Director-Continuous Improvement

Salary range is $154k to $268k, with a midpoint of $211k. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

Sound Transit also offers a competitive benefits package with a wide range of offerings, including:

• Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Retirement Plans: 401a - 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b - up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).
• Paid Time Off: Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service. Employees at the director level and up accrue additional days. We also observe 12 paid holidays and provide up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
• Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
• Pet Insurance.
• ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
• Inclusive Reproductive Health Support Services.
• Compensation Practices: We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. In addition to compensation and benefits, you'll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues.

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Reporting directly to the Executive Director Agency Controls, the Director of Continuous Improvement will be responsible for developing and leading multiple teams driving transformative initiatives across the organization, with a primary focus on continuous process improvement, agency Lessons Learned (particularly in the Capital Delivery space), and technology innovation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

Continuous Process Improvement Strategy:

• Lead the development and implementation of a robust continuous process improvement (CPI) strategy across the organization.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify key areas for process optimization and efficiency gains, using methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, and Agile.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of improvement initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and strategic priorities.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to track process improvement progress and outcomes.

Enterprise Lessons Learned Program:

• Enhance and grow an agency-wide lessons learned program, creating a knowledge-sharing platform that informs future capital delivery efforts.
• Collaborate with project teams, finance, operations, and other stakeholders to ensure insights are incorporated into project planning, execution, and post-project evaluations.
• Ensure that lessons learned are not only documented but actively used to improve decision-making, mitigate risks, and avoid past mistakes.
• Collaborate with Enterprise Governance to establish a formal process for evaluating and applying lessons learned at key stages throughout capital delivery lifecycles.

Technology Improvement Projects:

• Oversee the development and execution of technology improvement projects aimed at enhancing business operations, process efficiencies, and supporting agency improvement objectives.
• Work closely with the IT department and business units to identify opportunities for leveraging technology to solve business challenges, improve productivity, and enhance service delivery.
• Manage the end-to-end lifecycle of technology projects, ensuring that they are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget.
• Drive change management initiatives to ensure smooth adoption of new technologies and systems across the organization.
• Promote innovation and best practices in technology, working to keep the organization on the cutting edge of industry trends and technological advancements.

Stakeholder Management & Collaboration:

• Build strong relationships with senior leadership, department heads, and external partners to ensure alignment on business transformation goals and initiatives.
• Communicate the vision and progress of business transformation efforts clearly and effectively to all stakeholders.
• Lead workshops, presentations, and training sessions to engage employees and encourage adoption of process improvements and new technologies.

Change Management & Organizational Development:

• Guide the organization through the cultural and operational changes required for successful business transformation.
• Develop and implement change management strategies that ensure smooth transitions and minimize resistance during process or technology shifts.
• Foster a collaborative environment that encourages innovation, learning, and agility across all departments.
• Champions and models Sound Transit's core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.
• Contributes to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit's Equity & Inclusion Policy.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field. Eight years of experience in business transformation, process improvement, and technology project management; Or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Six years of leadership, budgetary, planning, and workforce management experience. Experience working for large public agencies or on capital programs is a plus.

Preferred Licenses or Certifications:

• Professional certifications in project management (e.g., PMP), Lean Six Sigma, or similar areas.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to lead by example and motivate diverse teams.
• Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities, with a track record of driving organizational change and improvement.
• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and presentation skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong project management skills with expertise in managing timelines, budgets, resources, and risks.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to evaluate data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
• Knowledge of technology solutions and trends, with a focus on leveraging technology to improve business performance.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills:

• Visionary leader, innovative change agent, and coach to define vision and land desired outcomes.
• Familiarity with digital transformation initiatives, including AI, automation, and data analytics.
• Expertise in organizational change management and employee engagement strategies.
• Experience with implementing enterprise-wide technology improvements, such as ERP systems, CRM, or cloud-based solutions.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a hybrid office environment.
• The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.

Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or other protected class.