Program Manager - High Reliability Organization

Essentia Health • Duluth, MN

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The High Reliability Organization Program Manager leads the enterprise‑wide design, deployment, and sustainment of High Reliability Organization (HRO) principles across the health system, including hospitals, ambulatory practices, and ancillary services. This role partners with system executives, hospital and ambulatory leadership, physician and nursing leaders, and frontline teams to create consistent, standardized approaches to patient safety, quality, and operational reliability. The Program Manager drives culture transformation and ensures alignment with system strategy, regulatory requirements, and accreditation standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, nursing, or a related healthcare field
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a healthcare setting, with specific experience in project management and change management
• Strong communication, leadership, and analytical skills
• Working knowledge of medical terminology, clinical processes
• Meticulous attention to detail and strong time management to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and build rapport

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in healthcare administration, nursing, business administration or public health
• Certified Professional Patient Safety (CPPS)
• Understanding of reliability concepts (HRO Principles, Lean, Six Sigma)
• Previous experience working in an HRO
• Experience with root cause analysis
• Current RN Licensure

Responsibilities

• Build and sustain a culture of safety, emphasizing zero preventable harm.
• Operationalize HRO principles (preoccupation with failure, reluctance to simplify, sensitivity to operations, commitment to resilience, and deference to expertise) within patient care workflows
• Lead and manage the organization’s High Reliability strategy and multi-year roadmap across clinical and operational settings
• Partner with executive leadership, medical staff, nursing, and operational leaders to integrate high reliability behaviors into daily clinical practice
• Design and deliver education, training, and coaching for leaders, clinicians, and staff on high reliability, patient safety, human factors, and error prevention tools
• Lead quality improvement initiatives, managing complex processes to minimize harm and strengthen the learning system.
• Lead cross functional performance improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, or other improvement methodologies
• Monitor program performance and report outcomes, metrics, and progress to senior leadership and governance committees
• Serve as an internal consultant and subject matter expert on high reliability, safety culture, and patient safety science
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards (e.g., The Joint Commission, CMS, state and federal requirements

Benefits

• At Essentia Health, we’re committed to supporting your well-being, growth, and work-life balance. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, along with supplemental options to fit your needs.
• We offer a 401(k) plan with employer contributions to help you plan for the future, and we invest in your professional development through training, tuition reimbursement, and educational programs.
• To help you thrive both at work and at home, we provide flexible scheduling, generous time off, and wellness resources focused on your physical, mental, and emotional health.
• Please note that benefit eligibility may vary.
• For full details, refer to your benefit summary or contact our HR Service Center at [phone].

What This Job Offers

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