operations with organizational goals and strategic priorities.

• Build strong partnerships with external stakeholders, regulatory agencies, and industry associations.

• Represent the organization at state and national levels to advance the enterprise's reputation and influence.

Performance Indicators:

• EBITDA and margin growth

• Prescription volume and retention

• Operational efficiency and safety metrics

• Employee engagement and retention

• Patient satisfaction and experience

• Market expansion and integration milestones

Minimum Qualifications:

• Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree or equivalent required.

• Master's Degree in Business, Healthcare, or Pharmacy Administration, or demonstrated Profit & Loss (P&L) management experience required.

• Wisconsin Pharmacist License required.

• 10+ years of leadership experience in large-scale, multi-state pharmacy operations with proven operational and financial success.

• Deep knowledge of pharmacy laws, accreditation standards, payer and PBM dynamics, and healthcare operations.

• Strong communication, organizational, strategic leadership skills, and proficiency in data analytics and pharmacy information systems.

Additional Information:
Eligible candidates must reside near La Crosse or Green Bay, WI, with an expectation of 50% travel between the two regions.

The Organization:

Emplify Health is comprised of two of the Midwest's most respected healthcare systems, Bellin Health and Gundersen Health System. Once neighbors, we are now partners, united in our mission to provide exceptional care to our communities. As a not-for-profit, patient-centered healthcare network, we have headquarters in Green Bay and La Crosse, Wisconsin. Our extensive network includes 11 hospitals and more than 100 clinics, serving 67 cities and rural communities across Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota and Michigan's Upper Peninsula. With over 4,500 dedicated nurses and providers, we are committed to delivering primary, specialty and emergency care, along with innovative medical education programs.

• Mission: Together, we inspire your best life by relentlessly caring, learning and innovating.

• Vision: Leading with love, we courageously commit to a future of healthy people and thriving communities.

• Values:Belonging, Respect, Excellence, Accountability, Teamwork, Humility

The Communities:

• About Us:Bellin and Gundersen Health Systems, headquartered in Green Bay, WI, and La Crosse, WI, respectively, are now united as Emplify Health. We serve communities across Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Michigan's Upper Peninsula, providing primary, specialty, and emergency care.

• About La Crosse, WI:La Crosse is a vibrant city nestled along the Mississippi River, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. It offers a high quality of life with excellent schools, diverse recreational activities, and a strong sense of community. Our La Crosse Campus is home to Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, providing specialized care and a wide range of outpatient services.For more information on La Crosse, please visit: https://www.explorelacrosse.com/

• About Green Bay, WI:Green Bay, famous for its passionate sports culture and the Green Bay Packers, is a thriving city with a welcoming community. It boasts a robust economy, top-notch educational institutions, and numerous parks and recreational facilities. Bellin Health's flagship campus in Green Bay is renowned for its emphasis on preventive healthcare and specialties like cardiac, orthopedics, and mental health.For more information, please visit: https://www.greenbay.com/

Why Consider Emplify Health?

• Tailored Benefits Package: We offer a comprehensive benefits package that varies based on your location. To learn more about the specific benefits available in your area, please inquire with the recruiter during the application process.

• Flexible work location: While this role offers some flexibility in work location, candidates must reside within a reasonable commuting distance of La Crosse or Green Bay, WI due to frequent on-site needs.

• Comprehensive Care:Be part of a team that delivers compassionate, patient-centered care across multiple specialties.

• Community Impact:Work in communities where your contributions make a tangible difference in people's lives.

• Professional Growth:Access continuous learning opportunities and career development programs.

• Collaborative Environment:Join a supportive network of healthcare professionals committed to excellence.

Application Process:

Interested and qualified candidates are directed to submit their application materials at the apply link, or can reach out directly to Kasey Kirschbaum, kmkirsch@emplifyhealth.org. Please note that all inquiries and applications will be handled with strict confidentiality. References may be requested once the interview process commences.

If you need assistance with any portion of the application or have questions about the position, please contact HR-Recruitment@gundersenhealth.org or call 608-775-0267.

We inspire your best life by relentlessly caring, learning and innovating. This is our purpose. Together with our values - belonging, respect, excellence, accountability, teamwork and humility - our pillars set our foundation and our future.

Equal Opportunity Employer