Process Improvement Specialist III

Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation seeks a Process Improvement Specialist to lead and support system-wide CI initiatives. You will map, analyze, and redesign workflows, drive data-informed decisions, and partner with leaders to execute multi-year improvement programs that boost quality and patient outcomes.

Ideal candidates bring Lean Six Sigma expertise, a strong Excel skillset, and a track record of enterprise-wide process optimization within healthcare.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Business, Healthcare Administration, or related field.
• 15+ years of experience in process improvement, quality or optimization.
• Subject matter expert in Lean, Six Sigma, or other CI methodologies.
• Proficiency in Excel and reporting tools.

Responsibilities

• Maps, analyzes, and redesigns workflows to improve efficiency and eliminate redundancies.
• Collects, interprets, and reports data to identify trends, measure success, and support decision-making.
• Develops and implements solutions that streamline operations, reduce waste, and enhance performance.
• Partners with leadership to scope, plan, and manage improvement projects from initiation to completion.
• Conducts benchmarking to identify best practices and innovative approaches.
• Maintains documentation of process changes and supports adoption.
• Leads workshops and training on Lean, Six Sigma, and other methodologies.
• Uses BPM software to model, monitor, and optimize processes.
• Tracks outcomes and recommends cost-saving strategies without compromising quality or compliance.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Data analysis

Change management

Excel

Project leadership

Stakeholder collaboration

Process modeling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Business, Healthcare Administration, or related field

Master's degree in related field

Six Sigma certification (certification)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

BPM software

Job description

Summary

The Process Improvement Specialist leads and supports continuous improvement initiatives across the Mary Free Bed system. This role focuses on aligning operational processes with organizational goals, driving efficiency, and identifying cost-saving opportunities. The Specialist collaborates with cross-functional teams to analyze workflows, model and optimize business processes, and implement best practices using Business Process Management (BPM) tools. Responsibilities include conducting data analysis, industry benchmarking, and operations research to deliver measurable improvements in quality, productivity, and patient outcomes.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Maps, analyzes, and redesigns workflows to improve efficiency and eliminate redundancies.

• Collects, interprets, and reports data to identify trends, measure success, and support decision-making.

• Develops and implements solutions that streamline operations, reduce waste, and enhance performance.

• Partners with leadership and department teams to scope, plan, and manage improvement projects from initiation to completion.

• Conducts research and benchmarking analysis to identify best practices and innovative approaches.

• Maintains accurate documentation of process changes and provide ongoing support for adoption.

• Leads workshops and training sessions on Lean, Six Sigma, and other improvement methodologies.

• Leverages Business Process Management software and other tools to model, monitor, and optimize processes.

• Tracks project outcomes, ensure alignment with organizational objectives, and recommend cost-saving strategies without compromising quality or compliance.

• Completes other duties as assigned.

• We'll embrace all people by:

• Treating everyone with dignity and respect.

• Opening more doors to opportunity for others to succeed.

• Growing talent and people.

• Ensuring a welcoming experience for all we serve, regardless of origin, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status.

• Taking action against discrimination.

• Honoring our differences and how we collaborate.

• Educating staff, patients and the communities we care for.

• Restoring hope and freedom, together.

Customer Service Responsibilities

Demonstrate excellent customer service and standards of behaviors as well as encourages, coaches, and monitors the same in team members. This individual should consistently promote teamwork and direct communication with co-workers and deal discretely and sensitively with confidential information.

Responsibilities in Quality Improvement

Contribute by identifying problems and seeking solutions. Promote patient/family satisfaction where possible; participates in departmental efforts to monitor and report customer service.

Essential Job Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Business, Healthcare Administration, or related field.

• At least 15+ years of experience in process improvement, quality or optimization.

• Recognized Subject matter expert in Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and reporting tools.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

• Ability to multi-task and handle conflicting deadlines.

• Strong customer service-related skills.

• Ability to influence and drive change across diverse teams.

• Strong commitment to organizational mission and patient-centered care.

Key Expectations

• Partners with executives to identify and prioritize strategic transformation opportunities.

• Coaches directors, vice presidents, and executive leaders on performance improvement and organizational change.

• Leads large-scale, multi-year initiatives that impact system-wide quality, financial performance, patient experience, and operational effectiveness.

• Develops enterprise continuous improvement capabilities and training programs.

• Creates and standardizes methodologies, tools, and governance structures across the organization.

• Sponsors and mentors improvement practitioners throughout the health system.

• Drives a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Master's degree in related field.

• Certification in Six Sigma or other process improvement certifications.

• Advanced training in change management, operational excellence, or organizational development.

• Healthcare experience is strongly preferred.

Physical Requirements for Essential Job Qualification

Levels:

• None (No specific requirements)

• Occasionally (Less than 1/3)

• Frequently (1/3 to 2/3)

• Majority (More than 2/3)

Remain in a stationary position: Majority

Traverse or move around work location: Occasionally

Use keyboard: Frequently

Operate or use department specific equipment: None

Ascend/Descend equipment or ladder: None

Position self to accomplish the Essential Functions of the role: None

Receive and communicate information and ideas for understanding: Frequently

Transport, position, and/or exert force:

Up to 10 pounds: Occasionally

Up to 25 pounds: _____

Up to 50 pounds: _____

Up to 75 pounds: _____

More than 100 pounds: _____

Other weight: Up to___ pounds _____

Other: _____

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Talent Acquisition team at [e-mail].

Mary Free Bed is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, genetic information, veteran status, disability or other legally protected characteristic.