Operations Manager

King County•Renton, WA

15d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Road Services Division of King County’s Department of Local Services seeks an experienced people leader and operations manager to join its Maintenance Section Leadership Team. This leadership position ensures that Roads maintenance and operations are optimized and aligned with King County’s True North Values and the division’s strategic priorities. The successful candidate will serve as the Assistant Section Manager, being responsible for the daily and longer-term operational needs of the Roads Maintenance Section. This position requires a high level of communication, fiscal, labor relations, and organizational skills to effectively manage a budget of $37 million and lead 235 full-time employees represented by one of ten collective bargaining agreements. The Operations Manager directly supervises and leads teams responsible for short and long-range planning, special initiatives, environmental and cultural resources, climate and sustainability, performance management, emergency preparedness, campus/facilities operations and workforce planning. The successful candidate will share a commitment to innovation, relationship building, communications, transparency and have a nuanced understanding of organizational decision-making. The Department of Local Services is deeply dedicated to fostering Equity and Racial and Social Justice in every aspect of our work. Our pledge is to cultivate, embrace, and celebrate the distinct experiences, viewpoints, and perspectives of our people, partners, and the communities we serve. Through this work, we dismantle systemic barriers, address inequities, and actively confront prejudices and biases. We acknowledge this journey is ongoing, and we remain steadfast in our efforts to create a positive impact for our employees and communities alike.

Requirements

Possess a robust executive skill set including strong people leadership, organization, strategic thinking, and organizational development; demonstrated experience leading inclusive group processes.
Be proactive and able to manage/track a high volume of diverse tasks and projects.
Demonstrated ability to be self-directed and adaptable, in a multi-faceted and sometimes ambiguous environment; ability to track, prioritize and manage multiple issues and competing priorities.
Develop and maintain an effective, collaborative, and positive staffing environment including workforce development, personnel management, conflict resolution, and managing staff and organizations through periods of change.
Effectively lead individuals and/or teams in service-based programs, working with diverse populations including race, ethnicity, gender, ability, age, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status in a culturally competent manner.
Demonstrate behaviors and decision making that reflect accessibility, respect, equity and belonging.
Possess excellent written, verbal, organization and presentation skills, with the ability to concisely, clearly and effectively communicate information to a range of audiences.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to anticipate and successfully navigate issues and perform effectively in a range of situations.
Experience maintaining positive working relationships with senior managers, elected officials, staff and other partners.
Experience managing multiple programs; planning, scheduling, and obtaining all necessary resources to complete projects, including guiding the preparation and monitoring of project cost estimates, delivery timelines and other measures of success.
Apply knowledge of local, state, federal and environmental laws, regulations, and policies pertaining to road maintenance.
Recognize, assess and oversee resolution of complex and/or technical problems or hazards related to the road system, the communities served and the diversity of built and natural environments within which the road system is located.
Ability to read maps and plan sets, policies, legislation, and other technical information.
Familiarity with human resources, labor relations, and leadership principles and be dedicated to employees and the management of their performance and development of their skills.
Predictable and reliable attendance, is essential, including the ability to effectively respond after hours, and during emergencies and/or natural disasters.
Proficiency with MS Office Suite, SharePoint, Teams and other appropriate technology.
Have a valid Washington State Driver’s License.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of GIS, Maintenance Management Systems, and Roadworks.
Knowledge of King County and Washington State regulations and policies pertaining to road maintenance.

Responsibilities

Applying equity, racial, and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work.
Provide clear, transparent and accountable leadership to a diverse workforce that prioritizes safety and a culture of belonging.
Act as an integral team member on the Roads Maintenance Leadership Team.
Plan, Do, Check and Adjust to optimize delivery of operational and budgetary priorities; develop and implement strategies to accomplish those priorities.
Bring a continuous improvement mindset and process improvement skillset to the organization.
Implement strategic plans, goals and policies; ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies; analyze and interpret operating policies, procedures, and guidelines; and approve recommendations for improvement.
Serve as the liaison between the Roads Maintenance Section and the Engineering Section, as well as with other county agencies, cities and other governmental and non-governmental partners.
Strategize new initiatives, problem solving, and operational improvements.
Prepare presentations, written materials and graphic communications for senior management, crews, and people leaders.
Plan, coordinate and direct emergency response planning and make emergency response and recovery decisions related to various disasters (earthquakes, floods, windstorms, snow, etc.)
Build teams, supervise, and mentor staff across the Maintenance section; assist and make recommendations on hiring, disciplining and terminating subordinates; prepare performance appraisals and maintain appropriate documentation for personnel issues; enforce workplace rules, including employee discipline and positive performance counseling.
Play a key role during flood and snow events and other natural disasters
Supervise staff and manage programs across planning, environmental/cultural resources, business administration, special use permits and claims, 24/7 customer service, performance management, continuous improvement, workforce planning, organizational development and other as needed special projects and initiatives.
Lead, help develop, and motivate employees, helping them to recognize the important role they each play in achieving the overall agency priorities while empowering individuals to pursue professional goals.