Process Improvement Leader EGH

The Process Improvement Advisor reports to the Vice President of Operations or designee, with a dotted-line reporting relationship to the Vice President of Process Improvement at Beacon Health System. This role serves as a subject matter expert for process improvement at the assigned Beacon entity, supporting operations, the Vice President of Operations at Elkhart General Hospital, and the Vice President of Process Improvement at Beacon Health System in advancing Beacon's enterprise-wide One Beacon operational excellence strategy.

The Advisor is responsible for managing and facilitating process improvement initiatives that deliver measurable outcomes across clinical, operational, business, and regulatory domains. Acting as a strategic partner and change agent at the hospital level, the Advisor leads through influence, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making.

This role also trains and supports others in process improvement methodologies to build sustainable capabilities at Elkhart General Hospital, while contributing to systemwide projects as directed.

MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Leads strategic process improvement initiatives by:

• Partnering with hospital and health system leadership to drive the operational execution of Beacon's strategic missions.
• Partnering with hospital and health system leadership, medical staff, and cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for improvement aligned to Beacon's operational excellence priorities.
• Leading hospital-based projects that improve patient outcomes, including infection prevention, patient safety, length of stay, readmissions, and patient experience.
• Driving operational and business efficiency initiatives such as patient throughput, surgical services optimization, staffing models, supply chain, finance, revenue cycle, and administrative processes.
• Using Lean Six Sigma methodologies, statistical analysis, and problem-solving tools to identify root causes, implement solutions, and sustain results.
• Defining clear, measurable metrics for each initiative and reporting hospital-level progress to leadership and committees.
• Supporting enterprise initiatives at the hospital level.

Builds capability and culture by:

• Delivering entity-level training and education sessions on The Beacon Operating System, Lean methodologies, A3 thinking, problem solving methodologies, Rapid Improvement Events, and use of data.
• Coaching frontline managers, directors, and hospital senior leaders in process improvement methods.
• Facilitating Rapid Improvement Events and supporting A3 problem-solving efforts.
• Serving as an advisor to key hospital committees (Quality, Safety, Operations) by providing data and PI expertise.
• Assisting departments in creating monitoring tools (dashboards, scorecards, audits) to sustain results, while ensuring ownership remains with operational leaders.
• Building collaborative relationships with staff, physicians, and hospital leaders to foster engagement in improvement initiatives.

Ensures process improvement sustainability and compliance by:

• Supporting survey readiness and accreditation compliance through documentation and reliable processes.
• Promoting the use of data and analytics in daily operations to sustain improvements.
• Identifying waste and recommending value-focused improvements to maximize hospital resources.
• Remaining open to adopting and supporting new tools and practices, including future technologies introduced by system leadership.
• Completing other assignments and special projects as directed by hospital and health system leadership.
• Ensures smooth transition of process improvement changes to operations utilizing the Beacon Operating System

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Commitment to Beacon's six-point Operating System, referred to as The Beacon Way:

• Leverage innovation everywhere.
• Cultivate human talent.
• Embrace performance improvement.
• Build greatness through accountability.
• Use information to improve and advance.
• Communicate clearly and continuously.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree required, Industrial Engineering or similar field preferred.
• 1 to 3 years of experience in process improvement in a healthcare system; 1 to 3 years of operations experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience using the following: value stream analysis and/or value stream mapping, problem solving methodologies (e.g. A3 thinking, PDSA, DMAIC), control charts, and an understanding of Cp/Cpk.
• Licensure/Certification
• Lean Six Sigma certification preferred.
• Ongoing professional development in process improvement expected (training, workshops, professional associations).

Knowledge & Skills

• Demonstrated ability to lead hospital-based process improvement initiatives with measurable outcomes.
• Strong skills in statistical analysis, data visualization, and presenting findings to multiple audiences.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills utilizing industry acumen.
• Effective facilitator and trainer, with experience coaching staff and leaders in PI approaches (experience with A3 and Rapid Improvement Events preferred but not required).
• Strong problem-solving, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages to leadership, committees, and frontline teams.
• Emotional intelligence and ability to influence without authority.
• Ability to analyze complex hospital processes and translate them into clear, standardized practices.
• Resilient, adaptable, and able to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities.
• Proficiency with data and reporting tools (Excel, statistical software, business intelligence platforms), and open to adopting new technologies as introduced.

Working Conditions

• Office and hospital environment with regular interaction across clinical and non-clinical settings.
• Occasional system travel required when supporting enterprise initiatives at the direction of leadership.

Physical Demands

• Requires the physical ability and stamina to perform essential duties.