Project Manager-Operational Excellence Senior

Project Manager-Operational Excellence Senior

Our leaders shape strategic initiatives, develop passionate teams, and work to improve health outcomes. They advance our mission and exemplify excellence, compassion, teamwork and purpose in all that they do. Indiana University Health is seeking individuals who embody these values to join our Fort Wayne Operational Excellence team in the role of Project Manager-Operational Excellence Senior.

Description

Leads high impact initiatives that advance quality, efficiency, and patient-centered care across the health system. Provides strategic oversight, expert facilitation, and disciplined project execution for complex, multi-site improvement efforts. Working closely with clinical and operational leaders, the Senior Project Manager applies change leadership and data-driven decision-making to deliver sustainable performance improvement. Develops comprehensive project plans, charters, and governance structures that align with system strategy. Oversee multiple concurrent initiatives, balancing strategic oversight with hands-on execution. Has awareness of advanced Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies to assess workflows, identify root causes, and design optimized processes. Mentors project teams and junior staff in improvement tools and methodologies. Creates communication plans, training materials, and stakeholder updates tailored to diverse audiences. Facilitate workshops, leadership huddles, and improvement events that promote a culture of continuous improvement. Partners with analytics teams define KPIs, dashboards, and reporting structures that support transparency and accountability. Interprets operational and clinical data to identify performance gaps, validate outcomes, and guide prioritization. Serves as a trusted advisor and thought partner to leadership, helping shape systemwide transformation and supporting IU Health's commitment to excellence.

Key Relationships

Reports to: Vice President-Chief Operating Officer, Director of Operational Excellence 

Key Relationships: Supporting the Chief Nursing Officer

Direct Reports: None

Candidate Qualifications

Candidates for the position will be evaluated according to the following criteria and competencies.

• Bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, business, engineering, or a related field is required.
• Requires 5-7 years of relevant experience.
• Requires experience in project management, performance improvement, or healthcare operations.
• Requires demonstrated success leading complex, multi-site initiatives with measurable outcomes.
• Requires proficiency with project management tools, data visualization platforms, and improvement methodologies.
• Requires the ability to lead at least 5 projects simultaneously.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification is preferred.
• Experience in hospital operations, ambulatory care, or health system performance improvement is preferred.
• PMP, CAPM, or similar project management certification is preferred.
• Familiarity with regulatory standards, quality frameworks, and patient safety principles is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Connect to Promise - Demonstrates a commitment to IU Health's mission, vision, and values by exhibiting behaviors and delivering results that align with the strategic direction of the organization. Ensure IU Health is working toward its vision of improving the health of all Hoosiers by providing the best care for each person as we practice our values of purpose, excellence, compassion and team.
• Project Management - Develops solutions with sound methodologies, guidelines, and best practices; makes decisions and solves problems within project plan parameters. Identifies patterns and potential underlying issues. Choosing best alternative based on consideration of pros, cons, and weighing various tradeoffs.
• Business Acumen - Exhibits working knowledge of the department and function and how it is structured. Structures work to align with the goals and operations of department and function.
• Execution - Addresses problems directly and implements objectives effectively. Produces on tim