Director – Operational Excellence Hospital Process Improvement

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At Emory Healthcare we fuel your professional journey with better benefits, valuable resources, ongoing mentorship and leadership programs for all types of jobs, and a supportive environment that enables you to reach new heights in your career and be what you want to be.  We provide:

• Comprehensive health benefits that start day 1
• Student Loan Repayment Assistance & Reimbursement Programs
• Family-focused benefits
• Wellness incentives
• Ongoing mentorship, development, leadership programs...and more

Overview:

• The Director of Operational Excellence Hospital Process Improvement at Emory Healthcare will lead strategic initiatives aimed at driving operational improvements, enhancing patient outcomes, optimizing resource utilization, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement across the organization.
• This role requires a strong background in healthcare operations, a proven track record of implementing Lean Six Sigma methodologies, and the ability to work cross-functionally to develop solutions that increase efficiency and support Emory Healthcare's mission of delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Strategy Development:
  • • Collaborate with executive leadership to establish a clear vision for operational excellence across the hospital, aligning strategic goals with Emory Healthcare's overall mission and values. 
• Team Leadership & Development:
  • • Lead and mentor the hospital Process Improvement Team.
    • Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture focused on accountability, professional development, and innovation.
    • Create a culture of belonging where all team members feel included and that they can learn and thrive at Emory Healthcare.
• Change Management:
  • • Drive a culture of continuous improvement by training, coaching, and mentoring hospital staff on Lean, Six Sigma, and other operational excellence tools.
    • Facilitate change management processes to promote employee engagement and sustainment of new practices.
• Hospital-Wide Process Improvement Initiatives:
  • • Lead and manage complex, hospital-wide process improvement projects focused on eliminating waste, reducing process variation, improving patient flow, and enhancing patient safety.
    • Identify, develop, and implement best practices across departments. Present project outcomes, impact reports, and strategic recommendations to leadership, effectively communicating complex data and operational outcomes.
• System Process Improvement Initiatives:
  • • Leads and supports implementation of system driven projects and standardization efforts.
    • May lead and oversee initiatives at other sites depending on organizational need and expertise required.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  • • Partner with clinical, administrative, and operational leaders across the hospital and Emory Healthcare to identify opportunities for improvement and implement solutions that balance quality care with cost-effective practices.
• Patient-Centered Focus:
  • • Ensure all operational excellence initiatives consider and prioritize the impact on patient outcomes, experience, and safety. 
    • Data Analytics & Performance Tracking: Utilize data analytics to identify trends, measure project outcomes, and assess operational performance.
    • Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to track improvements and sustain change.
• Project and Resource Management:
  • • Develop detailed project plans, timelines, and resource allocation strategies.
    • Ensure timely execution and adherence to budget for all initiatives within the Operational Excellence portfolio.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelors degree in Industrial Engineering, Healthcare Administration, Business, or a related field required; Masters degree (MBA, MPH, or MHA) strongly preferred.

Experience:

• 10+ years of experience in process improvement, operational excellence, or healthcare operations, with at least 5 years in a leadership role overseeing complex projects.
• Experience within a hospital or health system preferred.

Certifications:

• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification preferred; additional certifications in process improvement methodologies and project management are a plus.

Skills: 

• Leadership: Strong strategic leadership skills with a proven ability to influence organizational change and cultivate a high-performance team culture. 
• Operational & Financial Acumen: In-depth understanding of healthcare operations, financial impacts of process changes, and cost-management strategies. 
• Analytical & Data-Driven: Advanced skills in data analysis, statistical tools, and performance metrics, with the ability to derive insights and drive continuous improvement.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with experience presenting complex ideas and data to executive audiences. 
• Project & Change Management: Expert in project and change management, with a track record of successfully implementing and sustaining system-wide initiatives.
• Proficient in data analysis tools and software such as Excel, Tableau, and project management software. 
• Competencies: - Leadership: Strong leadership presence, capable of inspiring and influencing teams towards operational excellence. 
• Strategic Vision & Innovation: Ability to think strategically and identify innovative solutions that drive transformative change within a healthcare setting. 
• Collaboration & Influence: Skilled in building partnerships and working collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders, including executive leadership, clinical leaders, and cross-functional teams. 
• Results-Oriented: Demonstrated ability to deliver measurable improvements in operational performance, patient outcomes, and cost savings. 
• Adaptability & Resilience: Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with the flexibility to adapt to shifting priorities and organizational needs.

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.

Emory Healthcare is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Please contact Emory Healthcare’s Human Resources at [email protected]. Please note that one week's advance notice is preferred.