Manager of Innovation and Optimization- Patient Access Organization

Description UCLA Health runs and operates over 200 outpatient clinics located in Southern California with over 3,000,000 outpatient encounters annually. Working under the direction of the Director of Scheduling Pathways and Technology within the Patient Access Organization (PAO), the Manager of Innovation and Optimization provides strategic and operational leadership that enhances access, optimizes performance, and drives innovation across UCLA Health's ambulatory enterprise. This role leads a multidisciplinary team of Access Improvement Specialists, Senior Project Managers, and Workflow Analysts to design and deliver scalable scheduling solutions that improve patient and agent experiences, strengthen operational efficiency, and enable enterprise transformation. Core responsibilities include: Lead new clinic onboarding, workflow redesigns, expanding digital scheduling capabilities, and advancing technology-enabled improvements. Foster a goal-oriented, collaborative environment that promotes effective problem-solving, advancing the PAO mission to ensure timely, convenient, and equitable access for all patients and communities served by UCLA Health. Drive enterprise scheduling strategy, establishes governance and performance standards, defines key performance indicators, and ensures alignment with digital access initiatives and enterprise operational goals. $50.62- $112.31 Qualifications Bachelor's degree in business, Healthcare Administration, Public Health or related field. Minimum 8 years of experience in healthcare operations Lean Six Sigma Certification Experience in ambulatory or patient access operations within a health system Experience with business applications management (e.g., Epic, Salesforce) Provide experience and strong understanding of information technology specific to patient access workflows; understanding of access‑related system configuration, upholding change control practices, and leveraging technology to promote standard workflow. Demonstrated strategic problem‑solving skills Ability to make data informed decisions in order to facilitate workflow improvements. Demonstrated change management skills Excellent project management skills Ability to organize and prioritize workload to meet deadlines Ability to coach and mentor team to achieve their highest potential Likes to stay current on all contact center technology through program attendance, networking with peers in professional organizations, and other avenues Builds strong, trust‑based relationships across clinical, operational, and IT teams to drive alignment and shared ownership of access priorities. Demonstrates high emotional intelligence, navigating differing perspectives with professionalism, diplomacy, and a commitment to collaborative solutions. Facilitates effective communication across stakeholders by ensuring clarity of objectives, timelines, and responsibilities throughout initiatives. Proactively shares information, delivers constructive feedback, and ensures team and partners are well‑informed and aligned on priorities and outcomes. Ability to perform role with minimal supervision, notice, or direction to identify and resolve problems and meet performance goals #J-18808-Ljbffr University of California - Los Angeles Health