Senior Project Manager, Operational Excellence

Job Description Summary

Reporting to the Vice President of Operational Excellence and Clinical Services, the Senior Project Manager, Operations Excellence is responsible for the project management of system-wide operational initiatives that support the advancement of South Shore Health’s strategic goals and priorities. This position manages a portfolio of complex, cross-functional initiatives from intake through stabilization that drive efficiency, productivity, and clinical and operational growth. With a focus on driving results through influence, collaboration, and communication, the Senior Project Manager, Operations Excellence plays a key role in navigating complex stakeholder environments and facilitating decision-making across clinical and operational domains. In addition to managing the full lifecycle of key operational projects, the Senior Project Manager serves as an advisor to the Operations Team regarding project prioritization, resource allocation, budgets and expected project outcomes. This position models structured project execution, supports operational alignment and builds organizational project management capabilities.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Concurrently manages several large-scale projects and oversees implementation and execution of project plans in partnership with key stakeholders.
• Conducts project intake and defines project scope, duration, resources and cost, as well as the best course of action/approach to achieve the project objectives.
• Documents current and future-state processes, develops and maintains project schedules, documents risks and assumptions, and oversees the development of operational workflows and implementation.
• Identifies and analyzes risks jeopardizing project timelines, deliverables and completion; escalates to key stakeholders and develops appropriate risk mitigation strategies.
• Incorporates key performance indicators such as worked hours per unit of service (WHPUOS), productivity, financial, and patient experience metrics to assess effectiveness of operational initiatives/projects implemented.
• Utilizes standard methods and tools for performance improvement and problem-solving (PDSA cycles, LEAN, rapid cycle improvements, etc.)
• Manages communications on a regular and timely basis, ensuring that all project participants are informed of project status, risks, escalations, and required actions; prepares summaries and project status reports for project stakeholders and executive leadership; may be called upon to present project portfolio to the executive team in partnership with executive sponsors.
• Coordinates post-project reviews to identify lessons learned following implementation and stabilization of projects.
• Develops and maintains effective relationships with project owners, operational and clinical leaders, IT, and other project stakeholders.
• Creates standard project intake form to facilitate appropriate use of resources, vet project requests and guide prioritization of work; creates standard monitoring tools, templates and reports to clearly summarize the progress of projects.
• Advances the organization’s approach to project management.
• Mentors and advises colleagues on project management tools and techniques, project management principles and best practices.

• Utilizes principles of Collaborative Just Culture and High Reliability.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Education - Preferred

Bachelor's degree, master’s degree and/or PMP preferred

Minimum Work Experience

5-7 years project management experience managing complex projects from inception to completion. Previous healthcare experience strongly preferred.

Required additional Knowledge and Abilities

• Proven ability to lead complex projects including leading multidisciplinary teams and managing multiple, competing priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to lead and achieve support for change; builds consensus amongst diverse groups of stakeholders including leadership, clinical and operational teams; facilitates the spread of innovation.
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions while meeting time sensitive deadlines.
• Proven ability to excel and achieve results in a team-oriented, matrixed environment.
• Superior organizational skills that keep projects and people on course; ability to oversee tasks delegated to others.
• Ability to think analytically and solve complex problems.
• Strong interpersonal, presentation and facilitation skills to communicate with and persuade a wide range of audiences.
• Excellent conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to present facts and recommendations effectively in oral and written form.
• Expert knowledge of project management, change management and process improvement techniques and tools.
• Experience in simulation and process flow analysis.
• Experience with business case preparation and cost benefit analysis.
• Strong knowledge of data collection and data analysis techniques.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents.
• Expertise in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Visio) and Microsoft SharePoint.
• Ability to analyze data and create visualizations in Microsoft Excel; familiarity and experience with other visualization tools such as Tableau or Power BI, preferred.
• Participates in continued learning and possesses a willingness and ability to learn and utilize new technology, tools and procedures.
• Functions as a change agent and facilitates the spread of innovation.