The Operational Excellence Engineer II plays a key role in driving continuous improvement initiatives across Emory Healthcare. This advanced-level position focuses on optimizing healthcare systems, enhancing patient outcomes, and supporting cross-functional teams on 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.
Key Responsibilities
Process Improvement & Project Leadership
- Lead and support moderate-to-complex projects to enhance healthcare systems and operational efficiency
- Apply a structured methodology to analyze localized systems and processes, recommend improvements, and coordinate change implementation through individual and team facilitation
- 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
Data Analysis & Reporting
- Conduct in-depth workflow analyses, time studies, and data collection
- Apply statistical techniques to analyze data, build advanced process maps, generate Pareto charts and pivot tables, and develop run/control charts to identify trends, surface improvement opportunities, and establish statistical significance for causal factors
- Access eHMR and other databases to modify established reports for analysis
- 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
Lean & Six Sigma Facilitation
- Serve 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
Performance Review & Innovation
- Conduct comprehensive reviews of departmental productivity and operational performance
- Identify root causes of inefficiencies, escalate findings to responsible roles, and offer actionable recommendations for improvement
- Research industry best practices and emerging trends in healthcare operational excellence
- Propose innovative solutions that enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of Emory Healthcare's processes
Required Skills & Abilities
- Proficiency 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
Core 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
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Healthcare Administration, Business, or a related field
- 3–5 years of experience in process improvement, engineering, or operations
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree
- Lean and/or Six Sigma Green Belt certification
- Experience in a healthcare environment