Continuous Improvement Manager, Management Analyst 5
Recruitment #2021-05-7892
This is a Full-time, Permanent, Non-Represented position.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The DNR has an exciting job opportunity within our Executive Division. The Continuous Improvement Manager position reports to the Director of Employee Experience in the Office of Workplace Culture and Development (WCD), responsible for the development and management of the Continuous Improvement, Lean Culture, and Change Management Programs for the Department of Natural Resources designed to grow and develop DNR employees and enhance the agency-wide culture.  This position is on the senior Office of Workplace Culture and Development Management Team and responsible for developing, administering, and providing overall consult on these programs to DNR leadership, employees, and external agencies.

The position is responsible for building and leading a center of excellence for continuous improvement and change management at DNR and serves in a dual role, project managing cross-functional continuous improvement initiatives and serving as a thought leader, building and integrating best practices into DNR’s culture.

This position is responsible for the strategy, design, delivery and efficacy of processes, procedures and methodologies for continuous improvement, lean culture, and change management programs and initiatives delivered to DNR employees. This position will network with peers in other agencies, professional organizations, and lean trained individuals within DNR to leverage resources and information to further DNR’s mission and strategic plan. This position has agency-wide impact at every level of the organization and is part of a team of organizational development professionals with expertise in building and sustaining effective organizational culture. This position is directly responsible for formulating, planning, directing, and building organizational effectiveness and employee engagement at individual, team, local office, regional and division levels in support of Lean Culture.

The Office of Workplace Culture and Development (WCD) focuses on cultivating an agency-wide mindset of “leaders as coaches, employees as problem-solvers” to support growth and innovation, continuous improvement, and public service.  Through supporting process improvement, change management, diversity, equity, and inclusion, talent acquisition, and development, we can create a culture where DNR is the Employer of Choice.

Responsibilities:
Formulate, develop, manage, and lead/oversee implementation of Lean management practices

• In collaboration with leadership and staff, lead the strategic development, facilitation, planning, implementation and evaluation of Lean continuous improvement efforts across all lines of Agency business.
• Leverage analytical skills, tools and best practices to identify opportunities for improvement and methods to improve including but not limited to Lean Six Sigma. Ensure fit and right size for solutions and appropriate change management.

WCD Lean Practitioner for Organizational and Employee Development

• Identify, build, and implement organizational development efforts that are linked to the strategic plan and goals of the Department, support and sustain a Lean culture, and meet the unique needs of regions, local offices, teams, and individuals.
• Write, edit, and disseminate information articles topics related to work culture and organizational effectiveness.

Lean practitioners program

• Design, lead and manage the WCD Lean practitioners and related training and developmental opportunities.
• Perform professional level training consultation, meeting with senior and mid-level managers and subject matter experts to identify training and development needs.

Serve as Agency subject matter expert in Lean Six Sigma

• Serve as a thought leader, mentor and coach on continuous improvement, Lean Six Sigma, project management, and change management.
• Partner across the organization to embed and foster a continuous improvement and change management philosophy into DNR’s culture.

WCD Lean practitioners and continuous improvement project oversight

• Advise best practices for planning, directing, and building organizational effectiveness at individual, team, local office, regional, and division levels by improving leadership development, conflict management, communication, executive coaching, employee onboarding, mentoring, and engagement.
• Research, develop, and manage a clearly designed process for complete inclusion of Plan- Do-Check-Act change management maturity model, learning objectives, and post-evaluation steps of WCD continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in organization development, project management, process improvement, human resources, business administration, applied behavioral sciences, or related field.
• Black Belt or Master Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma certificate.
• Three or more years experience consulting for enterprise Lean transformation, organization development, project management, or change management in a large, complex organization.
• Three or more years experience coaching leaders for behavior change.
• One or more years experience working collaboratively with employees, managers, and supervisors.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills; attention to detail.
• Experience with
  • Leadership developmental training programs.
  • Professional level experience in design and development, evaluation and modification of lean training programs based on identified training goals.
  • Experience creating and maintaining relationships, building trust and rapport with others.
  • Experience communicating effectively with individuals and groups from a variety of cultures and backgrounds. 
  • Experience effectively problem solving, applying good judgment and initiative.
  • Experience analyzing individual and team development needs to identify development opportunities.
  • Experience utilizing technology to create, edit, and manage project materials and programs.
• Leadership competencies, including:
  • Positive, can-do attitude to motivate and inspire others to action;
  • Acute emotional intelligence to engage diverse stakeholders; and
  • Demonstrated flexibility and agility.
• Position-specific key behaviors:
  • Strong business acumen and ability to exercise sound judgment;
  • Strong theoretical knowledge and practical experience applying Lean concepts, methods, and tools;
  • Active commitment to personal and professional development in order to expect that from others; Incumbent must apply Lean methods to their own work;
  • Intrinsic motivation; incumbent must be a self-starter with a strong sense of personal accountability, excellent time management skills, and ability to balance multiple competing priorities;
  • Comfort with change and ability to adapt to new environmental factors, opportunities, and strategies;
  • Interpersonal skills to build trusting relationships and loyal partnerships with people at all functional levels of the organization;
  • Deep respect for all people and a human-centered mindset.
• The incumbent in this position is required to travel. Requires periodic (20%) travel for meetings and trainings; travel may be to region offices and work centers in remote locations throughout the state.

Our ideal candidate will also have the qualifications listed below:

• Exceptional consulting skills and experience managing the consulting relationship in a context of high ambiguity.
• Practical experience with leading strategic planning, strategy deployment and the use of key performance indicators in strategy execution.
• Proven experience implementing culture change using recognized culture change methodologies and practices.
• Experience leading and supervising a team of employees.

Location: 
One of the world’s most scenic places, Washington State offers breathtaking discoveries for people who love natural beauty and outdoor recreation, from the Pacific Coast shores to the rugged Cascade Mountains to the rolling hills of the Palouse. Your office will be located in Olympia. For more information on this area visit, http://olympiawa.gov.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, telework (mobile-work) is expected for most office activities. When approved to return, staff are expected to report to their assigned duty station for work activities or may be approved for telework based on DNR’s telework policy.

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). 
Our mission is to manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs economically and socially for current and future generations. At DNR we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington’s lands and communities through diversity, equity and inclusion. With nearly 1,500 employees in locations throughout Washington, we manage and protect more than 5 million acres of state-owned forest, range, commercial, agricultural and aquatic lands.

DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of those include:

• Commitment to organizational health and wellness
• Work/life balance
• DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
• Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups, visit here to learn more
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees
• Professional development opportunities
• Educational and career development aid
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
• A comprehensive benefit package that includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave and vacation days. Visit http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.

How to Apply: 
To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.

Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application call NEOGOV toll-free at (855)524-5627 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.

Application Requirements:

• Attach a letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile and the position required, desired and special requirements.
• Attach a resume describing your experience and qualifications.
• Provide three to five professional references – you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include with resume.
• Complete all supplemental questions.
• Attach a copy of your college degree certificate or an unofficial copy of your transcripts.
• Attach a copy of your Black Belt or Master Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma certificate.
• Attach a writing sample (1-2 pages) describing your Lean journey and reflect lessons learned from at least one black belt project you’ve completed.

Additional Information:
This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.

Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22 or other verification of military service. Please black out your social security number prior to attaching.  We thank you and are grateful for your service!

Persons needing accommodation during the screening process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact DNR Recruiting staff at (360) 522-2500 or (360) 522-0143 or by email at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.  Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington State Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) at 1-800-833-6388 or www.washingtonrelay.com.

DNR is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind.

Check us out on: DNR’s website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | WordPress

Questions?  Please contact Lauren Burnes, Director of Employee Experience at 360-688-0805, Lauren.Burnes@dnr.wa.gov or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov