Job DescriptionThe Senior Lean Transformation Specialist is a senior-level change agent responsible for advancing NorthBay Health's transformation to a lean management system. This role partners with executive, clinical, and operational leaders to redesign processes, eliminate waste, and build sustainable continuous improvement capabilities. The Specialist leads high-impact improvement initiatives, coaches leaders at all levels, and embeds lean thinking into daily operations to improve quality, access, cost, and workforce engagement.
PRIMARY JOB DUTIESProcess Improvement & Redesign- Lead transformation of core business and clinical processes using value stream mapping, waste identification, and structured redesign methodologies.
- Partner with operational and clinical leaders to translate strategic priorities into executable process improvements.
- Champion and model lean principles, driving a system-wide cultural shift toward continuous improvement and operational discipline.
- Build organizational capability and belief in lean as a sustainable operating model through visible leadership and hands-on engagement.
- Lead and facilitate Kaizen events and rapid improvement workshops across varying levels of complexity, from departmental initiatives to enterprise-wide redesign efforts.
- Apply A3 problem solving, root cause analysis, and data-driven countermeasure development to address operational challenges.
- Support strategic initiatives from the Enterprise Annual Plan with structured improvement methodologies.
- Deliver measurable results within accelerated timelines while building internal capability. Maintain a portfolio of improvement initiatives with defined KPIs, tracking benefit realization and reporting outcomes to leadership.
- Ensure transparency and accountability through regular progress updates and visual performance management.
- Contribute to building NorthBay's internal lean infrastructure, including training curricula, coaching models, and standardized methodologies.
- Reduce reliance on external consultants by institutionalizing internal expertise.
Daily Management System Deployment- Support development and rollout of NorthBay's Daily Engagement System, including standard work, visual management, tiered huddles, and leader standard work.
- Ensure alignment between frontline execution and organizational priorities through disciplined daily management practices.
Executive Coaching & Capability Building- Coach senior and executive leaders on lean principles, leadership behaviors, and sustainment of a lean management system.
- Provide structured training on continuous improvement tools, including A3 thinking, root cause analysis, and standard work.
Stakeholder Engagement & Communication- Partner with the Integration Management Office to apply lean principles to integration activities, including workflow harmonization, operational readiness, and Day-One planning for acquired entities.
- Engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels, from frontline all levels of staff and leadership, adapting communication and facilitation styles as needed.
- Communicate with clarity, purpose, and emotional intelligence to influence alignment and drive action.
- Lead change management strategies for improvement initiatives, proactively identifying resistance, building buy-in, and ensuring sustained adoption.
- Embed changes into standard work and management systems to prevent regression.
QualificationsEducation:
- Bachelor's degree in business, health care administration, Industrial Engineering or related field. Master's degree preferred.
Licensure/Certification:
- Lean certification required or within one year of hire. Lean Black Belt certification preferred.
Experience: - Five (5) years of experience in operational excellence, performance improvement, or healthcare consulting.
- Demonstrated success leading lean transformations or large-scale process improvement initiatives in complex organizations, preferably healthcare.
- Proven experience operating within a lean management system. Lean certification (e.g., Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Shingo-aligned training) preferred, or ability to obtain within one year of hire.
- Deep expertise in value stream mapping, Kaizen facilitation, A3 thinking, and daily management systems.
Skills: - Advanced facilitation and coaching skills. Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with a data-driven mindset.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with high emotional intelligence.
- Demonstrated ability to influence without authority and drive cross-functional alignment.
- Change management expertise with a track record of sustaining improvements.
- Ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously in a dynamic environment.
- Must possess excellent leadership, communication and negotiation skills in order to influence results, gain support and tactfully manage complex relationships within and across the organization.
- Previous experience in healthcare/hospital operations performance and process improvement is strongly preferred.
Interpersonal Skills: - Demonstrates the True North values. The True North values are a set of value-based behaviors that are to be consistently demonstrated and role modeled by all employees that work at NorthBay Health. The True North values principles consist of Nurture/Care, Own It, Respect Relationships, Build Trust and Hardwire Excellence.
Hours of Work:
- Variable and exempt status.
Compensation:
- $53 to $65 per hour based on years of experience doing the duties of the role.
