Director Operational Excellence

Company : Highmark Health Job Description : JOB SUMMARY Within Highmark, Delivery Management encompasses the comprehensive oversight and execution of projects and programs, ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of solutions and initiatives across the organization. The incumbent is responsible for maintaining and continuously improving the SOM, implementing corrective actions to ensure consistent 'green status' for all measured outcomes. This includes defining, tracking, and achieving Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the delivery management function, ensuring all metrics consistently meet or exceed target thresholds. Beyond the SOM, this position oversees a portfolio of projects aimed at improving operational deficiencies and optimizing outcomes. The incumbent leads a team dedicated to providing administrative services support to the broader delivery management function.. The Director is responsible for designing, implementing, and executing strategies using Six Sigma and Agile methodologies, assessing learning gaps, and managing change to realize the value of initiatives. Furthermore, this role owns the documentation, training, and change management of the Highmark Delivery Excellence methodology across all of Delivery Management and with other external partners. The Director will lead monthly and quarterly operating reviews with key stakeholders to present performance, action plans, and progress. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES + Perform management responsibilities to include, but are not limited to: involved in hiring and termination decisions, coaching and development, rewards and recognition, performance management and staff productivity. Plan, organize, staff, direct and control the day-to-day operations of the department; develop and implement policies and programs as necessary; may have budgetary responsibility and authority. + Provides direct coaching to the executive leadership team within the organization on agile and operational effectiveness in partnership with the enterprise effectiveness team through their federated model. This person would attend leadership meetings throughout the organization to present progress, influence direction, and obtain strategic direction. + Partner will all levels of management to assemble project teams and work groups to produce deliverables required to achieve the objectives of a defined project/program. Works closely with Enterprise Effectiveness, Project Management and Change Office, HMHS, Advanced Analytics, and business owners to drive operational efficiencies. + Manage the Operational Excellence department. Develop the roadmap and priorities, define the business engagement model, and execute and deliver all identified operational improvement driven initiatives. Work with Enterprise Effectiveness to ensure alignment on accountabilities and a consistent approach. + Lead efforts to perform analysis of enterprise-wide practices to identify opportunities for improvement. Access current processes and implement performance improvement programs. Manage key operational initiatives through a disciplined, customer focused, program management approach; identify and resolve project and program issues. Deliver on the core principles using Six Sigma and Agile delivery principles. + Other duties as assigned or requested. EDUCATION Required + Bachelor's Degree Substitutions + 6 years of experience in an operational excellence role Preferred + Master's Degree in Operational Excellence, Business Administration/Management, or Clinical Programs EXPERIENCE Minimum + 10 years in Project Management, to include : + 5 years in the Healthcare Industry + 5 years in a Leadership role + 7 years using Lean/Six Sigma or other related disciplines Preferred + None LICENSES or CERTIFICATIONS Required + Black Belt Preferred + Master Black Belt + Agile Scrum Certification SKILLS + Leading change + Written and oral presentation + Managing large scale projects + Organization and prioritization + Budget management + Financial acumen + People management Language: (Other than English) + None Travel Requirement: + 0% - 25% PHYSICAL, MENTAL DEMANDS and WORKING CONDITIONS Position Type Office-based Teaches / trains others regularly Frequently Travel regularly from the office to various work sites or from site-to-site Rarely Works primarily out-of-the office selling products/services (sales employees) Never Physical work site required Yes Lifting: up to 10 pounds Constantly Lifting: 10 to 25 pounds Occasionally Lifting: 25 to 50 pounds Rarely _Disclaimer:_ _The job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this job title. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job._ _Compliance Requirement_ _: This job adheres to the ethical and legal standards and behavioral expectations as set forth in the code of business conduct and company policies_ _As a component of job responsibilities, employees may have access to covered information, cardholder data, or other confidential customer information that must be protected at all times. In connection with this, all employees must comply with both the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) as described in the Notice of Privacy Practices and Privacy P_ _olicies and Procedures as well as all data security guidelines established within the Companyu2019s Handbook of Privacy Policies and Practices and Information Security Policy._ _Furthermore, it is every employeeu2019s responsibility to comply with the companyu2019s Code of Business Conduct. This includes but is not limited to adherence to applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations as well as company policies and training requirements._ Pay Range Minimum: $126,400.00 Pay Range Maximum: $236,000.00 _Base pay is determined by a variety of factors including a candidateu2019s qualifications, experience, and expected contributions, as well as internal peer equity, market, and business considerations. The displayed salary range does not reflect any geographic differential Highmark may apply for certain locations based upon comparative markets._ Highmark Health and its affiliates prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on any category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We endeavor to make this site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact the email below. For accommodation requests, please contact HR Services Online at California Consumer Privacy Act Employees, Contractors, and Applicants Notice Req ID: J275252

Created: 2026-02-02