Senior Manager / Associate Director - Business Process Optimization

INTRODUCTION :

University of the People (UoPeople) is the first non-profit, tuition-free, American, accredited, 100% online university. Today, UoPeople has over 170,000 students enrolled from more than 200 countries and territories, including 18,800 students who are refugees. UoPeople is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and is recognized by the DEAC as an accredited online University.

We believe that higher education is a basic human right and that it can transform not only the lives of students, but also their families' lives, their communities, their nations, and, by extension, the world. See President Reshef’s TED talk when he announced the founding of the University.[ TED talk ]

UoPeople is an innovative university, and we welcome team members who bring creativity and innovation to their roles. We’re a fast-paced organization with remote teams all around the globe. If you’re a self-starter who wants to succeed alongside a passionate team, we’d love to hear from you!

UoPeople is supported by the generosity of individuals and foundations, including the Gates, Hewlett, Ford Foundations, Fondation Hoffmann, and others. The University has been covered by the New York Times, BBC, NPR, Times Higher Education, US News and World Report, and more. President Reshef’s TED Talk and Nas Daily interview about the University have 30 million views combined

Overview :

The University of the People is seeking an experienced and results-driven AD - Business Process Optimization (BPO) to lead and manage the optimization of business processes across our organization. The AD will play a critical role in identifying inefficiencies, implementing process improvements, and ensuring the successful delivery of optimized workflows. The AD will be self-starter, promoting the team, building stakeholder engagement and creating a small team under him / her.

This position requires strong leadership, analytical abilities, and a deep understanding of process improvement methodologies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS / RESPONSIBILITIES :

Lead the development and implementation of business process optimization strategies to drive efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall performance.

Collaborate with senior management to align process improvement initiatives with the organization’s strategic goals.

Communicate the benefits and impacts of process improvements across the organization.

Oversee the analysis of current business processes to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and opportunities for improvement.

Implement process mapping, data analysis, and workflow automation to optimize operations and enhance productivity.

Lead continuous improvement initiatives using methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or BPM (Business Process Management).

Manage multiple process optimization projects from inception to completion, ensuring timelines, budgets, and goals are met.

Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure the successful execution and integration of optimized processes.

Work closely with department heads and key stakeholders to understand their needs, challenges, and priorities.

Facilitate workshops, meetings, and training sessions to ensure alignment and buy-in for process changes.

Establish metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of process optimization efforts.

Monitor the effectiveness of implemented changes and make data-driven adjustments as needed.

Prepare and present detailed reports and recommendations to senior management.

Lead, mentor, and develop business process optimization specialist, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Provide guidance and support to team members on best practices and methodologies for process optimization.

Identify and recommend technological solutions to automate and streamline business processes.

Collaborate with IT teams to implement new tools and systems that support process optimization efforts.

Identify potential risks associated with process changes and develop mitigation strategies.

Ensure all process improvements comply with relevant regulations, policies, and industry standards.

KEY COMPETENCIES

8+ years of experience in process optimization, business analysis, or a related role, with at least 2 years in a managerial position.

Strong knowledge of process improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or BPM.

Proven experience in leading and managing process optimization projects and cross-functional teams.

Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on data-driven decision-making.

Proficiency in process mapping, data analysis, and project management software.

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple processes simultaneously.

High level of responsibility, organizational skills, and the ability to think strategically.

Big advantage : Worked for a University / Education / Ed-tech organization.

QUALIFICATIONS :

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.

Strong knowledge of process improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or BPM (Business Process Management).

Certification in Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt, Black Belt) or similar process improvement methodologies is a must.