Strategic Improvement Specialist

Saskatchewan Workers' Compensation Board•Regina, SK

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Strategic Improvement (SI) Specialist reports directly to the Director, Strategic Improvement. The Specialist position works with various business areas & project teams, providing technical training and coaching for the improvement efforts of the teams and of the organization; and in some cases leads the gathering, analysis, definition and documentation of current and future business processes. Ensures that business process documentation and continuous process improvement (CPI) infrastructure is maintained. Guides business users to develop, document, implement & sustain new work processes or work standards. The role serves to coordinate and ensure the rigorous application of CPI concepts, tools and methodologies to support achievement of organizational goals and enabling a culture of CPI. SI Specialists are accountable for the delivery and execution of the duties and responsibilities. The position will support Strategic Improvement and as such must demonstrate through personal commitment, support for the strategies, values, culture and beliefs of WCB and the strategic and operating plans of the functional or operational area. The incumbent must support innovation and contribute to a positive working climate which is client centric. The position must serve as a change agent and lead through influence rather than line authority. The Specialist must be a continuous learner, with a strong passion for CPI and working with teams to achieve results. Must demonstrate interest and ability to learn and then teach/coach acquired skills to all levels of the organization, from the Executive Team through to front line staff. Must be willing to challenge the status quo and the potential resulting conflict, and understand the organizational strategy and be able to articulate its goals.

Requirements

Completion of a two year diploma related to Engineering Technology, Operations Management, Business Administration or Commerce from an accredited post-secondary education institution.
5 years in a complex business environment with demonstrated knowledge, skills and abilities.
Knowledge of performance measurement methods and statistical analysis.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments in a demanding environment.
Ability to analyze problems/opportunities for efficiencies and make recommendations for improvements.
Ability to coach or influence those with whom there is no authority relationship through strong facilitation, team management/building and change management skills.
Ability to support the learning of technical CPI concepts.
Strong written and oral communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Project Management Professional (PMP) Designation
CPI (Lean/Six Sigma) training and certification

Responsibilities

Partners with business areas to develop and/or maintain appropriate means to track corporate and division/department progress towards identified goals or objectives and provides input into reporting tools and template for all levels of the organization (visual management).
Controls and manages a repository to store the required CPI tools, templates and documents (including value stream maps, process maps, standard work, project forms, templates, methodologies, software development life cycle documents, requirements, business rules). Maintain the most current versions of the tools and documents. Ensures changes occur in line with agreed corporate standards.
Responsible for project managing visioning events and improvement events (rapid improvement, standard work development, 2-day, 5S) to conclusion including development of associated improvement roadmaps and/or training plans and/or sustainment of benefits/gains.
Responsible for gathering and analyzing key service delivery data (KPI’s) & voice of customer data to identify, inform and support projects and events during all phases from pre-planning to conclusion.
Ensures project objectives solve existing problems or enhance performance which aligns to the organizational strategic direction. This includes: assist in defining project statement and information needs, identifying scope of work, and verify project deliverables meet the objectives.
Provides knowledge and expertise to ensure improvement results are supported and sustained by the business unit’s Daily Management System (DMS), to assess against standard and provide real time coaching to business area leaders.
Participating and assisting in preparation and facilitation of Strategy Deployment workshops.
Provides coaching to business unit leaders for project submissions, A3 and PDSA documentation, including defining options, determining scope, risk analysis, resources, tasks, and time estimates.
Demonstrates a commitment to the ongoing development of self through training, development and research/implementation of continuous improvement best practice.
Participates in the delivery of CPI Training.
Attends and/or facilitates stakeholder workshops related to CPI efforts/events. Document and compile agreed upon next steps & follow up to confirm actions taken.
Builds positive and effective relationships with colleagues at all levels within WCB (and externally as required) in order that the objectives of each area can be achieved and that the Strategic Improvement team can develop and grow in their effectiveness as consultants and agents of change.
Engages in self-study of CPI.
Helping to facilitate a culture of improvement across business units and the organization.
Challenging staff to think in non-conventional ways and supporting them to develop innovative solutions.
Working to continually understand, engage in and implement organizational changes that improve processes practices and outcomes in support of providing greater value to customers
Identifying and promoting actions to manage the people-side of change in order to realize successful outcomes in transforming the way we deliver services
Builds and maintains positive and effective working relationships with other departments, and units within the organization that are reflective of the values and culture of the WCB.
Ensures a safe and healthy working environment in areas of responsibility through the development of a safety culture.