Continuous Improvement Program Manager

King County; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

King County seeks a Continuous Improvement Program Manager to enhance people, processes, and systems in Fleet Services. You’ll partner with staff at all levels, coach projects, and shape management systems to deliver measurable improvements.

The role emphasizes collaboration, training, and data-driven reporting. The position is hybrid, based in Seattle, WA, with a focus on equity and respectful workplace practices.

Qualifications

• Experience applying continuous improvement principles (Lean, Six Sigma, PDCA, Kata) in complex operations.
• Proven ability to lead and coach improvement projects with cross-functional teams.
• Experience developing, managing, and executing project plans with data-driven reports.
• Ability to design and deploy management systems, standard work, and performance processes.
• Experience delivering training on continuous improvement concepts and tools.
• Strong data presentation skills for customers and leaders.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building across levels.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Apply continuous improvement principles with Fleet staff at all levels.
• Lead and coach improvement projects across Fleet and other agencies.
• Create and execute project plans to achieve measurable results.
• Develop and deploy division management systems and standard work.
• Develop and deliver training on CI concepts, behaviors, and tools.
• Collaborate to deliver data-driven reports for customers and leaders.
• Advise teams on prioritizing improvement efforts and policy changes.
• Lead updates to division policies and procedures on a regular basis.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Lean

Six Sigma

PDCA

Kata

Tools

Excel

Power BI

Job description

Continuous Improvement Program Manager

This position is OPEN to King County Employees ONLY.

Join a team that keeps King County moving. The Fleet Services Division is looking for a forward-thinking Continuous Improvement Manager who is passionate about helping people, processes, and systems work better every day. In this role, you’ll partner with staff at all levels, lead meaningful improvement initiatives, and shape the management systems that support our essential services. If you thrive on collaboration, enjoy coaching others, and are energized by creating measurable, positive change, we’d love to have you on our team.

ABOUT FLEET SERVICES DIVISION

The Fleet Services Division manages King County’s portfolio of vehicles and equipment. The team performs acquisition, maintenance, repair, replacement, and disposal of approximately 3,000 fleet assets for the County’s services associated with the Sheriff’s Office, Public Health, Roads, Parks, Wastewater, Water and Land Resources, and other agencies. The division manages two maintenance shops which include robust storerooms of automotive parts, materials, and construction supplies as well as several technicians working in the field to support remote customer sites.

In addition, the Fleet Division is responsible for the disposition of the county’s personal property assets, which includes a surplus warehouse in Georgetown. Disposal methods can include re-use within the county, donation to verified and approved non-profits, and sales through online portals or sealed/negotiated bids.

The mission of the Fleet Services Team is providing exceptional customer service in the delivery of equitable, sustainable, and dependable fleet solutions.

To learn more about Fleet, please visit our website at: Fleet Services Division - King County, Washington.

To be considered for this opportunity

you must at a minimum, demonstrate the knowledge, skill, and ability to:

• Work with Fleet division staff at all levels to apply continuous improvement principles and behaviors
• Lead and coach improvement projects, both within Fleet Services Division and in collaboration with other King County agencies.
• Create and execute project plans to achieve measurable results.
• Work collaboratively with leaders to develop and deploy management systems.
• Develop and deliver training on continuous improvement concepts, behaviors, and tools.
• Collaborate in the development and delivery of data-driven reports for customers and leaders
• Act as a resource and consult with teams on prioritization of improvement efforts
• Identify, recommend, and implement policy and process changes for the successful development, implementation, and administration of division operational plans.
• Lead and manage the process to update division policies and procedures on a regular basis
• Other duties as assigned

We are looking for candidates who (Minimum Qualifications):

• Demonstrated experience applying continuous improvement principles (Lean, Six Sigma, PDCA, Kata, etc.) within complex operational environments.
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and facilitate improvement projects with cross-functional teams.
• Experience developing, managing, and executing project plans to deliver measurable results including presenting data-driven reports for customers and leaders.
• Skilled in collaborating with leaders to design and deploy management systems, standard work, and performance management processes.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver training on continuous improvement concepts, tools, and behaviors.
• Experience preparing, analyzing, and presenting data-driven reports for customers and leaders.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills with staff at all levels.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Proficiency with common office and data tools (such as Excel, Power BI, or similar).
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and respectful workplace practices.

Desired Qualifications:

• Certification in Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean Practitioner, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt).
• Experience working in fleet services, public sector operations, or a similar service-delivery environment.
• Experience developing management systems such as tiered huddles, visual management, or leader standard work.
• Experience with change management and coaching leaders through organizational change.
• Familiarity with project management methodologies or certification (e.g., PMP, Agile experience).

WORK LOCATION:

The position works in a hybrid model, with days in the office as well as telecommuting. The ratio of remote to onsite work will be dependent on business needs and is subject to change. The primary onsite location is King Street Center - 201 S Jackson St, Seattle, Washington.

Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will join an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment. Employees will be provided with a County-issued laptop and must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.

WORK SCHEDULE:

This position is Exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and therefore is not overtime eligible. Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule, every other Thursday.

UNION REPRESENTATION:

This position is non-represented.

King County's Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values unite us.

King County serves residents with a relentless sense of urgency, delivering on commitments with transparency and accountability. We are action-oriented, creative problem solvers who collaborate across roles, engage directly with communities, and challenge the status quo to achieve meaningful impact. As a unified team, we uphold high ethical and stewardship standards, embrace change, stay curious, and continuously improve. Across all interactions, we listen first, act quickly, and stay aligned as a team to earn and sustain public trust. Learn more about our Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values here and visit our Why work at King County page here.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on sex, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religious affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age except by minimum age and retirement provisions, pregnancy, status as a family caregiver, parental status, marital status, military status or status as a veteran who was honorably discharged or who was discharged solely as a result of the person's sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, citizenship or immigration status, genetic information, or other protected class. However, to the extent that distinction or differential treatment on the basis of citizenship or immigration status is authorized by either federal or state law, regulation, or government contract, it is not an unfair practice.

Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.