Continuous Improvement Manager

About the role

The Continuous Improvement Manager leads agency-wide continuous improvement using a human-centered Lean approach to strengthen processes, systems, and culture, improving engagement, reducing waste, and increasing value to the communities we serve.

Responsibilities

• Lead Lean strategy by serving as the agency’s go-to expert guiding cross-functional teams and embedding continuous improvement into everyday work.
• Champion a human-centered Lean culture by modeling curiosity, influencing mindsets, and inspiring organization-wide commitment to better ways of working.
• Guide organizational change by building readiness, engaging stakeholders, and helping teams confidently adopt new processes and behaviors.
• Coach leaders and staff in Lean thinking and facilitate structured improvement activities that deliver measurable, meaningful results.
• Promote a safe workplace by following all safety and health rules, standards, and procedures.
• Engage fully in learning by attending required training and meetings to stay aligned and informed.
• Support additional needs by performing related duties that contribute to team and agency success.
• Travel outside Seattle and Washington state for conferences and meetings.

Requirements

Expertise in organizational change management - from communication planning to stakeholder engagement to sustainment. 2+ years of senior-level management guiding teams and aligning strategic priorities. Lean/Continuous Improvement certifications (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen). Change Management certification demonstrating structured, people-centered transformation. Project management credentials supporting disciplined planning and execution. Human-centered design training to elevate user experience and service delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Public Administration, Social Sciences, Engineering, Human Services, or related field required.
• Additional four years of relevant work experience may substitute for the required degree.

Skills

Strong leadership, strategic planning, and project management skills. Experience in Lean methodologies and continuous improvement. Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities. Ability to analyze processes and design solutions that address root causes and elevate performance and service delivery. Proficiency in human-centered design principles and practices.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance. Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). Generous paid leave and holidays. Professional Development. On-the-job training and growth opportunities.

Pay

Competitive salary.

Schedule

Reasonable hours.