Operational Excellence Consultant - Office of Innovation

FT / PT Status – Full-Time

Benefits Eligibility – This position is eligible for a full benefits package.

Salary – $30.26 - $40.26 Hourly Wage

Remote Work / In-Office – Hybrid

Recruiter – Niccole Johnson | niccolejohnson@utah.gov | 801-538-3956

Application Deadline – 9/13/2026*

*This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed, should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Key Responsibilities

The Office of Innovation is seeking an Operational Excellence Consultant to join our team! This office supports the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) as we work to continuously improve the systems and services we provide. This trusted role has the opportunity to solve complex problems through improvement projects and strategic planning. We use the Results-based Accountability framework to add structure and consistency to the quality improvement process across the department. Data and performance management are an integral part of our work, helping to support the recommendations made by our office and the strategic decisions of department leaders. Most of the work done in this office is synonymous with ‘change’ and therefore change management is a key function of this role. While not supervisory, it requires excellent leadership skills and the ability to build and maintain trusted relationships with those we support. Having a quality improvement mindset is essential to everything we do. Oftentimes, we are tasked with solving a problem where there is no playbook or clear direction. We figure out the next right steps and keep the momentum moving until we see results. This requires ownership and organizational skills to achieve progress. We are looking for a creative thinker who isn’t afraid to speak up, ask questions, and challenge the status quo. This position is eligible for the hybrid model, with a requirement to be in-office 3 days a week.

Duties of the Operational Excellence Consultant include the following:

• Manage and/or support complex department projects in an organized, proactive, and timely manner;
• Provide expertise and consult on performance management, strategic planning, project management, and other quality improvement best practices;
• Apply critical thinking and problem solving to address department needs;
• Coordinate DHHS' efforts for the GRIT Initiative;
• Develop positive and trusted relationships with staff & leaders at all levels of the department;
• Build and maintain data tracking in spreadsheets and systems;
• Collaborate effectively with peers and stakeholders;
• Create high quality recommendations and deliverables on assigned projects;
• Identify opportunities for streamlining processes, efficiencies, and increasing the impact and quality of DHHS services;
• Model effective leadership skills;
• Demonstrate a growth mindset and contribute to the psychological safety of the office;
• Develop and deliver presentations related to projects or trainings relevant to quality improvement topics;
• Obtain the necessary certifications as required by the Office Director (may include Results-based Accountability and Project Management Professional certifications).

Qualifications

The ideal candidate for this position is someone who has:

• An improvement mindset, always seeking opportunities to make things better
• At least 2 years experience leading projects or teams
• Knowledge and applied understanding of quality improvement models, particularly Results-Based Accountability
• Excellent social skills, with the ability to connect and engage with people at all levels of the organization
• Project management skills, with the ability to track multiple assignments and hold oneself and others accountable for assigned tasks
• The ability to work individually and proactively
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Preference may be given to candidates who have:

• Leadership experience in the health and human services industry;
• Results-based Accountability (RBA) certification;
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification;
• Knowledge of health and human services programs;
• Experience leading quality improvement initiatives or complex projects;
• Intermediate Microsoft platform/Google Suite skills, especially Google Sheets;
• Experience with delivering training to groups and/or public speaking.

Supplemental Information

Effective July 1, 2021, State of Utah Employees must either reside in Utah or be in the process of relocating to within 30 days of their start date. Please note, a position's eligibility for remote and/or hybrid work is established by agency management and is subject to change at their discretion, at any time and for any reason. This position is eligible for the hybrid model, with a requirement to be in-office 3 days a week. Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated, e.g., safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc. Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying light items; driving an automobile, etc. Special physical demands are not required to perform the work. DHRM rules apply for promotions and transfers.

About the Role

Location – 195 North 1950 West Salt Lake City, Utah, 84116 United States

Background Check Required – You must successfully pass a criminal history check.

Drug Test Required – No

Schedule Code – B - Competitive Career Service

Why You Should Join Our Team

In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah, click here.

Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

The Agency

Become an integral part of the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and contribute to the vision of advocating for, supporting, and serving all individuals and communities in Utah; and ensuring all Utahns have fair and equitable opportunities to live safe and healthy lives. Help us achieve this through effective policy and a seamless system of services and programs.

EEO Statement

The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.