Continuous Improvement Manager (WMS2)

Description

• Lead the implementation of large-scale Lean, process improvement, and change management projects across the agency to achieve measurable performance outcomes.
• Manage the agency’s portfolio of Lean initiatives, ensuring projects are prioritized, scoped, executed, and monitored to align with strategic goals.
• Collaborate with executive leaders, directors, and managers to develop strategies, workflow plans, and change initiatives that drive organizational improvement.
• Provide consulting services, facilitation, and guidance to leadership teams to support strategic alignment and effective decision-making.
• Deliver training, coaching, and mentorship in Lean Six Sigma principles, tools, and practices to employees at all levels of the organization.
• Design and facilitate meetings, presentations, and events that engage leaders and staff in developing solutions and implementing change initiatives.
• Develop learning strategies and instructional programs, including WSDOT’s Green Belt program, to expand the agency’s Lean capacity and expertise.
• Apply Lean Six Sigma tools and structured problem-solving methods to identify root causes, implement solutions, and sustain improvements.

• Lean Six Sigma Mastery: Demonstrated mastery of Lean Six Sigma methodologies by applying advanced tools to solve complex organizational problems, improve processes, and mentor others in their use.
• Project & Change Management Expertise: Ability to apply project management, organizational change, and continuous improvement practices to deliver measurable results in complex initiatives.
• Training & Facilitation Skills: Possesses relevant and practical experience successfully training executives, managers, and front-line employees and facilitating diverse groups.
• Lean Tools & Methods Proficiency: Demonstrated expertise in a wide variety of Lean Six Sigma tools and methodologies, such as process mapping, visual management, 5S, standard work, coaching and mentoring techniques, and huddles.
• Data Analysis & Problem-Solving Ability: Proficient in scientific problem solving, data collection and analysis, metric development, and reporting results in collaboration with agency experts and data analysts.
• Influence & Collaboration Skills: Demonstrated ability to effectively guide and influence people without direct line authority, fostering collaboration across organizational levels.
• Communication Excellence: Requires outstanding written and verbal communication skills using multiple channels and confidently presenting to both large and small groups.
• Respect and Equity: Demonstrates the ability to contribute to a work environment that fosters respect, inclusion, and equal opportunity for all.

• Lean Six Sigma Certification: Holds a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification (or a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification with a commitment to earning the LSS Black Belt certification within one year).
• Change Management Expertise: Ability to apply structured change management methodologies (e.g., Prosci or equivalent) to successfully plan, implement, and sustain organizational change initiatives.
• Advanced Training in Lean Principles: Demonstrated relevant experience training executives, managers, and front-line employees in Lean mindset, principles, and problem-solving strategies such as DMAIC, gPDCA, or 9-step.
• Strategic Planning Experience: Practical experience in strategic planning, strategy deployment, and the use of key performance indicators for strategy execution.
• Leadership & Supervision Skills: Proven experience leading and supervising a team of employees to achieve organizational goals.
• Process Improvement Expertise: Designs and applies Lean methods to improve large-scale, complex service delivery processes, resulting in measurable efficiency and service improvements.
• Coaching & Motivational Skills: Demonstrated excellent coaching, listening, and motivational abilities to inspire others to action.
• Adaptability & Continuous Learning: Shows comfort with change, the ability to synthesize new information quickly, and adapt strategies to changing organizational needs.

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov

• Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
• Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
• Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.

• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.

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WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.

WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov