The Operational Excellence Specialist III at Emory Healthcare is a senior-level role responsible for leading high-impact, cross-functional process improvement initiatives that directly contribute to enhanced patient care, operational efficiency, and cost reduction.
This role involves managing complex projects, serving as a strategic advisor on operational improvements, and mentoring junior team members.
The Specialist III will leverage advanced process improvement methodologies such as Lean and Six Sigma to identify and execute improvements across departments, facilitating a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization
Leadership in Process Improvement:
- Lead and manage high-impact, complex projects focused on optimizing healthcare systems and workflows, enhancing patient outcomes, and driving organizational efficiency
- Apply advanced Lean, Six Sigma, and PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act) methodologies to tackle cross-departmental challenges
Strategic Data Analysis:
- Conduct sophisticated data analysis using statistical and analytical tools to assess operational performance, identify process bottlenecks, and pinpoint areas for improvement
- Develop advanced control charts, predictive models, and comprehensive performance dashboards
- Utilize advanced techniques to access eHMR database system and retrieve custom reports and metrics
Mentorship and Training:
- Serve as a mentor and resource to junior Specialists and staff members on Lean, Six Sigma, and PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act) principles, project management, and analytical techniques
- Provide training on complex concepts, including value stream mapping, process reengineering, and advanced root cause analysis
Project Management & Execution:
- Lead all aspects of project management, from initial planning and stakeholder alignment to implementation and post-project evaluation
- Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and align with Emory Healthcare's strategic goals
Operational Assessment & Productivity Review:
- Conduct in-depth assessments of departmental productivity and operational efficiency
- Identify root causes of inefficiencies, develop actionable recommendations, and partner with departments to implement sustainable solutions
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Act as a liaison between departments, facilitating cross-functional teams to identify and execute improvement initiatives that align with organizational priorities
- Collaborate with clinical and administrative leaders to drive best practices in operational excellence
Reporting & Communication to Senior Leadership:
- Develop and present executive-level reports, analyses, and project outcomes
- Effectively communicate project progress, impact, and value to senior leadership and stakeholders
Innovation & Continuous Improvement:
- Research and implement cutting-edge operational improvement strategies and industry best practices
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives that build a sustainable culture of operational excellence across Emory Healthcare
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration, Business, or a related field. Master's degree strongly preferred
- Experience: 5-7 years of experience in process improvement or operations, with a minimum of 3 years in a healthcare environment
- Proven experience in leading complex projects with measurable impact
- Certifications: Lean and/or Six Sigma Black Belt certification preferred
- Additional certifications in project management or process improvement methodologies preferred
Skills:
- Advanced expertise in Process Improvement methodologies, with a proven ability to apply these concepts to complex, large-scale projects
- Proficient in data analysis and visualization tools, including Excel, Tableau, Power BI, Minitab, or other statistical software
- Strong project management skills, capable of independently managing multiple high-impact projects
- Access eHMR and other databases to modify established reports for analysis
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with experience interacting with executive leadership and cross-functional teams
Competencies:
- Strategic Leadership: Ability to influence and guide high-level process improvement initiatives with a focus on strategic alignment with organizational goals
- Analytical Excellence: Expert in data analysis, with a proven ability to use analytics to drive decision-making and continuous improvement
- Mentorship & Collaboration: Skilled at mentoring and leading junior team members, and at fostering collaboration across departments
- Results-Oriented: Demonstrated success in delivering substantial improvements in quality, efficiency, and patient outcomes in a healthcare setting