Continuous Improvement Manager, WMS1
Recruitment #2021-02-7892
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 Reporting to the Director of Employee Experience in the Office of Workplace Culture and Development. The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for the oversight and management of the Continuous Improvement projects, Lean Culture, and Change Management Programs for the Department of Natural Resources. This position is part of the senior management team in the Office of Workplace Culture and Development and responsible for developing, administering, and providing overall consult on these programs to DNR leadership, employees, and external agencies. 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.

Responsibilities:

• Lead, direct, manage and implement agency-wide Lean strategy initiatives
• Develop, design, and deliver Lean continuous improvement efforts across all lines of Agency business to address issues related to Lean daily management, Lean leadership, strategic alignment, continuous improvement, and change management.
• Facilitate interaction between internal and external organizations with diverse and conflicting interests who may be significantly impacted by process improvement projects.
• Research best practices and industry trends and provide recommendations to WCD leadership, Lean Practitioners, and DNR continuous improvement teams on methods to improve systems and processes to achieve strategic and operational objectives.
• Develop and implement communication strategies, training, staff development, or coaching materials to achieve timely and effective dissemination of information; and monitor effectiveness.
• Oversee the Agency focus on building a Lean culture through leadership development, team development, employee engagement; and lead strategic efforts for change management and succession planning.
• Provide expert consultation in the development of a broad range of streamlined processes, including internal and external infrastructure, to meet the needs of clients and internal and external stakeholders.
• Support development of local office culture in alignment with the goals of the administration and agency.
• Identify, build, and implement organizational development efforts to support and sustain a Lean culture, and meet the unique needs of regions, local offices, teams, and individuals.
• Provide Six-Sigma Black Belt level Lean expertise and guidance to managers and employees across the Agency to analyze processes and systems, and implement improvement plans.
• Serve as Agency subject matter expert in Lean Six Sigma and lead in Lean Six Sigma Agency’s planning and strategy development for Lean activities within the Agency.
• Design, lead and manage Lean Belt training, Lean Teams, and other related training and developmental opportunities for diverse staff across the state.
• Create a path to practitioner, Lean Belt training, Lean Teams, and other related training and developmental opportunities for diverse staff across the state.
• Track outcomes and prepare reports, statistical analyses, presentations and talking points for the Agency.
• Provide 1:1 leadership development coaching to leaders across the agency are building the skills required to further an effective organizational culture. Identify the unique organizational development needs of teams and local offices.

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in organizational development, human resources, business administration or related field.
• Five years of experience consulting for enterprise Lean transformation, project management, or change management in a large, complex organization.
• Five years of experience coaching leaders at all levels of the organization for behavior change.
• Strong business acumen and ability to exercise sound judgment.
• Strong theoretical knowledge and practical experience applying Lean concepts, methods, and tools.
• Strong analytical problem solving skills and crisp writing skills, as demonstrated by written work products.
• Experience facilitating improvement work in a large, complex organization.
• 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.
• 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.

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, the incumbent is 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
• Statewide Business Resource Groups, visit here to learn more
• DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees
• Work/life balance
• Leadership development opportunities
• Educational aid and career development stipends
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
• Opportunities to stretch your professional skills
• 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.
• Attach a writing sample detailing a “Lessons Learned” from a lean project, no more than two pages long
• Attach a list of all lean projects you led or co-lead over the last five years, note which ones were at the green or black belt level of complexity
• 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.

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

Veteran’s 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.

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Questions?  Please contact Lauren Burnes at (360) 688-0805, Lauren.Burnes@dnr.wa.gov or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov