Surgical Assistant, Supervisor Lead

Be part of a world-class academic healthcare system at UChicago Medicine as a Surgical Assistant, Supervisor Lead. In this role, you will Supervise and develop a team of Surgical Assistants while partnering with perioperative leadership to ensure efficient daily operations.

In this dynamic position, you will guide and mentor a team of Surgical Assistants while partnering with perioperative leadership to drive excellence in surgical operations. Blending hands-on clinical practice with leadership responsibilities, you will actively participate in complex surgical procedures alongside attending surgeons while also shaping team performance through staffing, development, and operational oversight. This is a unique opportunity to advance your career, lead with impact, and contribute to exceptional patient outcomes in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Essential Duties

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of Surgical Assistants, fostering a collaborative, engaged, and patient-focused culture.
• Serve as a clinical expert and role model by actively assisting in surgical procedures and delivering exceptional patient care in partnership with the attending surgeon.
• Collaborate with the Perioperative Director to oversee daily operations, including staffing, scheduling, and optimal resource utilization to support safe, efficient surgical services.
• Manage key people functions such as hiring, onboarding, coaching, performance management, and employee engagement to support team success and retention.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives, including quality, safety, and professional development programs for the Surgical Assistant team.
• Act as a liaison between Surgical Assistants and perioperative leadership, ensuring clear communication and alignment on departmental goals.
• Identify and support educational opportunities, ensuring team members meet required competencies and continue to grow professionally.
• Promote a culture of accountability, safety, and service excellence while maintaining compliance with hospital policies and regulatory standards.
• Participate in departmental and organizational meetings, contributing insights and sharing updates with the team.
• Oversee administrative responsibilities such as timecard approvals and related team support functions.

Clinical & Procedural Responsibilities

• Perform all core Surgical Assistant duties across preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases under the direction of the attending surgeon.
• Prepare for procedures by reviewing patient information, coordinating required equipment, and ensuring readiness of the surgical environment.
• Assist with patient positioning, sterile preparation, and intraoperative support to optimize surgical outcomes.
• Execute advanced surgical tasks within scope, including tissue handling, retraction, hemostasis, suturing, wound closure, and application of dressings.
• Support minimally invasive and open procedures by handling instruments, devices, and surgical technology as directed.
• Assist with placement of drains, catheters, and other devices, and support specimen handling and verification.
• Respond effectively in critical situations, including intraoperative emergencies, to support patient safety.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5+ years of experience as a Surgical Assistant in a clinical specialty setting.
• Prior leadership, charge, or supervisory experience preferred, with a passion for mentoring and developing others.
• Licensed Surgical Assistant in the State of Illinois (required).
• Current certification as a Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) and/or Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) required.
• Certification eligible to practice in both Illinois and Indiana (as applicable).

What Will Make You Stand Out

• Proven clinical expertise with the ability to perform confidently in complex surgical environments.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to coach, inspire, and elevate team performance.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across multidisciplinary teams.
• Self-directed, proactive, and highly organized with strong problem-solving abilities.
• Passion for education, continuous improvement, and delivering exceptional patient care.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and general computer applications.

We’ve been at the forefront of medicine since 1899. We provide superior healthcare with compassion, always mindful that each patient is a person, an individual. To accomplish this, we need employees with passion, talent and commitment… with patients and with each other. We’re in this together: working to advance medical innovation, serve the health needs of the community, and move our collective knowledge forward. If you’d like to add enriching human life to your profile, UChicago Medicine is for you. Here at the forefront, we’re doing work that really matters. Join us. Bring your passion.

UChicago Medicine is growing; discover how you can be a part of this pursuit of excellence at: UChicago Medicine Career Opportunities

UChicago Medicine is an equal opportunity employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, civil union status, parental status, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status and other legally protected characteristics.

As a condition of employment, all employees are required to complete a pre-employment physical, background check, drug screening, and comply with the flu vaccination requirements prior to hire. Medical and religious exemptions will be considered for flu vaccination consistent with applicable law.

Compensation & Benefits Overview

UChicago Medicine is committed to transparency in compensation and benefits.  The pay range provided reflects the anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position.

The pay range is based on a full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) and is reflective of current market data, reviewed on an annual basis. Compensation offered at the time of hire will vary based on candidate qualifications and experience and organizational considerations, such as internal equity. Pay ranges for employees subject to Collective Bargaining Agreements are negotiated by the medical center and their respective union.

Review the full complement of benefit options for eligible roles at Benefits - UChicago Medicine.