Operational Excellence Specialist II

Emory•Atlanta, GA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Operational Excellence Specialist 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 Specialist II independently manages moderate-to-complex projects and serves as a knowledgeable resource on best practices for operational efficiency and quality improvement. Emory Healthcare (EHC), part of Emory University (EUV), is the most comprehensive academic health system in Georgia and the first and only in Georgia with a Magnet® designated ambulatory practice. We are made up of 11 hospitals-4 Magnet® designated, the Emory Clinic, and more than 425 provider locations. The Emory Healthcare Network, established in 2011, is the largest clinically integrated network in Georgia, with more than 3,450 physicians concentrating in 70 different subspecialties.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration, Business, or a related field.
3-5 years of experience in process improvement or operations, ideally within a healthcare setting
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
Demonstrated ability to lead projects and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams at all organizational levels
Advanced problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify root causes, develop actionable insights, and implement sustainable improvements
Comfortable managing change in a dynamic healthcare environment and fostering a culture of continuous improvement
Proven track record of delivering measurable improvements in operational efficiency, patient outcomes, and resource utilization

Nice To Haves

Master's degree preferred
Lean and/or Six Sigma Green Belt certification preferred

Responsibilities

Lead and support moderate-to-complex projects aimed at improving healthcare systems and operational efficiency
Use Lean, Six Sigma, and PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act) methodologies to streamline processes, reduce waste, and enhance patient safety and quality of care
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
Act as a mentor and resource for departments implementing process improvement methodologies
Provide guidance on Daily Management Systems, A3 problem solving, and advanced Lean concepts such as kaizen and value stream mapping
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
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
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 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