Process Improvement Coach

First National Bank of Omaha•Omaha, NE

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Associate, Continuous Improvement – Banking is an individual contributor who leads process improvement initiatives and drives operational efficiency within FNBO’s Banking division. The role independently identifies operational gaps, designs solutions, and implements improvements that enhance effectiveness while maintaining appropriate risk controls. It requires expertise in continuous improvement methodologies and collaboration across functions to deliver measurable results. The position leads improvement projects, coaches team members as they adopt new ways of thinking and working, and serves as a resource for continuous improvement methods and best practices. The role applies operational excellence methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, and PDCA to improve quality, delivery, productivity, cost, customer experience, and employee experience. It also integrates banking regulations and compliance requirements into process design, partners with Risk and Compliance to validate changes, and documents controls for audit and examination readiness. The incumbent leads projects from assessment through implementation, develops project plans and communication materials, facilitates workshops, creates training, and supports change adoption and sustained improvements. The position builds continuous improvement capabilities through hands-on coaching, supports leaders and teams in developing problem-solving skills, and collaborates with Operations, Risk, Compliance, and Technology teams. The anticipated work arrangement is hybrid: three days per week of in-person collaboration and two remote days, subject to change based on business needs. Candidates must have unrestricted work authorization and must not require future sponsorship.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Operations Management, or a related field.
5–7 years of experience in operational excellence, process improvement, banking operations, or related areas.
Demonstrated success leading process improvement projects and delivering measurable results.
Working knowledge of banking regulations and compliance requirements.
Strong analytical skills, including the ability to analyze data and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
Proven project management skills and experience leading cross-functional initiatives.
Proficiency in process improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or similar.
Expertise in scientific problem solving and group facilitation.
Ability to coordinate activities supporting multiple implementations and teams.
Ability to work independently, manage ambiguity, and adapt to changing circumstances.
Strong influencing, interpersonal, and trust-building skills; compassion, empathy, and self-awareness.
Experience guiding meaningful change in a diverse environment while remaining positive and persistent in the face of adversity.
Ability to explain difficult or sensitive information clearly, build consensus, facilitate workshops, and evaluate technology solutions in partnership with IT.
Unrestricted work authorization and no need for future sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
Professional certifications such as Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt, PMP, or related credentials.
Continuous improvement project management experience in financial services or regulated environments.
Experience with banking technology platforms and automation tools.
Experience implementing process improvements in financial services or regulated environments.

Responsibilities

Identify and scope potential continuous improvement initiatives within Banking.
Advise decision makers on initiative feasibility and projected impact and effort.
Lead process improvement projects using operational excellence methodologies, including Lean and Six Sigma.
Map and analyze processes to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement.
Design and implement streamlined workflows that improve efficiency while maintaining risk controls.
Use Lean, Six Sigma, PDCA, and other methodologies to improve quality, delivery, productivity, cost, customer experience, and employee experience.
Develop and track metrics and KPIs to measure process effectiveness and improvement outcomes.
Create standardized work processes and documentation to sustain improvements.
Facilitate value stream mapping sessions with cross-functional teams.
Partner with IT and automation teams to identify opportunities for technology enablement.
Apply banking regulations and compliance knowledge to operational processes and process improvements.
Partner with Risk and Compliance to validate regulatory requirements for process changes and document controls and procedures for audit readiness.
Lead improvement projects from assessment through implementation; develop project plans, timelines, and communication materials.
Facilitate workshops and working sessions to gather requirements and build stakeholder consensus.
Create training materials and conduct training sessions to support adoption of new processes.
Coordinate multiple implementations and teams, adapting to project changes involving scope, schedule, workflow, or systems and processes.
Incorporate change management strategies and build stakeholder engagement and readiness to support adoption and sustainability.
Support daily management practices, such as huddles and visual management, as appropriate.
Coach leaders and team members in continuous improvement mindsets, skills, behaviors, root cause analysis, and problem-solving methodologies.
Serve as a resource and advisor on process improvement methodologies and best practices.
Foster continuous improvement culture and employee engagement in identifying and implementing improvements.
Build relationships across Operations, Risk, Compliance, and Technology teams; research and share industry best practices.