SHS-OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE SPECIALIST

Sparrow • Grand Rapids, MI

3d

About The Position

The Operational Excellence team supports the University of Michigan Health Regional Network. Reporting to the Chief of Staff to the Regional President, the Operational Excellence Specialist drives operational improvement initiatives throughout the organization. The specialist applies, teaches, and coaches process improvement methodologies, tools, and techniques, helping establish a culture of daily improvement across departments and patient care settings to support consistent, efficient care delivery. The role collaborates with organizational leaders to coordinate rapid improvement events, manage and monitor executive-driven metrics, and drive meaningful change to improve patient care. The position can be based in Lansing or Grand Rapids.

Requirements

• At least 1 year of relevant experience in continuous improvement, operational excellence, or healthcare-related roles.
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, healthcare administration, engineering, a clinical field, or a related field.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to promote openness to change using evidence and influencing skills.
• Knowledge of and strength with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to remain positive and persistent in the face of resistance to change.
• Strong leadership skills.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in healthcare administration, business administration, engineering, or a clinical discipline.
• Experience conducting continuous improvement training.
• Experience with analytical tools for data analysis or mathematical modeling.
• Lean certification, Six Sigma certification, quality improvement certification, financial professional certification, and/or current clinical licensure.

Responsibilities

• Use process improvement, project management, and change leadership methodologies to drive, implement, and sustain process improvements throughout the University of Michigan Health Regional Network.
• Partner with assigned operational and clinical areas to identify, guide, coach, implement, and measure departmental improvement needs in alignment with strategic goals and objectives.
• Develop project goals, prioritize deliverables, discuss business-process involvement such as change management and communication, and facilitate decisions needed for project delivery.
• Partner with Senior Operational Excellence Specialists on complex executive initiatives to champion projects, drive results, and promote a continuous improvement culture.
• Maintain a customer-oriented focus in process improvements and determine key drivers of an exceptional patient experience.
• Coordinate rapid improvement events and manage and monitor executive-driven metrics.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level