Performance Improvement Specialist

About the role

Location: Nashville, TN

Facility: Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown

Department: Quality Management

Schedule: Day shift | Full-time

Life at Ascension

Ascension is a leading nonprofit Catholic health system with a culture grounded in service, growth, care, and connection. The organization empowers its 97,000+ associates to reimagine healthcare together and has been recognized as one of the Best 150+ Places to Work in Healthcare and a Military‑Friendly Gold Employer.

• Comprehensive health coverage: medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage and HSA/FSA options
• Financial security & retirement: employer‑matched 403(b), planning and hardship resources, disability and life insurance
• Time to recharge: pro‑rated paid time off (PTO) and holidays
• Career growth: Ascension‑paid tuition (Vocare), reimbursement, ongoing professional development and online learning
• Emotional well‑being: Employee Assistance Program, counseling and peer support, spiritual care and stress management resources
• Family support: parental leave, adoption assistance and family benefits
• Other benefits: optional legal and pet insurance, transportation savings and more

How you’ll make an impact in this role

• Partner with leadership across the Ascension Saint Thomas system to apply Lean Six Sigma methodologies, standardize best practices, and break down operational silos across Middle Tennessee sites.
• Evaluate clinical, operational, and financial metrics to identify improvement opportunities, align strategies with current healthcare trends, and build implementation plans, tools, and training frameworks.
• Manage project teams and scope, collaborating with executive leadership to secure required resources and ensure continuous quality assurance and process control.
• Develop, monitor, and update ongoing management plans, establishing robust reporting mechanisms, risk resolution protocols, and clear stakeholder communications.

Education

High School diploma equivalency with 2 years of cumulative experience OR Associate’s degree/Bachelor’s degree OR 4 years of applicable cumulative job‑specific experience required.

Additional preferences

Industrial Engineering degree.