Director, Lean Operations (Certified Six Sigma Black Belt)

The Director of Lean Operations is a remote position responsible for leading the development and deployment of the Lean Operations function across a national network of 220+ funeral homes and 10+ care centers at our Support Center in Winter Park, FL. This high-impact role will stand up our continuous improvement program, define the enterprise Lean approach, lead and execute priority projects, and coach and train team members to build internal capability. The ideal candidate is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt with a strong background in operational leadership and process transformation, a data-driven mindset, and a proven track record of measurable results in healthcare or complex service environments.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

The successful candidate will perform a host of duties, including but not limited to:

• Build and institutionalize a scalable Lean Six Sigma program, including strategy, tools, governance, and project intake processes.
• Serve as the internal thought leader for continuous improvement across operations and corporate functions.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to identify, scope, and prioritize high-impact Lean projects.
• Lead cross-functional teams through the full Lean Six Sigma DMAIC cycle to drive measurable improvements in cost, efficiency, quality, and family experience.
• Define baseline metrics and track project outcomes using KPIs tied to productivity, labor utilization, materials, and customer satisfaction.
• Ensure projects are executed with discipline, speed, and rigor to deliver sustainable impact.
• Deliver structured training programs to develop Green Belts and Lean practitioners across the organization.
• Coach site leaders and frontline teams on Lean tools (e.g., 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, Root Cause Analysis).
• Promote a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and structured problem-solving.
• Partner with care center and funeral home leaders to simplify and standardize workflows.
• Design efficient operating models for new facility launches and expansions.
• Implement visual management systems and performance huddles to support daily operations.
• Ensure adherence to all regulatory requirements and internal safety protocols.
• Embed Lean principles into family care and environmentally sustainable practices.

Education, Work Experience Requirements:

• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification from a recognized authority (e.g., ASQ, IASSC, or equivalent) required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Business, Engineering, or related field; Master’s degree preferred. • 10+ years of experience in operational excellence roles within healthcare or service industries, ideally in multi-site environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead enterprise-wide Lean transformations and deliver measurable improvements.
• Strong leadership, facilitation, and change management skills.
• Exceptional analytical and communication skills; able to influence across all levels of the organization.
• Willingness to travel up to 50% to engage directly with site teams.

Team Member Benefits Include:

• Entry-level and experienced professionals; students, and veterans – we offer complete career paths regardless of your career and life stage
• Unique ShareLife® technology lets you create one-of-a-kind life celebrations for the families you serve
• Competitive salaries and performance incentives
• Team member referral program
• Medical, dental, prescription, and vision insurance
• Vacation, sick, and holiday pay
• 401k with company match
• Company-paid life insurance, long-term disability, and short-term disability