Process Improvement Engineer

Job Summary

JOB SUMMARY

Implements and sustains Lean and other process improvement tools, developing a continuous improvement culture throughout the organization.

Leads process improvement initiatives utilizing process improvement tools and techniques. Partners with process owners and Champions to drive results.

Trains and coaches owners, Champions, and project teams. Supports the implementation and sustainment of the Quality Management System.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

1. Evaluate processes and process information to determine standards and establish quality and service level objectives.

Analyze current processes and gather and analyze information and data pertaining to workflow, workspace and facility design to identify and define operational problems.

2. Study operations sequence, specimen flow, and transactional inputs to determine worker functions and responsibilities and develop process maps / flows.

3. Evaluate and recommend changes to work processes by acquiring knowledge of methods procedures, activities, schedules, inter-arrival rates and established laboratory sequences and lead times to expedite and optimize registration processes, specimen collection and testing processes and to reduce turn around time of laboratory results / reports and reduce patient wait times.

4. Work with laboratory personnel to coordinate process improvements and activities to resolve operational problems, maximize service levels, and minimize cost.

5. Collaborate with management and lab personnel to develop standard work and operational / performance metrics.

6. Prepare management reports defining and evaluating problems, analyzing performance metrics and recommending solutions.

7. Develop processing methods, labor utilization standards, and cost analysis systems to promote efficient staff and facility utilization.

Recommend methods for improving utilization of personnel, material, equipment and utilities.

8. Using analytical and simulation methods, recommend alternative courses of action in order to determine which plan will offer the best outcomes.

9. Collaborate with others in the organization to ensure successful implementation of chosen problem solutions and implementation of best practices.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES :

1. Attend supervisory / management meetings as required.

2. Maintain an up to-date understanding of current trends and practices in process improvement through continuing education.

3. Other duties and special projects as assigned.

IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS :

Prove immunity to Hepatitis B or be immunized or sign a waiver refusing hepatitis immunization. Provide documentation of a tuberculosis test conducted not more than 90 days prior to date of hire or have a tuberculosis test conducted.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS :

1. Strong leadership and team building skills. Ability to work effectively in a team environment and to develop and maintain a climate of open communication and teamwork.

Ability to work effectively with all levels of employees and with staff from multiple departments. Ability to build consensus.

2. Facilitation skills.

3. Project management skills.

4. Strong communication / interpersonal skills : with both internal and external customers. Ability to listen effectively to staff concerns, ideas and questions and to deal effectively with conflict situations.

Ability to provide effective feedback to staff regarding relevant information changes and regarding their performance as it relates to process improvement projects.

Actively solicits feedback as appropriate.

5. Excellent written communication skills.

6. Effective problem solving skills, reasoning ability and good independent judgment.

7. Teaching, coaching and presentation skills.

8. Familiarity with queuing theory and process simulations

9. Proficiency in Windows, Minitab, or other statistical software, Microsoft Office.

10. Effective time management skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities and to work in a high productivity / high-paced environment.

11. Ability to deal with difficult and sensitive situations.

12. Follow company safety and personnel policies.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification.

This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified.

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM EDUCATION

Bachelor Degree in Industrial or Manufacturing Engineering or relevant field of study.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE

Three (3) to five (5) years of experience in direct application of formal process improvement tools such as MTM (Methods & Time Measurement), operations research, queuing theory, statistical analysis, and / or Lean Six Sigma.

PREFERENCES :

1.Bachelors degree in Operations Research.

2.Experience in laboratory process improvement.

3.Supervisory / management experience.

4.QA Certification and / or experience.

5. Health care industry related experience.

6. Familiarity with FDA Quality System Regulations