Director-Operational Excellence Full Time NEW

Our leaders shape strategic initiatives, develop passionate teams, and work to improve health outcomes. They advance our mission and exemplify excellence, compassion, teamwork and purpose in all that they do. Indiana University Health is seeking individuals who embody these values to join our leadership team in the role of Director of Operations Excellence.

The Director, Operations Excellence leads the advancement of IU Health’s operational performance by driving strategic initiatives and building a high-performing Ops Excellence team. This role is responsible for developing talent, establishing priorities, and executing the IU Health operating model across assigned facilities or regions.

The Director partners closely with physicians, senior leaders, finance, and cross-functional teams to identify and implement process improvements that enhance quality, safety, patient experience, and financial performance. Leveraging Lean, project management, change management, and data-driven methodologies, this role ensures the effective design, execution, and continuous improvement of operations.

This leader plays a critical role in shaping and scaling a culture of continuous improvement—proactively identifying opportunities, prioritizing high-impact initiatives, and delivering measurable results that meet or exceed performance goals. The Director also integrates services across the organization and supports emerging care delivery models to drive high reliability and operational excellence.

Additionally, the role champions the adoption of process improvement principles across the organization, serving as a coach and facilitator to build capability and sustain impact. In partnership with system leadership and Transformation teams, the Director helps set strategic direction, establish standards, and is accountable for delivering results within their scope.

Key Relationships

Reports to: Vice President-Chief Operating Officer Regional

Candidate Qualifications

Candidates for the position will be evaluated according to the following criteria and competencies.

• Bachelor’s Degree is required. Master’s Degree is preferred.
• Requires 7-10 years of relevant experience.
• Requires 5+ years of management experience.
• Proven track record of driving quantifiable improvements in a complex matric organization is required.
• Must have a track record of developing project plans/road maps for implementation in a matrix organization.
• Project management experience required.
• Experience in leading a multi-site/lean six sigma implementation is preferred.
• Understands theory and has demonstrated application of change management fundamentals is preferred.
• Operations experience preferred, healthcare or manufacturing experience desired.
• Experience with VSM/VSA, High Reliability Organization (HRO), SIPOC, DMAIC, is preferred.
• Additional experience in the following is desired: Scientific thinking, operating systems, Training w/in Industry (TWI), 3P, various problem-solving tools, system thinking, Just Culture, and FMEA.
• Process Improvement (Lean/Six Sigma) certification preferred; Green Belt certification or equivalent desired.

Indiana University Health is unlike any other healthcare system and we’re looking for team members who share the things that matter most to us. IU Health leaders play a crucial role in advancing the mission of our organization and inspiring teams to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients. As one of Indiana’s largest employers and the most comprehensive medical system in the state, our vision is to lead the transformation of healthcare through quality, innovation and education, and make Indiana one of the nation’s healthiest states.

IU Health is the largest health system in Indiana with nearly 40,000 team members, 15 hospitals and $8.64 billion in operating revenue. The system’s programs in cancer, cardiovascular, neuroscience, orthopedics, pediatrics and transplants have received national recognition for quality patient care. IU Health, in partnership with the Indiana University School of Medicine, bring together highly skilled physicians, researchers, and educators into close collaboration to provide world-class care for children and adults and improve the health of patients and communities across Indiana.

Indiana University Health is dedicated to a fair hiring process and is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination for all individuals, regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, gender identity, expression, sexual orientation, or veteran status.