Continuous Improvement Lead - SPA Coordinator

Minnesota Department of Commerce; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 79,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays each year

Pension plan

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Commerce is seeking a Continuous Improvement Lead to build and lead our new CI program. You will design the resource library, training offerings, and select tools, working with stakeholders across the agency to shape how improvement is practiced.

This three-year, full-time unclassified role offers hybrid work with telework options up to 50%, and opportunities to drive measurable process improvements for Minnesotans.

Qualifications

• Four years of experience performing analysis, exercising judgment, and leading continuous/process improvement projects.
• Green Belt or equivalent certification in Continuous/Process Improvement.
• Data analysis skills using Excel/Power BI to establish baselines and translate findings for non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Build our Continuous Improvement program from the ground up and design training offerings.
• Create the resource library and select CI tools for the agency.
• Collaborate with stakeholders at all levels to shape how process improvement is practiced.

Skills

Data analysis

Facilitation

Stakeholder coordination

Education

Green Belt or equivalent certification in Continuous/Process Improvement

Black Belt or equivalent certification in Continuous/Process Improvement

Tools

Excel

Power BI

SharePoint

Teams

Job description

Working Title: Continuous Improvement Lead

Job Class: State Program Administrator Coordinator

Agency: Commerce Department

• Job ID: 96944
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Limited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/17/2026
• Closing Date: 09/30/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Commerce Dept / Commerce-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Business Solutions Office
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Any Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $37.91 - $56.39 / hourly; $79,156 - $117,742 / annually
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• End Date: 3 years from hire date
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Hybrid work schedule available, up to 50% telework depending on business needs. Telework can be outside of the state of Minnesota if the candidate lives in a state bordering Minnesota and lives 50 miles or less from the primary work location. Primary work location will be the Golden Rule Building in St. Paul.

Internal candidates should contact the Human Resources Representative listed on the job posting with questions.

This three (3) year temporary unclassified position exists to serve as the Department of Commerce's first Continuous Improvement Lead. In this role, you will have the opportunity to build our Continuous Improvement program from the ground up rather than step into an established framework. You will also have the mandate to design our resource library and training offerings, select our tools, and shape how process improvement is practiced across the agency for years to come. You will work directly with stakeholders at every level, from front-line staff to the Commissioner's Office, on high-visibility initiatives that require original thinking rather than applying an existing playbook. We are looking for someone who is energized by ambiguity and excited by the challenge of building something new.

Minimum Qualifications

Four years of experience performing analysis, exercising judgment, and relying on knowledge in leading continuous/process improvement projects.

Applicants who meet the above experience requirement will be further evaluated based on the following:

• Green Belt or equivalent certification in Continuous/Process Improvement methodology
• Experience creating and rolling out continuous improvement written materials and templates to staff and leadership
• Facilitation experience sufficient to facilitate group sessions involving competing priorities or conflict
• Data analysis skills, including experience using tools, such as Excel and Power BI, to establish baseline performance, measure progress, and translate findings into recommendations for non-technical audiences

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience building and maintaining Microsoft SharePoint sites and Teams
• Experience designing and delivering continuous improvement training to staff and leadership
• Black Belt or equivalent certification in Continuous/Process Improvement methodology

Physical Requirements

Requires occasional moving of articles such as boxes, accounting records, laptop computer, and portable printer.

Additional Requirements

Job offer is contingent upon passing reference checks to verify job-related credentials, a criminal background check and drivers’ license check prior to appointment.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Human Resources at [e-mail] or 651-539-1506.

About Commerce Department

Commerce protects the public interest through a broad range of regulations and programs. We oversee more than 40 industry areas in Minnesota and license about 250,000 professionals and businesses to ensure that their services and products are fair, accessible and comply with state laws.

Working together to improve the state we love.

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax‑free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well‑being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well‑being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran‑friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.