Performance Excellence Specialist

Role Overview & Responsibilities

Position Summary

The Performance Excellence Specialist provides leadership in the education, implementation, and sustainment of process-based management strategies and performance improvement methodologies across Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM). This position facilitates and supports cross-functional improvement teams to enhance organizational outcomes, increase efficiency, and promote data-driven decision-making aligned with MHM's mission and strategic goals.

Salary

The annual salary rate begins at $78,701. Mid range at $100,344. Actual starting rate will be commensurate with experience and education.

Scope and Impact

This position plays a key role in advancing MHM's performance excellence initiatives by fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational effectiveness. The Performance Excellence Specialist collaborates with leaders across departments to design and implement initiatives that improve processes, service delivery, and overall organizational performance.

Decision-Making Authority

Operates under the direction of the Director of Performance Excellence while exercising independent judgment in managing improvement projects, facilitating cross-functional teams, and recommending process changes. Makes recommendations regarding performance improvement methodologies, data utilization, and project prioritization.

Interactions / Working Relationships

Works closely with the Director of Performance Excellence, process owners, project facilitators, and team members across all levels of the organization. Collaborates with Organizational Learning to develop and deliver performance improvement training and engages with internal stakeholders to align performance initiatives with MHM's strategic priorities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Support the Director of Performance Excellence and other stakeholders in the planning and execution of strategic and operational projects.
• Lead and drive organizational performance excellence through the implementation and integration of process improvement methodology and discipline as well as key principles of project management.
• Facilitate and manage to completion Short-Term Action Teams (STATs) and other cross-functional initiatives/projects which are in alignment with MHM's operational and strategic goals using Lean Six Sigma tools and methodologies.
• Support trained MHM facilitators in the facilitation and management of STATs and other departmental and cross-departmental improvement teams.
• Collaborate with process owners to review, define, and continuously optimize processes to increase efficiency and improve service levels and project results.
• Guide the development and analysis of annual SMART goals to drive strategic performance and accountability.
• Lead quarterly portfolio reviews with organizational leaders to evaluate and align enterprise priorities, resource capacity, strategic direction, and risk across the organization.
• Support the development, evaluation, and analysis of key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess organizational performance, identify trends and improvement opportunities, and provide insights that inform strategic and operational decision making.
• Practice and educate team members on good meeting management responsibilities and principles.
• Facilitate sponsors and team leaders in the development of project charters and selection of best problem-solving approach.
• Assist project sponsors, process owners, leaders and team members with timely project metrics and project support.
• Mentor and participate in the oversight and coordination, deployment, and support of MHM trained project facilitators.
• Perform and present evidence-based research
• Develop or oversee the development of presentations, dashboards, and/or reports to promote data-driven decision-making throughout the organization.
• Serve as an organizational consultant in process improvement and process-based management techniques and methodologies.
• In collaboration with Organizational Learning, create and direct the deployment of Process Improvement and Process-Based Management curriculum to support organizational capabilities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory or Leadership Responsibilities

This position does not directly supervise others but may provide guidance and mentorship to MHM facilitators, team leads, and cross-functional project members.

Qualifications

Education/Experience

External Candidates

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a relevant field such as Healthcare Administration, Business, Organizational Leadership, or a related discipline required.
• Minimum of two (2) years of directly related professional experience in performance improvement, project management, healthcare quality, or other related field, during which leadership, critical thinking, and management skills have been demonstrated, is required.

Internal Candidates

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a relevant field such as Healthcare Administration, Business, Organizational Leadership, or a related discipline required; OR

• Associate degree from an accredited college or university may be substituted for the bachelor's degree requirement if all of the following criteria are met:

• Minimum of five (5) years of continuous employment with Methodist Healthcare Ministries; and

• Successful completion of at least one Organizational Excellence development program, including:

• Facilitator Training,

• Process-Based Management Training, or

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Training (or equivalent Organizational Excellence program).

• Minimum of two (2) years of directly related professional experience in performance improvement, project management, healthcare quality, or other related field, during which leadership, critical thinking, and management skills have been demonstrated, is required.

Certificates and Licenses:

• Completion of MHM-designated Performance Excellence Facilitator Training required within 18 months of employment. Change Agent certification required within 30 months of employment.
• ASQ Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification or equivalent highly preferred.
• Certification in project management, healthcare quality, or process improvement highly desirable.
• Experience facilitating organizational change or process improvement in a healthcare or nonprofit setting preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to define problems, collect and interpret data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and facilitation skills, with the ability to effectively engage, lead, and mentor diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Ability to facilitate complex projects and manage multiple priorities simultaneously while maintaining focus on results and organizational objectives.
• Skilled in performance improvement, process-based management, workflow analysis, and identifying opportunities for effective process enhancements.
• Experience with performance measurement, data analysis, reporting, and translating insights into actionable recommendations.
• Ability to assess project scope, risks, resource needs, and implementation approaches to support successful outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Adaptable and results-oriented with a commitment to continuous improvement.

Language Skills

Fluent in English required. Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.

Technology and Tools

• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 suite (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, SharePoint) required.
• Experience with process mapping tools, data visualization software, and project management platforms (e.g., Smartsheet, Airtable) preferred.
• Ability to conduct online research and quickly learn and effectively utilize digital collaboration and organizational technology platforms that support communication, collaboration, and operational efficiency.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Work is primarily performed in an office environment, with periodic exposure to clinical or medical office settings.
• Frequent standing, sitting, bending, stooping, and reaching required.
• Must be able to lift and maneuver up to 25 pounds.
• Requires frequent in-town travel and occasional regional travel within MHM's service area.
• May require evening or weekend work to support organizational initiatives.
• Must maintain a valid driver's license, automobile insurance, and access to reliable transportation.