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The Operational Excellence Specialist I supports process improvement initiatives aimed at optimizing healthcare systems and enhancing patient outcomes across Emory Healthcare. Working under the guidance of Operational Excellence leadership, this entry-level role assists with identifying improvement opportunities, applying foundational Lean, Six Sigma, and PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act) methodologies, and supporting cross-functional teams in achieving operational performance goals.

This role contributes to improvement projects through data collection, workflow analysis, and project coordination, while helping departments build capabilities in continuous improvement practices.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Support

• Assist with the execution of targeted process improvement projects designed to enhance healthcare operations and service delivery.

• Support departments in applying basic Lean, Six Sigma, and PDSA methodologies to identify and address operational challenges.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement process improvements and operational solutions.

Data Collection and Analysis

• Conduct workflow analyses, time studies, and operational observations for improvement initiatives.

• Collect and organize data related to operational performance and project outcomes.

• Develop basic analytical outputs including:

  • Process maps

  • Pareto charts

  • Pivot tables

  • Run charts and control charts.

• Access eHMR and other organizational databases to retrieve data required for project analysis.

Improvement Methodology Support

• Provide foundational support to teams learning process improvement methodologies.

• Reinforce operational improvement practices including:

  • Daily Management Systems

  • A3 problem solving

  • Gemba walks.

• Assist clinical and operational partners in applying improvement tools to real-world operational challenges.

Entry-Level Project Management

• Assist with project planning and coordination, including timeline tracking and milestone monitoring.

• Support preparation for project meetings, including research and documentation.

• Compile findings and insights to support development of evidence-based solutions.

Productivity and Process Review

• Conduct preliminary productivity and operational process reviews at the department level.

• Identify improvement opportunities and escalate findings to Operational Excellence leadership as appropriate.

• Provide general operational support to department management and project teams.

Reporting and Documentation

• Generate reports, dashboards, and data summaries related to improvement projects.

• Track project progress and maintain documentation related to project milestones, results, and challenges.

• Communicate project updates to leadership and stakeholders as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Bachelor’s degree in one of the following or a related field:

• Healthcare Administration

• Business Administration

• Industrial Engineering

• Public Health

• Or a related discipline.

Experience

• One (1) to three (3) years of experience in operations, process improvement, or project support.

• Experience within a healthcare environment preferred.

Preferred Certification

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

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic knowledge of process improvement methodologies, including Lean, Six Sigma, and PDSA.

• Proficiency in data collection and analysis, including use of Microsoft Excel and similar tools.

• Ability to create process maps, workflow analyses, and operational improvement recommendations.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present findings to small groups and project teams.

• Strong collaboration skills and ability to work effectively across multiple departments.

• High attention to detail and accuracy in data collection, analysis, and reporting.

Core Competencies

Analytical Thinking

Ability to identify patterns, analyze data, and develop data-driven insights to support improvement initiatives.

Collaboration

Demonstrated ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams to support project implementation and organizational goals.

Continuous Improvement Mindset

Commitment to learning and applying Lean and Six Sigma principles to drive operational excellence.

Attention to Detail

Maintains a high level of accuracy and consistency in data analysis, documentation, and reporting.

h level of accuracy in data collection, analysis, and reporting.

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 careers@emoryhealthcare.org. Please note that one week's advance notice is preferred.