Operational Excellence Engineer 2

Position Summary

The Operational Excellence Engineer II at Emory Healthcare plays a key role in driving continuous improvement initiatives across the organization. This advanced-level position focuses on optimizing healthcare systems, enhancing patient outcomes, and supporting cross-functional teams with process improvement projects. With a solid foundation in Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, the Engineer II independently manages moderate-to-complex projects and serves as a knowledgeable resource on best practices for operational efficiency and quality improvement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Process Improvement Projects

• Lead and support moderate-to-complex projects to enhance healthcare systems and operational efficiency.
• Utilize a structured methodology to analyze localized systems and processes, recommend improvements, and coordinate change implementation through individual and team facilitation.

Advanced Data Analysis

• Conduct in-depth workflow analyses, time studies, and data collection.
• Apply statistical techniques to analyze data, create advanced process maps, generate Pareto charts, pivot tables, develop run/control charts to identify trends and opportunities for improvement and establish statistical significance for causal factors.
• Access eHMR and other databases to modify established reports for analysis.

Lean & Six Sigma Facilitation

• Act as a mentor and resource for departments implementing Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Provide guidance on Daily Management Systems, A3 problem solving, and advanced Lean concepts such as kaizen and value stream mapping.

Project Management & Planning

• Independently manage project timelines, resources, and milestones for process improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with leadership and stakeholders to define project goals, scope, and deliverables, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.

Productivity & Performance Review

• Conduct comprehensive reviews of departmental productivity and operational performance.
• Identify root causes of inefficiencies and escalate findings to responsible roles, offering actionable recommendations for improvement.

Reporting & Communication

• Develop and present detailed reports, dashboards, and presentations for leadership and department stakeholders.
• Communicate project progress, challenges, and outcomes effectively to cross-functional teams and executive leadership.

Research & Innovation

• Research industry best practices and emerging trends in healthcare operational excellence.
• Propose innovative solutions and improvements that enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of Emory Healthcare’s processes.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Healthcare Administration, Business, or a related field.

Experience

• 3-5 years of experience in process improvement, engineering, or operations, preferably in a healthcare environment.

Skills

• Proficient in Process Improvement methodologies with a demonstrated ability to apply these concepts in complex settings.
• Strong analytical and statistical skills, with experience in data analysis tools such as Excel, Tableau, Minitab, or similar software.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to independently manage multiple projects and prioritize effectively.
• Advanced communication and interpersonal skills, with experience presenting to leadership and cross-functional teams.

Competencies

Leadership

• Demonstrated ability to lead projects and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams at all organizational levels.

Critical Thinking

• Advanced problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify root causes, develop actionable insights, and implement sustainable improvements.

Adaptability

• Comfortable managing change in a dynamic healthcare environment and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Results-Oriented

• Proven track record of delivering measurable improvements in operational efficiency, patient outcomes, and resource utilization.

Preferred Qualifications

Education

• Master's degree preferred.

Certifications

• Lean and/or Six Sigma Green Belt certification preferred.