Process Improvement Specialist III

Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital•Grand Rapids, MI

17h•Onsite

About The Position

The Process Improvement Specialist leads and supports continuous improvement initiatives across the Mary Free Bed system. This role focuses on aligning operational processes with organizational goals, driving efficiency, and identifying cost-saving opportunities. The Specialist collaborates with cross-functional teams to analyze workflows, model and optimize business processes, and implement best practices using Business Process Management (BPM) tools. Responsibilities include conducting data analysis, industry benchmarking, and operations research to deliver measurable improvements in quality, productivity, and patient outcomes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Business, Healthcare Administration, or related field.
At least 15+ years of experience in process improvement, quality or optimization.
Recognized Subject matter expert in Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and reporting tools.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Ability to multi-task and handle conflicting deadlines.
Strong customer service-related skills.
Ability to influence and drive change across diverse teams.
Strong commitment to organizational mission and patient-centered care.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in related field.
Certification in Six Sigma or other process improvement certifications.
Advanced training in change management, operational excellence, or organizational development.
Healthcare experience is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Maps, analyzes, and redesigns workflows to improve efficiency and eliminate redundancies.
Collects, interprets, and reports data to identify trends, measure success, and support decision-making.
Develops and implements solutions that streamline operations, reduce waste, and enhance performance.
Partners with leadership and department teams to scope, plan, and manage improvement projects from initiation to completion.
Conducts research and benchmarking analysis to identify best practices and innovative approaches.
Maintains accurate documentation of process changes and provide ongoing support for adoption.
Leads workshops and training sessions on Lean, Six Sigma, and other improvement methodologies.
Leverages Business Process Management software and other tools to model, monitor, and optimize processes.
Tracks project outcomes, ensure alignment with organizational objectives, and recommend cost-saving strategies without compromising quality or compliance.
Completes other duties as assigned.
Demonstrate excellent customer service and standards of behaviors as well as encourages, coaches, and monitors the same in team members.
Consistently promote teamwork and direct communication with co-workers and deal discretely and sensitively with confidential information.
Contribute by identifying problems and seeking solutions.
Promote patient/family satisfaction where possible; participates in departmental efforts to monitor and report customer service.
Partners with executives to identify and prioritize strategic transformation opportunities.
Coaches directors, vice presidents, and executive leaders on performance improvement and organizational change.
Leads large-scale, multi-year initiatives that impact system-wide quality, financial performance, patient experience, and operational effectiveness.
Develops enterprise continuous improvement capabilities and training programs.
Creates and standardizes methodologies, tools, and governance structures across the organization.
Sponsors and mentors improvement practitioners throughout the health system.
Drives a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.