The Industrial Engineer provides leadership to care and service teams to minimize the impact and maximize the benefits of healthcare redevelopment by researching, designing, developing and evaluating effective and efficient solutions to process and system design challenges involving patients, physicians, staff, equipment, technology and structure. Expertise in the performance improvement methodologies, project management and change management techniques applied to solving complex problems is at the core of this role. By facilitating conversations that inspire critical, innovative thinking and yield valuable business/operational insights, the Industrial Engineer supports operational leaders in identifying strategic improvement opportunities, informing optimal design and equipment/technology selections, and identifying/managing impacts of change presented by redevelopment initiatives.
Group Facilitation
· Works with operational leaders to understand key stakeholders' viewpoints, needs, and desires and incorporates them into facilitation plans.
· Leads group facilitation exercises to achieve desired goals with a high level of situational awareness and emotional intelligence, utilizing tailored approaches to leverage the expertise of inter-disciplinary groups to plan and achieve success in initiatives.
Continuous Improvement
Utilizes advanced Industrial Engineering and operations research knowledge and skills to lead projects and initiatives that improve system access, flow and experience of patients, families and staff and physicians
Utilizes advanced professional project management knowledge and skills to manage and coordinate quality and process improvement initiatives
Utilizes advanced program and strategic planning knowledge and skills to systematically manage and execute strategic initiatives and projects
Utilizes Industrial Engineering technical expertise, tools, techniques, and skills to analyse complex systems, formulate abstract models of these systems in order to improve overall system performance.
Provides technical expertise and consulting in areas, including, but not limited to:
LEAN
Project Management
Decision Tools & Analysis
Process Engineering & Re-Engineering (flow charting, process mapping, layout and methods engineering)
Failure Modes & Effects Analysis (FMEA)
Benchmarking for Best Practice
Cost Benefit Analysis
Technology Impact Analysis
Computer Simulation Modelling of Complex Systems
Optimization Tools & Techniques (operations research, queuing theory)
Workload/Workflow Analysis (work sampling, workload study)
Logistics Planning (materials handling systems)
Facilities Design
Human Factors Engineering
Management skill / technique
Benefits Assessment & Realization
System/Process Performance Measurement & Evaluation
Delivers timely, accurate, and comprehensive data analysis reviews
Strategic Planning, Project Management & Change Management
Maintains an awareness of the external environment impacting hospital redevelopment, administration and clinical operations, including development of leading practices, evolution of policy and technology, and key strategic efforts of similar organizations. Formulates insights based on awareness.
Distils data analysis and environmental awareness to determine relevant Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats and communicates effectively with operational leaders.
Working in collaboration with members of the Healthcare Redevelopment team, in addition to other key stakeholders (i.e. consulting engineers, architects, and other design disciplines as required), utilizes advanced program and strategic planning knowledge and skills to systematically manage and execute strategic initiatives and projects
Working in collaboration with members of the Healthcare Redevelopment team, in addition to other key stakeholders, utilizes advanced professional project management knowledge and skills to manage and coordinate strategic initiatives and projects
Working in collaboration with members of the Healthcare Redevelopment team, in addition to other key stakeholders, on the development, implementation, and management of a process for monitoring and evaluating strategic initiatives and projects
Demonstrates and utilizes a high level of innovative thinking and creative problem solving to lead and participate in change management initiatives
Functions as a change agent by thinking reflectively, questioning assumptions, assessing alternatives, leading, and supporting change
Leadership
Collaborates and provides consultation to the Healthcare Redevelopment team, and operational leaders in project management, program and departmental planning, and performance measurement
Leads teams in project implementation and operational support initiatives
Models risk taking and initiative by constructively challenging the status quo, questioning assumptions, proactive research and taking action
Provides leadership in the understanding and use of technology to facilitate system change and support the evolution of patient and family centred care
Promotes and maintains effective interpersonal and professional relationships through active listening, direct, and assertive communication
Develops and maintains participatory management through personal contribution, and supporting the contribution of colleagues in decision-making processes
Demonstrates accountability for practice by providing rationale for decisions and actions, acknowledging errors, taking corrective action, recognizing own limitations, and consulting with others
Recommends alternatives and opportunities to minimize costs
Leads and participates in internal and external committees, as necessary
· Communicates and collaborates with extensive internal and external contacts, including but not limited to Department of Health & Wellness, Transportation & Infrastructure Renewal, Nova Scotia Lands Incorporated, contracted consultants and contractors, regulatory bodies and professional associations.
· Works professionally and collaboratively with leaders, medical staff, clinicians, department and program managers and directors, in collaborative/ partnership activities.
Building Capacity & Knowledge Translation
Develops, leads, and facilitates by applying education modules in LEAN methodology and Project Management facilitates the development of performance measures for programs and departments within NSHA that are used to monitor the achievement of operational goals, assess the impact of specific strategies and initiatives, and are consistent with Accreditation Canada's measurement process
Contributes to the development of professional practice through participation and leadership in care team, program, organizational, and professional activities
Supports and promotes an ongoing commitment to education programs by serving as preceptor/mentor for students (e.g., Dalhousie University Department of Industrial Engineering and School of Health Administration)
As part of membership with Engineers Nova Scotia, may be asked to supervise/mentor entry level engineers/analysts
Takes responsibility to keep abreast of current advances in the field of Health Systems and Industrial Engineering
Supports operational readiness strategies, as required
Financial Stewardship and Sustainability
In collaboration with NSHA care teams, management and leadership, supports initiatives that promote NSHA investing in capital for sustainability, as well as fiscal accountability
In collaboration with NSHA care teams, management and leadership, implements productivity improvement programs that will improve resource utilization, reduce costs, and improve patient care
Participates in process and system re-design and other quality improvement initiatives aimed at improving efficiency and effectiveness, as well as reducing the cost of poor quality
In collaboration with NSHA care teams, management and leadership, develops dollar savings, cost avoidance, and revenue generation measurements in all project deliverable statements to help measure project success
· Undergraduate Degree in Industrial Engineering from a recognized University.
· Must be registered with Engineers Nova Scotia and be licensed as a P.Eng or EIT or be eligible to do so.
· Appropriate licensure/membership in professional organizations.
· Master's level preparation in Health Services Administration, Business Administration or a related program an asset.
· Minimum three years' experience in Industrial Engineering.
· Project Management Professional certification an asset
· Change Management Certification (i.e. Prosci ADKAR) an asset
· Experience in major hospital redevelopment project an asset
· Experience with large scale redevelopment/renovation projects an asset.