Senior Process Improvement Specialist

Job Description:
Are you passionate about Operational Excellence and Business Process Improvement (BPI)? Enjoy solving complex problems and using your analytical skills to identify barriers and develop innovative solutions to improve performance and drive greater efficiency? Suppose you are a driven self-starter looking for an opportunity to grow and succeed in a highly collaborative team environment. In that case, the Office of Transformation and Innovation (OTI) wants to hear from you OTI works collaboratively with client and administrative support service departments to create a culture of continuous improvement.

The OTI Process Improvement (PI) team seeks the ideal candidate to join our team as a Program Specialist VII. The division oversees a systemwide continuous improvement (CI) program to train HHS staff in Lean, Six Sigma, and other CI methodologies. The Program Specialist VII reports to the Director of Process Improvement and, as part of the team, will create training content and conduct trainings focused on reducing waste and improving the overall efficiency of HHSC.

The Program Specialist VII will support a systemwide training program by developing content and mentoring a wide range of team members, from upper management to program and support team members. Additionally, this position will work with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, reduce waste, and provide a faster, higher quality of service. The position engages in and coordinates marketing activities that promote the mission of the PI team. The position will monitor and evaluate the applicability of emerging trends and technology for communications purposes within the agency. The position will contribute to developing timelines and milestones, prepare progress reports, map as-is and future-state processes, lead Kaizen events, identify and resolve risks and issues, and complete quality project deliverables by approved timelines. The Program Specialist VII will collaborate with stakeholders to identify, develop, implement, and monitor the effectiveness of process improvement projects.

The successful candidate must have demonstrated training experience. The successful candidate must have strong communication and presentation skills. A proven track record of training, coaching, and mentoring others. Essential Job Functions:
(25%) Create training materials, host training and coach candidates on Lean and Six Sigma methods, mentor candidates to completion and certification. Act as coach and change agent to install process improvement throughout the agency. Ensure standards (e.g., DMAIC, FEMA, Root Cause Analysis) are used for problem-solving (tools and methods) and daily process improvement. Schedule, lead, and facilitate Kaizen Events and Rapid Improvement Events.

(20%) Apply continuous improvement methodologies and tools to proactively identify issues that impede operational efficiency and develop innovative solutions to improve efficiency, reduce bottlenecks, and streamline daily operations. Serve as analyst or project lead on process improvement projects involving complex business workflows and multiple stakeholders—Coach colleagues on standard work and adoption of Lean and Six Sigma principles and behaviors.

(20%) Draft and distribute communication to meet stakeholder needs through branded written, video, and social media assets in alignment with PI’s overall approach to stakeholder outreach and engagement along with the preparation of branded training materials for process improvement training and workshops.

(15%) Compile and distribute project charters, status reports, Value Stream Maps, Power BI dashboards, memoranda, analysis, presentations, control plans, and other assigned writing tasks. Develop executive briefing documents, issue papers, and memoranda for executive decision-making.

(10%) Work in close collaboration with agency team members to identify necessary information to support implementation and monitoring of process improvement initiatives.

(10%) Other duties as assigned. Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or another continuous improvement methodology, and the ability to apply that knowledge to a large public sector or nonprofit organization.

Proficient in creating training materials and delivering effective training sessions focused on process improvement topics.

Demonstrates a strong ability to identify challenges and proactively seek solutions. Capable of analyzing complex situations and using a creative approach to problem-solving.

Proficient in using available tools and resources to address issues efficiently. Can adapt to various circumstances and effectively leverage available resources to achieve objectives.

Exhibits a proactive attitude and takes ownership of tasks without constant supervision. Possesses a strong sense of self-motivation and drive to accomplish goals. Comfortable working autonomously and making decisions independently when necessary.

Proficient in using various Microsoft tools and platforms, including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Outlook, and Teams. Experienced in leveraging these tools to streamline workflows, enhance collaboration, and optimize productivity.

Experienced in working both independently and as a team lead on complex projects. Capable of providing clear direction, delegating tasks, and fostering collaboration among team members to achieve common goals. Skilled in managing competing objectives in an ambiguous, fast-moving environment while maintaining focus and driving results.

Skilled in providing coaching and mentoring to individuals to help them achieve results in process improvement related projects.

Familiarity with leveraging AI tools to augment processes and streamline tasks. Able to adapt to new technologies and integrate solutions effectively into daily workflows to improve efficiency and outcomes.

Skilled in prioritizing tasks and managing multiple projects with competing deadlines. Capable of assessing project requirements, allocating resources effectively, and meeting established timelines. Proficient in implementing time management strategies to ensure the timely completion of deliverables while maintaining quality standards.

Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills; experience interacting with stakeholders at all levels, including the executive level. Ability to write and produce clear and concise written reports with attention to grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Ability to understand programmatic needs and how to measure outcomes in meaningful ways that will help ensure that the needs of HHSC programs are met.

Ability to communicate information clearly, concisely, and compellingly, including a strong ability to prioritize the audience’s needs when creating content.

Ability to cultivate and foster a positive working relationship within teams and with executives, managers, supervisors, employees, and other stakeholders to gain cooperation, support, and buy-in to continuous improvement.

Excellent interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, relationship-building abilities

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