Performance Improvement Specialist

Ascension; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health coverage

Employer-matched 403(b) retirement

Paid time off and holidays

Tuition reimbursement and professional

Employee assistance program

Parental leave and family benefits

Additional insurance options

Job summary

Ascension Saint Thomas Health in Nashville, TN seeks a Quality Management professional to lead process improvement initiatives. The role emphasizes Lean Six Sigma methodologies, standardizing best practices, and breaking down silos across Middle Tennessee sites.

You will partner with executive leadership to drive metrics, implement training, and ensure continuous quality assurance and process control within a day-shift, full-time schedule.

Qualifications

• No specific credentials required.
• Preferred credentials: Lean Healthcare Mgmt., PMP, RN license where applicable.

Responsibilities

• Apply Lean Six Sigma methods to standardize practices across sites in Middle Tennessee.
• Evaluate clinical, operational, and financial metrics to identify improvement opportunities.
• Lead project teams and secure resources with executive leadership.
• Develop and update management plans with reporting and risk protocols.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Healthcare quality

Project management

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

High School diploma + experience

Job description

• Partners with leadership across the Ascension Saint Thomas system to apply Lean Six Sigma methodologies, standardize best practices, and break down operational silos across Middle Tennessee sites.


• Evaluates clinical, operational, and financial metrics to identify improvement opportunities, align strategies with current healthcare trends, and build implementation plans, tools, and training frameworks.


• Manages project teams and scope, collaborating with executive leadership to secure required resources and ensure continuous quality assurance and process control.


• Develops, monitors, and updates ongoing management plans, establishing robust reporting mechanisms, risk resolution protocols, and clear stakeholder communications.

Your future role at a glance

• Location: Nashville, TN


• Facility: Ascension Saint Thomas Health


• Department: Quality Management


• Schedule: Day Shift | Full-time

How you’ll make an impact in this role

• Partners with leadership across the Ascension Saint Thomas system to apply Lean Six Sigma methodologies, standardize best practices, and break down operational silos across Middle Tennessee sites.


• Evaluates clinical, operational, and financial metrics to identify improvement opportunities, align strategies with current healthcare trends, and build implementation plans, tools, and training frameworks.


• Manages project teams and scope, collaborating with executive leadership to secure required resources and ensure continuous quality assurance and process control.


• Develops, monitors, and updates ongoing management plans, establishing robust reporting mechanisms, risk resolution protocols, and clear stakeholder communications.

What Minimum Requirements You’ll Need

Licensure / Certification / Registration

• Required Credential(s):
  
  
  
  • None Required.
  
  
  
  


• Preferred Credential(s):
  
  
  
  • Certification specializing in Lean Healthcare Mgmt. Licensure required relevant to state in which work is performed
  
  
  • Project Mgmt Professional. Licensure required relevant to state in which work is performed
  
  
  • Registered Nurse. Licensure required relevant to state in which work is performed
  
  
  
  

Education

• High School diploma equivalency with 2 years of cumulative experience OR Associate's degree/Bachelor's degree OR 4 years of applicable cumulative job specific experience required.

Additional Preferences

• Industrial Engineering Degree

Benefits that help you thrive

• Comprehensive health coverage: medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage and HSA/FSA options


• Financial security & retirement: employer-matched 403(b), planning and hardship resources, disability and life insurance


• Time to recharge: pro-rated paid time off (PTO) and holidays


• Career growth: Ascension-paid tuition (Vocare), reimbursement, ongoing professional development and online learning


• Emotional well-being: Employee Assistance Program, counseling and peer support, spiritual care and stress management resources


• Family support: parental leave, adoption assistance and family benefits


• Other benefits: optional legal and pet insurance, transportation savings and more

Life at Ascension: Where purpose meets opportunity

Ascension is a leading nonprofit Catholic health system with a culture and associate experience grounded in service, growth, care and connection. We empower our 99,000+ associates to bring their skills and expertise every day to reimagining healthcare, together. Recognized as one of the Best 150+ Places to Work in Healthcare and a Military-Friendly Gold Employer, you'll find an inclusive and supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.

Equal employment opportunity employer

Ascension provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all associates and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, lactation, breastfeeding, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, all as defined by applicable law, and any other legally protected status or characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. For further information, view the EEO Know Your Rights (English) poster or EEO Know Your Rights (Spanish) poster.

E-Verify statement

Employer participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program. Please click here for more information.