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Sr. Process Improvemt Engineer - Willowbrook - job 2 of 2

Overview

At Houston Methodist, the Senior Process Improvement Engineer position is a central member of the Operations and Process Improvement team and plays a key role with strategy execution, continuous performance improvement efforts, and other transformational initiatives, utilizing strategy execution to translate the strategic plan, top level improvement priorities and vision into specific goals and action plans, linking lean initiatives to business KPIs. In addition to performing the duties of the Process Improvement Engineer, this Sr position serves as a coach to local process improvement engineers, hospital unit management and departmental process coaches on A3 problem solving, potential kaizen events, value stream mapping, strategy deployment, and daily management. The Senior Process Improvement Engineer position will coordinate with hospital leadership, directors, managers, physicians, and staff according to business needs and priorities, focusing on high-priority hospital initiatives and targets around finance, access, quality, efficiency and other operational metrics. This position will act as a change agent, transforming leadership behaviors, facilitating process and performance improvement activities throughout the hospital, and serve as an expert on measurement and analysis methods. The Senior Process Improvement Engineer position will collaborate with the System Process Engineering team to develop and adopt best practices/processes. This position develops, provides, and conducts hospital-wide training related to the Houston Methodist Business System and collaborates with the System Process Engineering team to develop and adopt best practices/processes and trainings.

Houston Methodist Standard

PATIENT AGE GROUP(S) AND POPULATION(S) SERVEDRefer to departmental "Scope of Service" and "Provision of Care" plans, as applicable, for description of primary age groups and populations served by this job for the respective HM entity.

HOUSTON METHODIST EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS

  • Provide personalized care and service by consistently demonstrating our I CARE values:
    • INTEGRITY: We are honest and ethical in all we say and do.
    • COMPASSION: We embrace the whole person including emotional, ethical, physical, and spiritual needs.
    • ACCOUNTABILITY: We hold ourselves accountable for all our actions.
    • RESPECT: We treat every individual as a person of worth, dignity, and value.
    • EXCELLENCE: We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate.
  • Practices the Caring and Serving Model
  • Delivers personalized service using HM Service Standards
  • Provides for exceptional patient/customer experiences by following our Standards of Practice of always using Positive Language (AIDET, Managing Up, Key Words)
  • Intentionally collaborates with other healthcare professionals involved in patients/customers or employees' experiential journeys to ensure strong communication, ease of access to information, and a seamless experience
  • Involves patients (customers) in shift/handoff reports by enabling their participation in their plan of care as applicable to the given job
  • Actively supports the organization's vision, fulfills the mission and abides by the I CARE values

Responsibilities

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Provides Houston Methodist Business System process improvement and tool training throughout the hospital. Organizes multidisciplinary groups that work collaboratively to solve problems, improve processes, and integrate services with other departments. Develops effective communication methods to keep staff and others informed about the hospital and department's improvement/(re)design activities.
  • Coaches hospital leadership, process owners, directors/managers, and staff in the use of all Houston Methodist Business System elements and leader standard work. Acts as a coach to local process improvement engineers, hospital unit management and departmental process coaches on A3 problem solving, potential kaizen events, value stream mapping, strategy deployment, and daily management.
  • Models for staff, at all times, effective verbal, non-verbal and written communication. Initiates contributions towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement.
SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Develops, provides, and conducts hospital-wide training related to the Houston Methodist Business System and collaborates with the System Process Engineering team to develop and adopt best practices/processes and trainings. Instills a problem-solving and continuous improvement culture across the hospital consistent with our shared governance principles and the constant pursuit of high process reliability.
  • Coaches and mentors, team members and process owners to utilize a defined problem-solving process improvement methodology that analyzes and interprets data for decision-making. Develops staff by assisting them in identifying goals and process improvement opportunities and supports leadership and staff with implementing process changes.
  • Leads teams independently as assigned. Assists with interdisciplinary team leadership/facilitation and change management within targeted service areas.
QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Establishes clinical standard work instructions during Kaizen/problem-solving-related activities. Works with accreditation and quality leaders to validate that all clinical procedures standard work instructions that guide and support patient care treatments and services are in alignment with quality and safety requirements.
  • Supports reporting requests and data management/analysis functions to maximize outcomes while complying with all physician privileges, patient confidentiality, and HIPAA constraints.
  • Independently performs hospital and departmental workflow assessments/evaluations to identify improvement opportunities and determine data sets for evaluation/verification. Evaluates and provides input on the effectiveness of performance improvement initiatives and daily management activities.
  • Represents operations/process engineering at various local and system committees to provide updates on improvements and Houston Methodist Business System activities. Assists local internal communications to provide compelling communication to employees regarding improvements and performance.
FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Drives efficiencies and quality improvements, recognizing current and future resource limitations and needs. Identifies strategies and opportunities for financial efficiency and improvement of operations. Participates in cost reduction efforts through analysis of data.
  • Documents data sources and organizes and synthesizes results into audience-appropriate reports and presentations. Meets or exceeds all timelines for completion.
GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Utilizes strategy execution to translate the strategic plan, top level improvement priorities and vision into specific goals and action plans, linking lean initiatives to business KPIs. Provides compelling communication to executives throughout the hospital and makes the business case for change related to Kaizen/Lean activities.
  • Provides recommendations and support to develop thorough action plans related to hospital top-level improvement priorities.
  • Utilizes technical skills necessary to analyze current processes and understand the hospital's business system and strategy. Independently identify clinical and business system requirements through process and workflow analysis.
  • Identifies and assumes responsibility of own learning needs through self-awareness and feedback and seeks continuing education opportunities to meet those needs. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an on-going basis. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management.
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

Qualifications

EDUCATION
  • Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering, process engineering, applied sciences, or related field OR in healthcare/business administration plus Lean management or Six Sigma Green Belt certification
  • Master's degree in industrial engineering, process engineering, applied sciences or related field preferred
WORK EXPERIENCE
  • Seven years of experience in quality engineering/process improvement or related field; may consider Houston Methodist employee with six years of experience in quality engineering/process improvement or related field
  • Three years of experience in a healthcare environment preferred

License/Certification

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED
  • N/A

KSA/ Supplemental Data

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
  • Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
  • Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
  • Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
  • Demonstrates ability to design and lead organizational transformation - a blend of change management, coaching, and lean methodology
  • Possesses effective change management skills and demonstrate the ability to motivate multi-disciplinary, cross-functional teams effectively in leading change and achieving results
  • Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills (e.g., relationship management, appreciative inquiry, team building, and oral/written communication)
  • Strong ability to problem-solve within a team environment, and generate commitment and enthusiasm towards shared strategic initiative goals
  • Demonstrates the ability to lead teams through informal (versus positional) authority, and coach and develop others to ¿take the reins¿
  • Strong leadership skills, especially in leading and motivating multi-disciplinary, cross-functional teams effectively, both in terms of leading change and achieving results
  • Demonstrates fundamental Lean skills (e.g., root cause problem solving, value stream mapping, A3 development) in order to understand challenges and identify process waste
  • Demonstrates ability to function at a high level of self-direction

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

  • Uniform No
  • Scrubs No
  • Business professional Yes
  • Other (department approved) No

ON-CALL**Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

  • On Call* No

TRAVEL****Travel specifications may vary by department**

  • May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
  • May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

Company Profile

Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital opened in December 2000 to serve the comprehensive health care needs of the growing community in Northwest Houston.  The 310 bed hospital has 23 operating rooms, and more than 2,100 employees.  Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital has been named a Magnet recognized health care facility by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program®. Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital is Northwest Houston's regional leader in robotic minimally-invasive surgeries and specializes in cardiology and cardiovascular services, neurology, neurosurgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, and comprehensive cancer services. Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital has a Breast Care Center, Cancer Center, Imaging Center, Infusion Center, Sleep Center, Surgical Weight Loss Center and operates the largest Childbirth Center in the greater Northwest Houston area.

Average salary estimate

$105000 / YEARLY (est.)
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$90000K
$120000K

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What You Should Know About Sr. Process Improvemt Engineer - Willowbrook, UNAVAILABLE

Are you ready to take your career in process improvement to the next level? Join the amazing team at Houston Methodist as a Senior Process Improvement Engineer! In this critical role, you'll become a key player in the Operations and Process Improvement team, driving continuous performance enhancement and spearheading transformational initiatives. Your expertise will help shape strategy execution, linking lean initiatives directly to business KPIs. Not only will you coach local process improvement engineers and departmental managers, but you'll also collaborate closely with hospital leadership and staff to ensure alignment with high-priority hospital initiatives. If you are passionate about coaching A3 problem solving or leading kaizen events, this is your opportunity to shine! At Houston Methodist, we value integrity, compassion, accountability, respect, and excellence, and we expect our team to reflect these same values in their interactions. You will develop and facilitate hospital-wide training, instilling a culture of continuous improvement throughout our organization. Plus, you'll assess workflows to identify improvement opportunities while delivering compelling communications to motivate change. Together, we can transform processes and enhance patient care throughout our hospital. If you're looking for a place where you can make real impact and grow in your career, the Senior Process Improvement Engineer role at Houston Methodist is the perfect fit for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Sr. Process Improvemt Engineer - Willowbrook Role at UNAVAILABLE
What are the responsibilities of a Senior Process Improvement Engineer at Houston Methodist?

As a Senior Process Improvement Engineer at Houston Methodist, your responsibilities will include leading process improvement projects, coaching local engineers, and collaborating with hospital leadership to drive performance enhancements. You will organize multidisciplinary groups to solve problems, develop effective training programs, and promote a continuous improvement culture across the organization.

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What qualifications do you need to be a Senior Process Improvement Engineer at Houston Methodist?

To qualify for the Senior Process Improvement Engineer position at Houston Methodist, you should have a Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering, process engineering, or a related field, along with at least seven years of relevant experience. Lean management or Six Sigma Green Belt certification is highly preferred and a Master's degree is a bonus!

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How does the Senior Process Improvement Engineer contribute to hospital initiatives at Houston Methodist?

The Senior Process Improvement Engineer plays a vital role at Houston Methodist by acting as a change agent. You will link lean initiatives with business objectives, support high-priority financial and quality targets, and collaborate with teams across the hospital to ensure strategic goals are met.

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Can you describe the culture of continuous improvement at Houston Methodist?

Houston Methodist fosters a strong culture of continuous improvement, where every team member is encouraged to innovate and identify opportunities for enhancement. As a Senior Process Improvement Engineer, you'll be at the forefront of this culture, instilling Lean practices and promoting effective problem-solving methodologies that enhance overall patient care and operational efficiency.

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What skills should a Senior Process Improvement Engineer have at Houston Methodist?

A successful Senior Process Improvement Engineer at Houston Methodist should have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, demonstrate effective communication, and possess the ability to lead cross-functional teams through change initiatives. Proficiency in Lean methodologies and a passion for coaching others are essential for driving improvement across the organization.

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Common Interview Questions for Sr. Process Improvemt Engineer - Willowbrook
How do you approach process improvement in a healthcare setting?

When approaching process improvement in a healthcare setting, I begin by gathering data and analyzing current workflows to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies. I engage with all stakeholders to ensure their insights are valued and develop a collaborative plan for improvement that aligns with our strategic goals.

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Can you explain a successful project you've led in process improvement?

In a previous role, I led a kaizen event focused on reducing patient wait times in the emergency department. By mapping the current process and implementing new protocols, we successfully decreased wait times by 30% while enhancing patient satisfaction. This project underscored the importance of teamwork and continuous feedback.

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What methodologies do you use for process improvement?

I utilize Lean Six Sigma methodologies as they provide a structured approach to identifying and eliminating waste. This includes tools like value stream mapping and the A3 problem-solving framework, allowing me to analyze processes thoroughly and implement lasting improvements effectively.

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How do you measure the success of a process improvement initiative?

I measure the success of a process improvement initiative by setting clear KPIs before implementation. Post-implementation, I review these metrics alongside qualitative feedback to assess the impact of the changes and make necessary adjustments to reinforce gains or address any persistent issues.

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How do you engage team members in process improvement initiatives?

Engaging team members involves fostering open communication and creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas. I facilitate brainstorming sessions and encourage feedback, ensuring team members know their contributions directly impact the hospital's clinical and operational performance.

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What role does data analysis play in your work?

Data analysis is foundational to my role as it empowers informed decision-making. By analyzing data related to patient outcomes and operational metrics, I can identify trends, prioritize improvement areas, and assess the effectiveness of implemented changes.

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Describe a time you faced resistance to change. How did you handle it?

When implementing a new system, I encountered resistance from staff. I addressed this by holding informative sessions to explain the benefits and demonstrating how the changes would enhance their workflows. By incorporating their feedback, I built trust and ultimately secured buy-in.

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What strategies do you employ to coach less experienced team members in process improvement?

My coaching strategy involves personalized training sessions tailored to individual skill levels, hands-on workshops, and the establishment of mentorship partnerships. Encouraging open dialogue allows them to discuss challenges and successes, promoting continuous growth and learning.

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In your opinion, what is the most important quality for a Senior Process Improvement Engineer?

Adaptability is the most important quality. The healthcare landscape is dynamic, and being able to pivot and adjust strategies based on new data, feedback, or shifting priorities is crucial for successful process improvement initiatives.

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How do you stay updated with the latest trends in process improvement?

I stay updated by participating in professional organizations, attending workshops, and regularly reading industry publications. Networking with fellow professionals also provides insight into new methodologies and best practices that can improve our processes.

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DEPARTMENTS
SENIORITY LEVEL REQUIREMENT
TEAM SIZE
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HQ LOCATION
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EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
April 16, 2025

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