Rina Patel

Process Improvement Leader and Operational Excellence professional with 9+ years of experience driving enterprise-wide process optimization, transformation, and governance initiatives across financial services, technology, and operations. Expert in identifying, prioritizing, and delivering measurable process improvements through process mapping, Lean Six Sigma, change management, and data-driven decision making. Proven track record of partnering with cross-functional stakeholders, facilitating workshops, preparing executive-level reporting, and embedding controls into scalable, compliant workflows. Highly skilled in translating complex operational and technical processes into actionable improvements, SOPs, and performance-driven execution models.

Process Engineer                 Judge Group Inc, Chicago IL, Jan 2025 - Present

Client: Discover Financial Services Inc.                                                                  Riverwood, IL, Jan 2025 - Present

• Led end-to-end process discovery, documentation, and optimization for authorization and related operational workflows using BPMN and Lean/Six Sigma; strengthened efficiency, governance adoption, and risk posture across cross-functional teams.
• Served as the primary liaison for Data Ecosystem, Product Enablement, and Open Finance Hub during process reviews and internal/external audits; ensured readiness, surfaced roadblocks, and drove issue resolution with Compliance, Legal, and control owners.
• Defined and embedded process governance and issue management routines aligned to regulatory requirements; delivered regular executive updates with recommendations, decisions needed, and progress against milestones.
• Built “best-in-class” process visualizations and documentation (including Blueworks Live where applicable) to capture platform and manual processes, clarify handoffs, and standardize controls and standard work.
• Executed risk and controls activities (RCSA, control testing, issue remediation, control updates) and led department-wide self-testing cadences to validate control effectiveness and risk tolerance.
• Queried and analyzed operational data to generate audit/compliance insights and performance reporting; translated findings into KPI dashboards and measurable improvement actions.
• Led large implementations and change management efforts, and coordinating teams to migrate platforms, retire systems, and modernize processes with minimal disruption.

Process Engineer                                                       IT Expert System Inc., Schaumburg IL, July 2021 - June 2024

• Administered and supported enterprise office management  processes and solutions across operations, finance, education, and technology, ensuring governance, consistency, and alignment to strategic objectives
• Led requirements gathering and stakeholder engagement with business and technology leaders; translated complex needs into actionable office management process improvements and implementation plans.
• Investigated office management process and tooling issues, performed root-cause analysis, and delivered data-driven recommendations to improve efficiency, visibility, and delivery predictability.
• Designed and implemented end-to-end workflow and ERP solutions (Knack), automating manual processes, improving data accuracy by 15%, and supporting agile, scalable operations.
• Built business cases, KPI frameworks, and executive-ready reporting; increased online proctoring revenue from $5K to $20K per month through process redesign and automation.
• Led a $500K government grant-funded project end-to-end, managing grant  intake, scope, requirements, compliance milestones, and cross-functional delivery to achieve audit-ready, on-time execution.

Process Engineer                                  Aimtron Corporation, Palatine, IL, July 2020 - Nov 2020  

• Provided subject matter expertise in process management and facilitated continuous communication to overcome barriers and drive ongoing process improvements across the organization.
• Applied Six Sigma Lean principles to streamline manufacturing processes, resulting in a 30% increase in operational efficiency.
• Gathered and analyzed business requirements, leading root cause analysis and corrective actions that optimized the SMT line.
• Developed and implemented new SOPs, ensuring clear documentation and adherence to process improvements.

Business Process Manager                                    VCIL Inc., Skokie, IL, Apr 2016 - Dec 2019  

• Managed end-to-end business process improvements, aligning project teams and driving strategic initiatives that enhanced operational efficiency.
• Led business transformation initiatives, aligning process improvement strategies with company objectives. Trained and mentored teams in Lean methodologies, promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
• Conducted value stream mapping to identify gaps, mitigate risks, and improve process cycle time. Developed data-driven process improvement strategies that enhanced operational efficiency and reduced costs.
• Implemented data-driven process improvements to optimize operational flow, KPIs, and workforce planning in partnership with HR, ensuring efficient resource allocation and staff deployment.

Operation Manager                                MQSR Inc., Buffalo, NY, Apr 2009 - Mar 2016  

• Oversaw financial performance, billing, inventory management, and operational controls, driving profitability and efficiency.
• Led continuous process improvement initiatives and implemented cost-saving strategies that improved financial and operational outcomes.
• Developed and executed marketing strategies and training programs that improved operational efficiency, increased repeat customer visits, and contributed to overall business growth.

• Master of Engineer, Engineering Management              University of Buffalo, USA