OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE MANAGER

at  University of California Office of the President

POSITION SUMMARY

Independently uses and applies wide-ranging experience and proficiency in organizational development, effectiveness, business process analysis and strategic planning on projects that involve multiple organizations and stakeholders. Uses advanced organizational development professional concepts and organization objectives to resolve complex organizational development, design and effectiveness issues. Regularly works on highly complex issues of strategic engagements where analysis of circumstances and information requires an in-depth evaluation of factors. Exercises judgment in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. (Please note this posting is for 2 (two) positions. This position is approved for a hybrid work arrangement. The selected hire must reside in California and will be required to report to work in Oakland, CA. Remote candidates willing to relocate to California may be considered.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum 8 years of experience in process improvement, project management, or related field.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum 1 year Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Strong applied knowledge of process improvement, project management, and change management principles.
Demonstrates strong analytical, problem-solving, project planning and implementation skills.
Highly skilled in facilitation, consulting and relationship building.
Demonstrated excellent facilitation and training skills.
Possesses strong consulting, relationship building, and strategic thinking skills.
Ability to coach, facilitate and influence people at all levels.
Demonstrates ability to learn quickly, reason, synthesize and generalize based on information obtained; sound judgment; ability to draw unbiased conclusions.
Ability to focus on priorities, strategies, and vision.
Knowledge of operational efficiency consulting process to effectively lead engagements from inception to conclusion.
Ability to persuade through both logic and appeal to positive motivations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience working in higher education or public sector organizations.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, or related field.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s degree preferred

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certificate
Project Management certification or equivalent experience / training

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Change Management certification or equivalent experience / training

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Up to 20% travel to campuses and other UC and non-UC location for meetings, conferences, etc.

30% Process Improvement and Operational Excellence Training and Capacity Building Develop and deliver Process Improvement training programs for UCOP staff (White Belt and Yellow Belt training). Support Green Belt/Black Belt scholarship programs, including selection and support of candidates. Create and maintain OE resources, including online materials and quarterly newsletters Contribute to the development of an OE Dashboard to track and report on training completion and certification rates. Continuously improve training materials and delivery methods based on feedback and best practices.
30% Project Coaching, Consulting, and Management Lead cross-functional teams to solve complex organizational issues. Lead and facilitate process improvement projects across UCOP departments, applying Lean Six Sigma, Agile, Change Management and other methodologies. Develop project charters, timelines, and resource plans for high-impact improvement opportunities. Monitor project progress and report outcomes to leadership Support the implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in process improvement efforts which may include RPA and GenAI initiatives. Contribute to the Employee Data Integrity project and other strategic initiatives.
10% OE Community Development and Facilitation Support the launch and facilitation of the UCOP OE Community of Practice Organize and monthly topic-based meetings and knowledge-sharing sessions. Support the development of a UC-wide OE Community of Practice. Develop and maintain best practice documentation and resources Foster collaboration between OE practitioners across UCOP and UC campuses.
15% Stakeholder Engagement and Communication Collaborate with department leaders to identify high-impact improvement opportunities. Develop and implement communication strategies to support organizational goals and OE initiatives Contribute to the OE Center of Excellence website development and maintenance. Prepare progress reports and presentations for senior executives. Represent the OE Center at relevant conferences and external engagements.
10% OE Center Strategy and Development Contribute to the strategic planning and growth of the OE Center of Excellence. Identify and implement new tools and technologies to support UCOP’s improvement efforts. Develop metrics and reporting mechanisms to demonstrate the value of OE initiatives. Support the alignment of OE efforts with UCOP’s strategic goals - Participate in relevant UCOP committee meetings.
5% Mentorship and Team Collaboration Guide and advise process improvement practitioners and other staff on operational improvements. Contribute to the recruitment and onboarding of new team members