Associate Director of Operational Excellence

What Are We Looking For? Under the leadership of the Director of Operational Excellence, the Associate Director of Operational Excellence is responsible for helping create a culture of ongoing business process optimization and excellence through the use of process improvement and project management methodology and the dissemination of education on these methodologies.
This role plays a pivotal role in driving continuous improvement, operational efficiency, and innovation across the University.
Reporting directly to the Director of Operational Excellence, this position is a member of Baylor's Business Process and Systems Optimization team.
This role will serve as a partner responsible for developing and maintaining strong relationships with business and project stakeholders to align strategies and improvement initiatives.
This role will help lead teams across the University in identifying, planning, and implementing process improvement initiatives and projects that tie strongly to the University’s strategic priorities.
The Associate Director must be self-directed, creative, strategic, innovative, outcome and customer focused.
Qualifications: Minimum of a bachelor’s degree and five years of relevant experience.
Demonstrated record of project management, project facilitation (virtual/in-person), requirements documentation, process development, strategic problem-solving and analytical skills.
Must have strong attention to detail, excellent quality of deliverables.
Passion for exceeding customer expectations with an ability to anticipate business needs.
Process Improvement experience preferred.
*All applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
What Will You Do? Lead Process Improvement Initiatives: Champion the use of process improvement methodology throughout the University.
This includes facilitating Rapid Improvement Initiatives and collaborating with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for improvement and develop effective solutions that lead to tangible and sustainable results.
Process Improvement/Project Management Advocacy : Actively promote a culture of continuous improvement within Baylor University by encouraging teams and individuals to participate in improvement activities and projects by sharing best practices across the organization.
Process Improvement/Project Management Education : Responsible for leading the effort on creating education around process improvement and project management methodology and building a network of champions within the University.
This includes providing training, guidance, and assistance to champions, functional departments, Colleges, Schools, and units in identifying, planning, and implementing process improvement methodologies and project management tools supporting Baylor’s strategic priorities.
Project Implementation Oversight: Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, project managers, and process improvement leaders to ensure the successful implementation of process improvement initiatives and other projects.
Oversee the execution of improvement plans, monitor progress, and address any potential roadblocks to ensure projects are completed on time and within scope.
Stakeholder Engagement and Buy-In: Facilitate effective communication and collaboration between project teams, stakeholders, and departments to secure buy-in and support for process improvement initiatives.
Build and maintain strong relationships, fostering a culture of transparency and openness to change.
Performance Metrics and Reporting: Will establish performance metrics to measure the impact of process improvement initiatives and present regular progress reports to the Director of Operational Excellence and other key stakeholders.
Lead continuous measurement and monitoring processes, risks, and controls by conducting post-implementation reviews and project follow-up.
Maintain an extensive understanding of Baylor’s business policies, processes, and regulatory environment.
Help lead other Operational Excellence-related training events as needed.
Primary Skills Proven operations/project management skills A data-driven and analytical mindset, coupled with the ability to identify and address challenges during project implementation Passionate approach to serving and exceeding customer expectations Skilled in project facilitation, public speaking Skilled in virtual facilitation and project team management through use of collaborative tools (i.
e.
, Teams) Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential for effectively engaging with stakeholders, presenting findings, and facilitating workshops Strong interpersonal skills High level of business acumen Highly adept in problem solving, decisive Ability to balance personal experience with new ideas and solutions Resiliency, flexibility, learning agility, determination in face of setbacks Ability to manage multiple priorities and delegate effectively Strong time management skills Innovative, transformative, collaborative mind-set Preferred - skilled in Lean/Process Improvement methodology Bonus - skilled in Change Management methodology What You Can Expect As part of the Baylor family, eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, generous time off, tuition remission, and outstanding automatic retirement contributions.
Baylor has a comprehensive benefits plan that supports you and your family’s wellbeing and allows you to be a part of the life of a vibrant and active college campus.
To learn more, go to Baylor Benefits & Advantages.
Explore & Engage Learn more about Baylor and our strategic vision, Illuminate .
Also, explore our great hometown of Waco and the many opportunities to engage locally.
If you are new to Central Texas, This is Waco! Baylor University is a private not-for-profit university affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
As an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, Baylor is committed to compliance with all applicable anti-discrimination laws, including those regarding age, race, color, sex, national origin, military service, genetic information, and disability.
Baylor’s commitment to equal opportunity and respect of others does not undermine the validity and effect of the constitutional and statutory protections for its religious liberty, including, without limitation, the religious organization exemption under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the religious exemption to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, among others.
Baylor encourages women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply.
EEO/M/F/Vets/Disabled Degree Level : Bachelor