Welcome back to #WeAreGreenKey, where we shine a spotlight on our powerhouse recruiting teams.
With nearly 10 years of healthcare recruiting, Rob Kaatz has built a career on strong relationships, market knowledge, and a passion for helping people find the right fit. Six months ago, he brought that expertise to Green Key to launch and lead the Healthcare Portland division. Since then, he’s been focused on growing a high-performing team, earning trust in a new market, and delivering tailored hiring solutions to clients and candidates alike. In this feature, Rob shares his path to recruitment, what drives his leadership style, and how he’s building something meaningful for healthcare organizations across the country—one placement at a time.
What was your vision for the team when you first stepped into this role?
I wanted to bring together proven Recruiters and Account Managers that I trusted and felt confident in preparing for future leadership roles within Green Key.
What keeps you excited about your work every day?
I enjoy the candidate stories! Each candidate is unique and has their own story. Those stories are what I enjoy most while helping candidates find their next job in healthcare.
How has the healthcare leadership market responded to Green Key’s presence?
The response has been positive with some resistance, as we are a new face in a very competitive field. Each of our team members has been able to build key relationships within their territory in a short amount of time. We look forward to seeing those relationships grow in the future.
How would you describe the culture you’re building within the Portland division?
Our culture is based on accountability. We are refreshed to know that each of our team members is a proven performer—we truly have no weak links! We can confidently go to each other seeking feedback and support and know we are getting support from an experienced healthcare Recruiter or Sales Professional.
What qualities do you look for when building out your team?
I look for team members that focus on what they can control and have a positive outlook on life. Our job is difficult, and we can only control so much. It’s important to keep your attention on matters that we can influence and not get bogged down by what we cannot.
Where do you see the greatest opportunities for growth in the healthcare space?
Opportunities for growth continue to be seen in outpatient care areas. For our team, the focus will be on building relationships with ambulatory surgery centers and associated ASC management companies.
Are there any healthcare trends you’re seeing that are shaping client demands or hiring priorities?
The need continues to be strongest for staff level and middle management recruitment (Nurse Manager and Nurse Director level). As organizational charts are being reviewed, more healthcare companies are going to regional VP and C-Suite leadership models which reduces the number of high-level leadership openings; however, day-to-day management and direct patient care is still a need.
What advice would you give a healthcare organization considering a partnership with Green Key for the first time?
I recommend giving us a shot at tackling any niche, thorn in your side, opening. Our team is composed of experienced Recruiters with a combined 40+ years of experience in healthcare recruitment specifically. We are confident that you’ll be impressed with the quality of candidates you receive from our focused team!