Bus Ops Project/Program Manager IV

King County; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is looking for a skilled Project/Program Manager IV to lead initiatives within the Bus Operations Division. This role is pivotal in driving cultural transformation and ensuring project objectives align with broader organizational goals. The ideal candidate will thrive in a dynamic environment, manage multiple priorities, and foster collaboration across teams. With a strong focus on continuous improvement and employee engagement, this position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact while promoting equity and social justice principles. If you're passionate about leading change and driving success, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of project management experience from concept to completion.
• Strong understanding of equity and social justice principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex programs and initiatives for the Bus Operations division.
• Monitor project progress and report updates to stakeholders.

Skills

Project Management

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving

Facilitation Skills

Equity and Inclusion

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

SharePoint

Microsoft Teams

Job description

This position is open to all King County Employees and the general public.

King County Metro Transit is seeking a skilled Project/Program Manager (PPM) IV to support the Bus Operations Division. Acting in a key leadership role, this new position works closely with the Bus Operations Director’s Office and will report to the Bus Operations Assistant Manager of Strategy and Administration.

This role is responsible for overseeing project management support for the Bus Operation Division, including continuous improvement and data management. You will work with division leaders to deliver system and organizational improvements and support successful outcomes that align with King County and Metro values and goals. By coordinating across teams and managing complex projects, the position ensures strategies focused on leadership development, process improvement, staff engagement, and communication are integrated into broader organizational initiatives, promoting collaboration and continuous improvement. This position will supervise a small team, fostering a collaborative culture and providing coaching and development opportunities. Additionally, you will support special projects as needed.

Our ideal candidate will be skilled in navigating a dynamic work environment, managing multiple priorities to deliver work on time within scope, and meeting organizational objectives in a fast-paced setting. They will also be capable of coaching, motivating, and unifying employees through mutual respect and trust. The role involves performing analytical analysis on complex issues impacting Metro Transit and the Bus Operations Division.

Position Info: This recruitment will fill one (1) Career Services, Project Program Manager IV classification vacancy. The selection process may also generate an eligibility list for future vacancies within this classification, retained for 12 months at the discretion of the hiring authority.

Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply these principles to all aspects of the work.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage complex programs, projects, and initiatives driving cultural and systemic transformation within the Bus Operations division.
• Provide strategic leadership, ensuring project objectives align with Metro’s broader goals.
• Organize activities to accomplish strategic work plans and deliverables within established timelines.
• Monitor and report progress through program reports, updates, and stakeholder presentations.
• Engage in evaluation and continual improvement of program activities, using learnings to refine approaches.
• Develop data metrics, analysis, and reporting; lead and mentor team members.
• Standardize processes and workflows to ensure best practices.
• Oversee cross-divisional projects to optimize efficiency and enhance practices.

Foster Collaboration:

• Build strong partnerships with leadership, teams, and cross-functional departments.
• Act as a connector to promote collaboration within the division.

Support Change Management:

• Lead efforts to foster a culture of open communication and innovation during organizational changes.
• Develop strategies to support employee engagement during transitions.

Drive Continuous Improvement:

• Identify opportunities for process enhancements and implement best practices.
• Leverage data and feedback to drive division-wide improvements.

Lead a Team:

• Manage a team focused on system efficiency, program management, continuous improvement, and data management.
• Support team development through onboarding, coaching, and training.
• Lead, mentor, and delegate tasks to team members.

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A minimum of three (3) years of experience managing projects from concept to completion, engaging employees or community, or a combination of relevant work, training, and education.
• Ability to build effective relationships across diverse audiences and promote equity and inclusion.
• Comfort navigating complex hierarchies and managing multiple priorities.
• Strong facilitation skills for meetings and group leadership.
• Understanding of equity and social justice principles, with a commitment to an inclusive work environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality on sensitive projects.
• Excellent communication, project management, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and Teams.

Preferred Qualifications (Highly Competitive Candidates):

• Experience in non-profit/public organizations or unionized environments.
• Advanced knowledge of internal communications, employee engagement, or project management within Metro or King County.
• Experience in organizational development, strategic planning, and program development.
• Leadership experience with multidisciplinary teams and change management.
• Experience working in transit organizations.

Licensing and Requirements:

• Travel throughout King County is required; a valid Washington State Driver's License is necessary to operate county vehicles.

Who May Apply: All qualified applicants, internal and external.

To Apply: Submit an online application, supplemental questions, resume, and cover letter explaining your interest and qualifications. Applications missing these materials will not be considered.