Operational Excellence Project Manager (FT)

At Ashe Memorial Hospital, we are driven by our Mission Statement, "To meet the needs of the community by delivering patient-centered, high quality health care."

Ashe Memorial Hospital is proud to be Voted Ashe's Best Place to Work 2022, 2023 & 2024! Come be a part of our dynamic team; you'll join Ashe's 2022 & 2023 Best Hospital, Best Surgeon, Best Physician, Best Nurse, and Best Medical Practice!  This is your opportunity to make a large difference in a small community!

Hours: 1st shift, Monday through Friday | No Supervisory Responsibilities | Minimal Travel | Pay commensurate with experience

JOB SUMMARY:

The Healthcare Operational Excellence Project Manager is responsible for leading and managing strategic improvement initiatives across the organization. This role applies Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to streamline workflows, enhance patient throughput, and reduce operational inefficiencies. The Project Manager partners with executives, service line leaders, and frontline staff to ensure projects are aligned with organizational goals, regulatory standards, and best practices in healthcare delivery.

Minimum Job Qualifications:

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, business, nursing, or related field.

Experience:

Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in project management or process improvement within a healthcare environment.

Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams in operational or quality improvement initiatives.

Strong communication, facilitation, and leadership skills, with the ability to influence at all organizational levels.

Proficiency in data analysis, performance measurement, and reporting tools.

License/Certifications:

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt required; Black Belt strongly preferred.

Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or other project management certification required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Lead and manage large-scale projects that focus on operational efficiency, quality outcomes, and patient flow.

Collaborate with executives and department leaders to identify improvement opportunities and prioritize initiatives.

Apply techniques of Lean, Six Sigma, Value Stream Mapping, datal collection and analysis, ARCIE models, action plans, and other performance improvement methodologies to redesign processes and eliminate waste.

Select, create, interpret and teach data display/analysis techniques and statistical process control tools (i.e., Pareto chart, Histogram, Run Chart, Control charts, etc.).

Create, interpret and teach logic and process analysis tools (i.e., Flowcharts, Cause and Effect, Root Cause Analysis, etc.).

Facilitate workshops, Kaizen events, and training sessions to engage staff in process improvement.

Track, measure, and report project outcomes using key performance indicators (KPIs).

Develop and maintain project documentation, including charters, timelines, and progress reports.

Ensure compliance with healthcare regulatory and accreditation requirements related to quality and operational improvement.

Promote a culture of continuous improvement by coaching leaders and staff in Lean principles and change management.

Must be willing to receive all required vaccinations (i.e., flu shot, etc.). All new employees working must be fully vaccinated as a condition of employment (unless the new hire has requested and received an exemption). Candidates for employment will be notified of this policy requirement prior to the start of employment. After receiving an offer of employment, new employees must provide proof of vaccination or request and receive an exemption before beginning work.

To apply, please fill out an application, attach a cover letter, and resume. Include gaps in employment and reasons for separation.

Criminal background check and pre-employment drug screen required upon conditional job offer.

***Benefits apply the 1st of the month following employment, per policy.***

*For full job description and benefits, please contact Human Resources.

Ashe Memorial Hospital is an equal opportunity employer and, as such, considers individuals for employment according to their abilities and performance.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising patient care.  Employment decisions are made without regard to race, age, religion, color, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other classification protected by law. All employment requirements mandated by local, state, and federal regulations will be observed.