Continuous Improvement Manager

Cencora; Oregon (IL); Hybrid; USD 86,000 - 124,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative company is seeking a passionate Manager to lead continuous improvement initiatives in the healthcare supply chain. This role focuses on enhancing quality and efficiency through data-driven strategies and methodologies like Lean and Six Sigma. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership and project management skills, with a proven track record in driving customer-centric solutions. Join a team dedicated to creating healthier futures and make a meaningful impact in the lives of people and animals. If you are ready to embrace change and foster a culture of excellence, this opportunity is for you.

Benefits

Comprehensive Benefits

Training and Professional Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• 3+ years of project management experience in healthcare.
• Lean methodologies expertise with Black Belt or Green Belt certification.

Responsibilities

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance customer satisfaction.
• Manage change management strategies for effective transitions.
• Mentor team members to foster a culture of learning.

Skills

Leadership Skills

Project Management

Change Management

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in a Related Field

Certified Black Belt

Certified Green Belt

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Our team members are at the heart of everything we do. At Cencora, we are united in our responsibility to create healthier futures, and every person here is essential to us being able to deliver on that purpose. If you want to make a difference at the center of health, come join our innovative company and help us improve the lives of people and animals everywhere. Apply today!

Job Details

Please note: Interested candidates must be located on the Western Coast of the United States, in either Pacific or Mountain Standard Time.

The Manager works closely with business leaders to develop a strategy and plan for continuous improvement by leveraging methodologies and best practices that drive execution of successful customer-centric strategies across our business. This role is responsible for improving quality and efficiency measured through customer satisfaction and loyalty across all customer segments. This individual is well grounded in the healthcare supply chain environment, is consciously aware of the changes in the industry, has a passion for customer-centricity, the associate experience, and the ability to drive toward Cencora's vision. In addition, demonstrates sufficient experience to be able to plan for and create a culture of excellence in the company.

Key Responsibilities

1. Continuous Improvement & Execution (50%)

• Utilize Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and process mining tools to streamline workflows, identify inefficiencies, and analyze data for improvement opportunities.
• Understand business needs and objectives to develop practical data analysis and reporting strategies, extracting and transforming raw data into actionable insights.
• Apply industry knowledge to improve performance.
• Manage a portfolio of continuous improvement projects, ensuring they stay on track, meet deadlines, and align with strategic goals.
• Identify process improvement opportunities across departments, oversee planning and execution, and ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to quality standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure initiatives align with business needs and priorities, maintaining transparent communication on progress, challenges, and results.
• Apply Lean, Six Sigma, or Total Quality Management methodologies to analyze and improve processes, ensuring operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Design and implement sustainable process improvements, reducing rework and cycle times while enhancing quality.
• Develop and execute countermeasures to address process gaps, verifying the effectiveness of solutions.
• Regularly collect and analyze performance data to measure the impact of initiatives and identify future improvement opportunities.
• Utilize structured, data-driven problem-solving methodologies to identify root causes and implement long-term solutions.
• Develop key project artifacts, including charters, baseline/project metrics, data collection plans, pilot plans, control plans, and training materials.
• Establish performance dashboards and reporting metrics to track the effectiveness of improvement initiatives.
• Facilitate medium-to-large (10+) group meetings and workshops on advanced continuous improvement topics.

Change Management (30%)

• Develop and execute change management strategies to help teams adapt to new processes, technologies, and ways of working.
• Prepare and support individuals and teams through organizational transitions by providing detailed action plans, timelines, resources, and milestones.
• Establish support systems to assist employees before, during, and after changes are implemented.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and successful execution of change initiatives.
• Identify and proactively address resistance to change among employees and stakeholders.
• Act as a change agent, leveraging facilitation skills to guide cultural transformation and foster acceptance.
• Model and promote a positive approach to change, encouraging innovation and adaptability.

Mentoring/Training (20%)

• Serve as a mentor to team members across the organization, including those outside direct reporting lines.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation, encouraging creative problem-solving.
• Facilitate knowledge-sharing sessions to enable teams to learn from each other's experiences and insights.
• Lead or participate in cross-functional initiatives, ensuring seamless collaboration between departments.
• Demonstrate strong leadership by fostering unity, shared purpose, and professional development within the team.

Education and Experience

• Minimum of 3 years directly related project management experience.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a related field.
• Certified Black Belt (preferred) or Green Belt (required) with expertise in Lean methodologies.
• Experience in healthcare services environment preferred.
• Experience with major process improvement and change initiatives strongly preferred.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong leadership, interpersonal, organizational, and change management skills.
• Proven project management skills with a track record in quality and operational improvements.
• Ability to resolve complex problems and initiate needed changes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and related tools.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to influence, negotiate, and resolve conflicts effectively.
• Positive, team-oriented attitude with leadership capabilities.

What Cencora Offers

We provide comprehensive benefits focusing on physical, emotional, financial, and social wellness, along with training and professional development opportunities. For more details, visit https://www.virtualfairhub.com/cencora.

Additional Details

Salary Range*: $86,500 - 123,860

*This range reflects the national average; actual may vary based on location. State-specific variations may apply.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Cencora is committed to diversity and inclusion. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities during the employment process. For requests, contact 888.692.2272 or [e-mail].