Process Improvement Specialist III

Process Improvement Specialist

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.

Essential Job 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.
• We'll embrace all people by:
• Treating everyone with dignity and respect.
• Opening more doors to opportunity for others to succeed.
• Growing talent and people.
• Ensuring a welcoming experience for all we serve, regardless of origin, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status.
• Taking action against discrimination.
• Honoring our differences and how we collaborate.
• Educating staff, patients and the communities we care for.
• Restoring hope and freedom, together.

Customer Service Responsibilities

Demonstrate excellent customer service and standards of behaviors as well as encourages, coaches, and monitors the same in team members. This individual should consistently promote teamwork and direct communication with co-workers and deal discretely and sensitively with confidential information.

Responsibilities in Quality Improvement

Contribute by identifying problems and seeking solutions. Promote patient/family satisfaction where possible; participates in departmental efforts to monitor and report customer service.

Essential Job Qualifications

• 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.

Key Expectations

• 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.

Preferred Job Qualifications

• 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.

Physical Requirements for Essential Job Qualification

• Remain in a stationary position: Majority
• Traverse or move around work location: Occasionally
• Use keyboard: Frequently
• Receive and communicate information and ideas for understanding: Frequently
• Transport, position, and/or exert force: Up to 10 pounds: Occasionally

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Talent Acquisition team.

Mary Free Bed is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, genetic information, veteran status, disability or other legally protected characteristic.