Operational Excellence Manager

JOB SUMMARY:

The Operational Excellence Manager will lead and support process improvement initiatives within the Anatomic and Clinical Pathology Lab. This role is responsible for identifying inefficiencies, implementing continuous improvement strategies such as Kaizen events, and fostering a culture of operational excellence. The ideal candidate will drive cost-saving initiatives, accelerate business performance, and optimize workflows using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Lead and facilitate Kaizen events to improve lab workflows, enhance efficiency, and reduce turnaround times.
• Identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to promote cost savings and operational acceleration.
• Collaborate with laboratory staff, pathologists, and leadership to implement process improvements that drive business success.
• Utilize Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies to optimize performance and resource allocation.
• Develop and implement standardized workflows to enhance quality, efficiency, and patient outcomes.
• Track, analyze, and report key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of improvement initiatives.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by coaching and mentoring laboratory personnel.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and accreditation requirements while implementing process improvements.
• Work cross-functionally with other departments to align business improvement strategies.
• Assist with implementation management planning as needed.
• Provide leadership and supervise/manage assigned department, make decisions, solve problems, develop procedures, and conduct and attend meetings.
• Manage the employee hiring process including developing and updating job descriptions in conjunction with the Human Resources, developing performance expectations, identifying essential functions and knowledge, skills and abilities required for applicable positions.
• Conduct new employee orientation processes, employee training and continuing education.
• Manage employee performance by coaching, counseling, motivating, and evaluating employees on a continual basis. Implement disciplinary action as needed and in consultation with Human Resources.
• Ensure effective employee relations by sustaining an ethical, non-discriminatory, and safe work environment and establishing effective communication lines and methods. Identify and solve employee problems, manage conflict, and respond to grievances as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned or requested.

• Work with other departments within PathGroup and subsidiaries.
• Nothing in the job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION & LICENSURE:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Healthcare Administration, Laboratory Science, or a related field required.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is preferred.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in process improvement, project management, or laboratory operations.
• Proven experience facilitating Kaizen events and driving process improvements in healthcare or laboratory setting.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities to engage diverse teams.
• Proficiency in project management tools and methodologies.