Davita

Director, Special Projects & Operational Excellence

Davita • $155K — $185K *
US-AnywhereRemote in Pascagoula, MS
Healthcare
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 7+ years of experience in operations, consulting, or management roles
  • Strong project management skills with a proven track record of leading cross-functional initiatives
  • Exceptional communication and influencing abilities at executive levels
  • Analytical mindset with experience in quantitative and qualitative research
  • Master's degree in Business Administration or related field preferred

Responsibilities

  • Lead the operational excellence initiative, ensuring alignment with company objectives
  • Engage and influence senior leadership to drive strategic operational initiatives
  • Direct high-impact projects that foster innovation and transform operational processes
  • Manage complex, strategic projects from planning through execution
  • Provide actionable insights via thorough analysis to support executive decision-making
  • Act as a trusted advisor to senior executives on operational strategy
  • Identify and mitigate process inefficiencies, implementing best practices

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, and vision
  • 401(k) match to support retirement savings
  • Generous PTO and options for PTO cash out
  • Support programs for employee and family well-being including counseling and child care
  • Access to professional development programs and leadership courses
Full Job Description

Posting Date

09/24/2026

DaVita is seeking a dynamic, strategic leader and force multiplier to join our Operational Excellence (OpsEx) and Operations Innovation team as Director of Special Projects & Operational Excellence.

 

In this high-visibility leadership role, you will serve as an internal management consultant and strategic thought partner across DaVita’s core operational innovation lanes, including Runway, Forge, and Pioneer. You will lead and project-manage the Operations Excellence Action Team, direct critical strategic initiatives, facilitate executive-level decision-making, and drive alignment across cross-functional departments to advance enterprise priorities. This role requires high executive maturity, exceptional problem-solving agility, discretion with sensitive initiatives, and the proven ability to lead and execute through influence across all levels of the Village.


Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Operational Excellence Action Team Management (50%)

  • Strategic Direction: Shape and steer the strategic roadmap of the OpsEx Action Team, ensuring rigorous alignment with enterprise-wide priorities, Village goals, and multi-year value creation.
  • Executive Stakeholder Influence: Engage, align, and influence senior leaders and field operators to drive adoption and seamless execution of multi-year Operational Excellence objectives.
  • Transformational Initiatives: Direct high-impact, cross-functional programs that accelerate operational transformation, cultivate innovation, and deploy scalable solutions across DaVita’s ecosystem.

 

2. Strategic Scoping & Special Projects (12%–15%)

  • End-to-End Project Leadership: Scope, structure, and execute complex, high-priority, and quick-turnaround strategic projects from ideation to implementation.
  • Fact-Based Recommendations: Identify operational bottlenecks and emerging opportunities; conduct deep quantitative and qualitative analysis to develop alternative approaches and deliver executive-ready recommendations.
  • Innovation Lane Alignment: Lead scoping initiatives across DaVita’s innovation workstreams (Runway, Forge, Pioneer), partnering closely with operational vice presidents and directors to shape long-term business strategy.
  • Metrics & Execution Tracking: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs), governance cadences, and tracking mechanisms to monitor execution velocity and measure initiative impact.

 

3. Executive Support & Thought Partnership (10%)

  • C-Suite & VP Collaboration: Serve as a trusted advisor to senior executives, providing strategic thought partnership on complex operational decisions.
  • Executive Communications: Lead agenda design, synthesized analysis, narrative development, and executive presentations for leadership forums, operating reviews, and governance committees.

 

4. Operational Management & Continuous Process Improvement (10%)

  • Continuous Improvement: Proactively identify systemic gaps and workflow friction, design standardized processes, change management frameworks, and communication strategies .
  • Critical Path Portfolio Management: Build and maintain an inventory of critical path projects, proactively tracking variances, managing interdependencies, mitigating risk, and apprising leadership of milestone status and outcomes.

 

5. Other Duties (10%)

  • Participate in ad-hoc executive initiatives, strategic deep-dives, and cross-lane Village projects as assigned.

 

Here is what you can expect when you join our Village:
• A "community first, company second" culture based on Core Values that really matter.
• Clinical outcomes consistently ranked above the national average.
• Award-winning education and training across multiple career paths to help you reach your potential.
• Performance-based rewards based on stellar individual and team contributions.
• A comprehensive benefits package designed to enhance your health, your financial well-being and your future.
• Dedication, above all, to caring for patients suffering from chronic kidney failure across the nation. Enter text here

Join us as we pursue our vision "To Build the Greatest Healthcare Community the World has Ever Seen."

Why wait? Explore a career with DaVita today. Go to http://careers.davita.com to learn more or apply.


What We’ll Provide:

More than just pay, our DaVita Rewards package connects teammates to what matters most. Teammates are eligible to begin receiving benefits on the first day of the month following or coinciding with one month of continuous employment. Below are some of our benefit offerings.

  • Comprehensive benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, paid time off, PTO cash out
  • Support for you and your family: Family resources, EAP counseling sessions, access Headspace®, backup child and elder care, maternity/paternity leave and more
  • Professional development programs: DaVita offers a variety of programs to help strong performers grow within their career and also offers on-demand virtual leadership and development courses through DaVita’s online training platform StarLearning.

#LI-RF1

This position will be open for a minimum of three days.

The Salary Range for the role is $155,000.00 - $185,000.00 per year.

 

 

 

If a candidate is hired, they will be paid at least the minimum wage according to their geographical jurisdiction and the exemption status for the position.

New York Exempt: New York City and Long Island: $66,300.00/year, Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties: $66,300.00/year, Remainder of New York state: $62,353.20/year New York Non-exempt: New York City and Long Island: $17.00/hour, Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties: $17.00/hour, Remainder of New York state: $16.00/hour

Washington Exempt: $80,168.40/year Washington Non-exempt: Bellingham: $19.13/hour, Burien: $21.71/hour, Everette: $20.77/hour, Unincorporated King County: $20.82/hour, Renton: $21.57/hour, Seattle: $21.30/hour, Tukwila: $21.65/hour, Remainder of Washington state: $17.13/hour

For location-specific minimum wage details, see the following link: DaVita.jobs/WageRates

Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies and experience. DaVita offers a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits. Learn more at https://careers.davita.com/benefits  

  

Colorado Residents: Please do not respond to any questions in this initial application that may seek age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You may also redact this information from any materials you submit during the application process.  You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

About Davita

Since 1992, HealthCare Partners has been committed to developing innovative models of healthcare delivery that improve our patients' quality of life while containing healthcare costs. Our strength is in our steadfast commitment to our guiding principle of coordinated care. Our physicians strive daily to bring the benefits of coordinated care to more than 575,000 managed care patients in California, who represent the diversity of cultures, socioeconomic groups, ages, and health statuses in the communities we serve.

DaVita Careers

Join DaVita, a leader in healthcare services, and become part of a company that values innovation, leadership, and a commitment to providing quality care. At DaVita, we offer a range of job opportunities that allow professionals to thrive in a culture that fosters growth and diversity.

Work You’ll Do

At DaVita, we are dedicated to a collaborative team environment where each member’s skills are valued and nurtured. Our focus on professional development and leadership training ensures that every team member can reach their full potential. Whether you are looking for a position in healthcare, administration, or support, DaVita offers a path for career advancement and personal growth.

Innovate and Lead

Join a team where innovation is at the heart of everything we do. DaVita is committed to leading the healthcare industry by adopting new technologies and practices that improve patient care. Our leadership in the healthcare sector is driven by a commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Explore Job Opportunities and Internships

DaVita offers a wide range of employment opportunities and internships that provide hands-on experience and the chance to make meaningful contributions. From clinical roles to corporate positions, our company is looking for passionate, curious, and driven individuals. Explore where your career can take you with DaVita.

Grow Your Career

With DaVita, you are encouraged to grow both professionally and personally. Our benefits package is designed to support our team members’ health, well-being, and financial growth. We believe in nurturing our employees' careers with robust training programs, including diversity training and skills development workshops.

Be Part of Our Culture

At DaVita, we pride ourselves on a workplace culture that promotes diversity and inclusion. We believe that a diverse team inspires innovation and enhances our ability to provide top-notch care. Our employees enjoy a supportive network that fosters open communication and continuous learning.

Join Our Team

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are looking for creative, solution-driven team players who are passionate about making a difference. At DaVita, you’ll find a community where you can build a rewarding career.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest in career opportunities at DaVita. Personalize your job search and receive alerts about new positions that align with your career goals. Stay ahead with insider perspectives and industry-leading insights—all from the people who work here.

Networking and Professional Development

Engage with a vast network of professionals and take advantage of networking opportunities that can lead to valuable career advancements. At DaVita, we encourage our team members to connect, share, and learn from each other to enhance their professional and personal development.

Interview and Resume Tips

Prepare for your future with DaVita by accessing resources that help you craft your resume and hone your interview skills. Our hiring process is designed to identify and attract individuals who are ready to make a significant impact in the healthcare industry. Join DaVita today and be part of a company that is as dedicated to its employees as it is to its patients. Explore the possibilities and find out how you can contribute to our mission of providing exceptional care.
Learn more about Davita
Size
69,000 employees
Market Cap
$6.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
$773.6 million
Founded
1992
5 Year Trend
+1.6%
Revenue
$11.5 billion
NASDAQ

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