OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE SPECIALIST II- BLACK BELT

At Cooper University Health Care, our commitment to providing extraordinary health care begins with our team. Our extraordinary professionals are continuously discovering clinical innovations and enhanced access to the most up-to-date facilities, equipment, technologies and research protocols. We have a commitment to our employees to provide competitive rates and compensation programs.  Cooper offers full and part-time employees a comprehensive benefits program, including health, dental, vision, life, disability, and retirement. We also provide attractive working conditions and opportunities for career growth through professional development.
Discover why Cooper University Health Care is the employer of choice in South Jersey.

At Cooper University Health Care, you’ll play a meaningful role in strengthening a high performing, mission driven health system. You’ll be part of an experienced Operational Excellence team that partners across clinical and operational areas to improve care delivery, support system growth, and advance organizational performance.

You are a collaborative, analytical, and adaptable problem solver who thrives in dynamic environments. You enjoy translating complex challenges into clear workflows, using data to drive decisions, and partnering with teams to implement meaningful improvements. You’re comfortable supporting a range of initiatives — from Lean Six Sigma projects to growth related operational efforts — and you bring a structured, thoughtful approach to helping teams navigate change and achieve measurable results.

Cooper University Health Care is seeking an Operational Excellence Specialist II to support a diverse portfolio of initiatives that enhance organizational performance, strengthen clinical and business operations, and enable system growth. While many assignments involve applying Lean Six Sigma and improvement science, this role also contributes to strategic and operational projects—including those tied to service expansion and organizational readiness.
Across all engagements, the Specialist brings strong analytical skills, structured problem solving, and practical coordination abilities. Elements of project management and change management naturally support this work, helping ensure initiatives are well organized, effectively communicated, and successfully adopted.
This position offers the opportunity to partner with leaders across the enterprise and make a meaningful impact on quality, efficiency, patient experience, and system growth.

Key Responsibilities
• Lead or co lead improvement initiatives using Lean Six Sigma or related methodologies, driving measurable gains in quality, safety, efficiency, and workflow performance.
• Support projects related to organizational growth, operational readiness, or service expansion, applying structured planning and coordination where needed.
• Work closely with sponsors, champions, clinicians, operational leaders, informatics, and IT partners to define project goals, scope, and timelines.
• Apply practical change readiness and communication strategies to support smooth transitions to new or improved workflows.
• Analyze data, map current-state processes, identify root causes, and contribute to sustainable solution design.
• Assist in capability building through training and coaching to strengthen the culture of continuous improvement across the organization.
• Participate in system-level initiatives alongside Black Belts, project managers, and cross-functional leaders

Preferred Qualifications
• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Experience applying change management practices.
• Exposure to or experience with project management concepts or tools.
• Experience with statistical analysis or advanced problem solving techniques.
• Leadership experience within operational excellence, performance improvement, or transformation initiatives

Preferred Qualifications
• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Experience applying change management practices.
• Exposure to or experience with project management concepts or tools.
• Experience with statistical analysis or advanced problem solving techniques.
• Leadership experience within operational excellence, performance improvement, or transformation initiatives

3-5 years in- depth experience utilizing Lean Six Sigma methodology and tools. 

Analyst should have proven Six Sigma, Lean and Project Management experience

Analyst should have proven problem-solving skills and deep system experience.   

Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree OR 10+ years of relevant healthcare process improvement experience in lieu of degree.
• 3–5 years of experience using improvement science methodologies (e.g., Lean Six Sigma, PDSA).
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Certified as Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (i.e. ASQ certification, GE Leadership Development Training, or an Accredited University program) preferred