Data-Driven Operational Excellence Partner

Standard Insurance; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) plan

Annual bonus

Paid time off

Parental leave

Volunteer hours

Job summary

The Standard is seeking an Operational Excellence Partner in Portland, OR to lead cross-functional improvement initiatives and partner with business leaders to drive measurable outcomes. You will coach teams, map processes, and apply data-driven problem solving to standardize work and raise organizational capability.

Travel is required for planning, team building, and conferences. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree and 3–5 years of experience in process improvement, with Lean and Six

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree is required in a related field.
• 3–5 years of progressive experience in process improvement or operational excellence.
• Experience applying continuous improvement tools and methodologies (standard work, process mapping, A3, 5S, root cause analysis, data-driven metrics).
• Lean and/or Six Sigma certification preferred.
• Experience in group insurance, financial services, or a similar industry preferred.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate training and coaching on continuous improvement methodologies, tools, and best practices to build organizational capability and foster a culture of operational excellence.
• Identify, analyze, and implement opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, and operational results through process mapping, root cause analysis, data analysis, and structured problem-solving techniques.
• Partner with leaders to establish key performance metrics, enhance visual management systems, and strengthen routines such as huddles, leader standard work, and performance reviews.
• Work closely with business partners and support teams to share best practices, solve complex problems, standardize processes, and drive continuous improvement initiatives that support organizational goals.
• This role requires traveling annually for planning purposes, team building, or conferences.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Process mapping

Root cause analysis

Data-driven decision making

Change management

Agile familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree in Quality Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field

Tools

5S

A3 problem solving

Visual management

Job description

The Standard is seeking an Operational Excellence Partner in Portland, OR to lead cross-functional improvement initiatives and partner with business leaders to drive measurable outcomes. You will coach teams, map processes, and apply data-driven problem solving to standardize work and raise organizational capability.

Travel is required for planning, team building, and conferences. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree and 3–5 years of experience in process improvement, with Lean and Six