Process Improvement Coach

First National Bank•Omaha, NE

3d•$81,662 - $134,741•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Associate, Continuous Improvement – Banking is an individual contributor who leads process improvement initiatives and drives operational efficiency within the Banking division. The role independently identifies operational gaps, designs solutions, and implements improvements that strengthen operational effectiveness while maintaining appropriate risk controls. It requires expertise in continuous improvement methodologies and the ability to collaborate across functions to deliver measurable results. The position leads 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 leads operational excellence initiatives from assessment through implementation, including process mapping, analysis, workflow design, and development of metrics and standardized documentation. It integrates banking regulations, risk controls, and compliance requirements into process changes, and partners with Risk, Compliance, Technology, IT, and operational leaders. It also supports implementation and adoption through project planning, stakeholder engagement, communication, training, change management, and daily management practices. The position builds continuous improvement capability and a culture of problem-solving through hands-on coaching and facilitation.

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.
Passion and drive to create a culture of continuous improvement.
Demonstrated expertise in scientific problem solving and group facilitation.
Ability to coordinate activities supporting multiple implementations and teams.
Self-starter who can manage ambiguity, work independently, and adapt to changing circumstances.
Strong influencing, interpersonal, and trust-building skills; compassionate, empathetic, and highly self-aware.
Proven experience guiding meaningful change in a diverse environment and remaining positive and persistent in the face of adversity.
Expert knowledge of process mapping, analysis, and improvement methodologies.
Ability to explain difficult or sensitive information clearly and build consensus among stakeholders.
Ability to lead workshops and working sessions to gather input and drive decision-making.
Comfort evaluating technology solutions and partnering with IT teams.
Ability to achieve results through collaboration and influence rather than direct authority.
Unrestricted work authorization with 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 and advise decision makers on feasibility, projected impact, and effort.
Lead process improvement projects using Lean, Six Sigma, PDCA, and other operational excellence methodologies.
Conduct process mapping and analysis to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement.
Design and implement streamlined workflows that improve efficiency while maintaining appropriate risk controls.
Use improvement 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.
Collaborate with IT and automation partners to identify opportunities for technology enablement.
Apply knowledge of banking regulations and partner with Risk and Compliance teams to validate that process changes meet regulatory requirements.
Document control points and procedures to support audit and examination readiness.
Lead assigned improvement projects from assessment through implementation, developing project plans, timelines, and communication materials.
Facilitate workshops and working sessions to gather requirements, build consensus, and support decision-making.
Create training materials and conduct training sessions to support adoption of new processes.
Adapt to changes in project scope, schedule, workflow, and system or process optimization needs.
Coordinate activities supporting multiple implementations and teams.
Incorporate change management strategies, build stakeholder engagement and readiness, and ensure improvements are sustained.
Support implementation of daily management practices, such as huddles and visual management, where appropriate.
Coach leaders and team members in continuous improvement mindsets, skills, behaviors, tools, root cause analysis, and problem-solving methodologies.
Serve as a resource and advisor to colleagues on process improvement methodologies and best practices.
Partner with operational leaders to assess processes and recommend improvement opportunities.
Build relationships across Operations, Risk, Compliance, and Technology teams.
Research industry best practices and share insights with the team.
Support development of operational excellence capabilities and employee engagement in identifying and implementing improvements.