Consultant, Quality Improvement & Data Management

Hutchinson Health is seeking a skilled Quality Improvement & Data Management Consultant to lead moderate to complex projects aimed at enhancing performance and supporting regional and departmental strategic goals. In this role, you will provide expertise in quality improvement methods, data analysis, change management, and team facilitation within Health Partners, primarily focusing on Hutchinson Health and Olivia Hospital and Clinics. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, at least 3 years of healthcare quality improvement experience, and proficiency in Lean, Six Sigma, and PDSA methodologies. In order to be successful in this role, qualified individuals will posses elevated leadership, multi-tasking, technology and self-starting skills. Join us in driving continuous improvement and delivering high-quality care to the Central MN community.

Note: This is an on-site position at Hutchinson Health and Olivia Hospital and Clinics, with occasional time at other Health Partners locations depending on need. Hutchinson Health is located 60 miles West of the Twin Cities, and Olivia Hospital is 100 miles West of the Twin Cities (40 miles Southwest of Hutchinson). The successful candidate will be located near these two primary sites, or within a reasonable commuting distance to be on-site at one of these locations on a daily basis.

Job Summary:

Provides quality improvement and data expertise acting as a consultant in performance improvement methods, systems thinking, change management, team facilitation, and data collection and analysis. Manages all aspects of mid-sized projects in support of regional or departmental strategic goals. Provides expertise and facilitates development of standardized approaches to create performance improvement plans, define appropriate tools, methodologies and metrics, analyze and interpret data, manage change and facilitate improvement teams. Mentors and coaches individuals and teams in improvement methods, project management, change management, group dynamics and planning methods. Actively partners with leaders to select and implement solutions and develop appropriate monitors and control plans to ensure implementation and hardwiring of improvement/change. Creates and presents project status updates to senior leadership. Identifies and removes barriers to project success or escalates to leadership when appropriate.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Acts as quality consultant, project manager and facilitator for mid-sized to complex projects that support the organization's mission, vision and strategic priorities.
2. Develops and supports a standardized performance improvement approach to influence the overall Central MN Performance Improvement culture.
3. Identifies and develops recommendations and material for educational and communication needs in the Quality Performance Improvement department and throughout the Central MN Region.
4. Establishes appropriate measurement and data monitoring approach to achieve desired results.
5. Supports local leaders in the identification of data sources/appropriate reports, including serving as a liaison to the HealthPartners system data teams when new report builds are required to evaluate a local improvement initiative.
6. Prepares charts, tables, and diagrams to assist others in conducting second level analysis and/or in problem-solving.
7. Partners with the Quality Director and other leaders to design reports and scorecards for local leaders/committees. Assists to ensure that any quality metrics required by accrediting/regulatory bodies (i.e. Joint Commission) are available to appropriate stakeholders.
8. Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Accountabilities for All Employees:

1. Adheres to the Hutchinson Health Employee Values.
2. Maintains confidentiality of the organization and patients.
3. Reports any health/medical errors.

4. Observes all Environment of Care policies and reports safety risks or hazards immediately.

Education, Training or Degree Required:

1. Bachelor degree required (BA/BS), preferably in business, nursing, operations management, industrial engineering, health care, statistics or related disciplines.
2. 3 years of clinical or quality improvement experience in the healthcare industry, Master's level coursework may substitute for years of experience.
3. Previous project management/quality improvement/data management experience.

License/Registration/Certification: (will be primary source verified by Human Resources)

1. Green Belt certification, Lean or Six Sigma training and certification, or similar preferred

Experience and Skills: (indicate preferred or required)

Required:

• Demonstrated experience in quality improvement methods (Lean, Six Sigma, and PDSA (Plan, Do, Study, Act) processes, A3 thinking), measurement definition and analysis, team facilitation and project management.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word and Power Point and various project management tools to include flow charting.
• Knowledge of Joint Commissions (TJC) and Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) standards.
• Exceptional organizational capabilities and prioritization skills.
• Proficient in preparing, leading and facilitating meetings, bringing teams to decisions in facilitating improvement sessions and/or workgroups.
• Proficient in tracking and reporting project or initiative progress.
• Strong change management, interpersonal communication, and negotiation/conflict management skills.

Preferred:

• System thinking/Change management coursework or experience
• Experience working in a matrix organization
• Experience with Epic
• Previous experience in a licensed clinical position helpful

Date created: 10/07/2025 DR/KM

Date updated: