Continuous Improvement Lead (MA5)

State of Washington•Thurston County – Tumwater, WA

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Revenue is seeking a visionary and passionate change agent to join our Office of Efficiency and Accountability as a Continuous Improvement Lead. This is a unique opportunity to shape agency-wide initiatives, empower teams, and make a lasting impact for the citizens of Washington. Revenue is a dynamic learning organization where you will experience a remarkable work-life balance, with amazing leadership and talented co-workers ready and focused to achieve the agency's goals. We value diverse perspectives and life experiences. We employ and serve people of all backgrounds including people of color, immigrants, refugees, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and veterans. This unique culture of respect promotes a professional family of cohesive groups maximizing potential through opportunity. We offer a generous benefits package that includes defined benefit retirement plans; health, dental and vision coverage, deferred compensation plans, and as a public service employee, you may also be eligible for student loan forgiveness.

Requirements

Technical acumen in continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.), problem-solving, and project management.
Proven ability to lead and support organizational change, guiding teams with clarity, adaptability, and responsiveness.
Experience using data and performance measures such as metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to inform decisions and drive organizational goals.
Demonstrated skills in coaching, developing, and empowering other, and strengthening process and performance capabilities and standards.
Commitment to equity and inclusion, actively seeking to understand and appreciate diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
Strong communication skills, able to motivate and influence without direct authority, and tailor messages to varied audiences.
Demonstrated ability to lead and facilitate process improvement initiatives by applying continuous improvement methodologies (such as Lean or Six Sigma), problem-solving techniques, and project management practices. This ability has been gained through progressive experience identifying inefficiencies and achieving measurable service or operational improvements.
Proven ability to lead and support organizational and process change by guiding teams and individuals with clarity and adaptability, fostering understanding and commitment, addressing concerns, and enabling employees to successfully adopt and sustain new ways of working.
Progressive experience using data and performance measures to inform decisions, apply analytical tools and methods to identify trends, evaluate outcomes, measures effectiveness of improvement efforts, and provide evidence-based recommendations that support continuous improvement and organizational goals.
Demonstrated ability to coach, develop, and empower others, shown through experience providing guidance, sharing knowledge, supporting problem-solving efforts, and teaching improvement methodologies to build employee capabilities and strengthen both individual and organizational performance.
The ability to take action to learn and grow.
The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
Uses an equitable and inclusive approach.
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification, or the demonstrated ability to complete Green Belt certification within trial service period, supported by prior experience applying Lean principles, improvement tools, or structured problem-solving methodologies in organizational settings.
Proficient knowledge and demonstrated ability to use Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, Outlook, and SharePoint acquired through progressive experience preparing reports, analyzing data, developing presentations, documenting processes, or collaborating in a digital environment.

Nice To Haves

Four years of continuous improvement experience including experience leading or facilitating projects/process improvements in a complex organization.
Two years’ experience coaching and training employees at a variety of skill levels on efficiency, process improvement, or change management topics.
Three (3) years of professional experience in at least two of the following areas: Conducting research and analysis, Interpreting and analyzing policies, laws, rules, and regulations, Performing business process analysis and developing business requirements, Leading or facilitating business projects, Managing business operations, Developing business policies and procedures OR Bachelor's degree in Organizational Development, Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field, AND Three (3) years of professional experience in at least two of the following areas: Conducting research and analysis, Interpreting and analyzing policies, laws, rules, and regulations, Performing business process analysis and developing business requirements, Leading or facilitating business projects, Managing business operations, Developing business policies and procedures

Responsibilities

Lead and facilitate agency-wide efficiency and continuous improvement projects and workshops, collaborating with diverse teams across all levels of the organization.
Serve as a trusted management consultant, providing expert training, and coaching to employees at all levels.
Use change and performance management methods to support organizational transitions and sustain a culture of improvement.
Guide teams in problem-solving internal and external customer focus support and ensure strategies are appropriately supported and integrated across business areas.
Support data-driven decision-making, leveraging analytics to inform agency priorities and measure the effectiveness of improvement efforts.
Celebrate learning and articulate results, helping teams operationalize continuous improvement and achieve measurable outcomes in areas such as productivity, quality, and customer satisfaction.