Principal Continuous Improvement Specialist

First Tech Federal Credit Union; Hillsboro (OR); Hybrid; USD 164,000 - 197,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision

401(k) Match

PTO & Sick Time

Paid Holidays

Employee loan pricing

Job summary

First Tech Federal Credit Union is seeking a senior process improvement expert to lead enterprise-wide initiatives, redesign processes, and partner across functions to improve efficiency and performance. The role emphasizes scalable solutions, change leadership, and measurement-driven results.

The ideal candidate will bring 8–12 years of relevant experience, strong analytical and communication skills, and a proven ability to drive transformational programs in a hybrid environment with close

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to lead complex, strategic initiatives with significant organizational impact.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate complex issues into practical and sustainable solutions.
• Strong knowledge of process improvement methodologies, change management principles, and performance measurement practices.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and stakeholder management skills, including the ability to influence leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Proven ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and navigate ambiguity within dynamic business environments.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with execution and drive measurable business results across multiple initiatives simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise-wide or highly complex continuous improvement initiatives that address critical business challenges, improve operational performance, and support strategic objectives.
• Evaluate existing processes, workflows, and operating models to identify opportunities for increased efficiency, quality, scalability, and effectiveness.
• Design and implement process improvement frameworks, methodologies, and standards that promote consistency and sustainable results across the organization.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to align stakeholders, define improvement priorities, and drive successful execution of transformational initiatives.
• Analyze complex operational data, trends, and business issues to develop recommendations and solutions that improve outcomes and mitigate risk.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to leaders and business partners by providing expertise on process optimization, organizational effectiveness, and change implementation.
• Establish measurement approaches and performance indicators to assess the effectiveness of process improvements and ensure long-term success.
• Lead large-scale projects and programs with significant scope, ambiguity, and organizational impact, balancing competing priorities and stakeholder needs.
• Identify emerging industry practices, technologies, and continuous improvement approaches and evaluate their applicability to organizational objectives.
• Mentor and provide guidance to team members, project participants, and stakeholders while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Change management

Communication

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree or 4 additional years experience

Job description

Description

The role serves as a senior process improvement expert responsible for advancing organizational effectiveness through the analysis, redesign, and optimization of business processes. This role leads complex, high-impact improvement initiatives, develops scalable solutions, and partners across functions to drive sustainable operational excellence, increased efficiency, and enhanced business performance.

Here’s what you can expect from the job and what you need to be successful:

What You’ll Do :

Essential Functions:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Lead enterprise-wide or highly complex continuous improvement initiatives that address critical business challenges, improve operational performance, and support strategic objectives.
• Evaluate existing processes, workflows, and operating models to identify opportunities for increased efficiency, quality, scalability, and effectiveness.
• Design and implement process improvement frameworks, methodologies, and standards that promote consistency and sustainable results across the organization.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to align stakeholders, define improvement priorities, and drive successful execution of transformational initiatives.
• Analyze complex operational data, trends, and business issues to develop recommendations and solutions that improve outcomes and mitigate risk.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to leaders and business partners by providing expertise on process optimization, organizational effectiveness, and change implementation.
• Establish measurement approaches and performance indicators to assess the effectiveness of process improvements and ensure long-term success.
• Lead large-scale projects and programs with significant scope, ambiguity, and organizational impact, balancing competing priorities and stakeholder needs.
• Identify emerging industry practices, technologies, and continuous improvement approaches and evaluate their applicability to organizational objectives.
• Mentor and provide guidance to team members, project participants, and stakeholders while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Typical Scope:

• Anticipates internal/external business issues and recommends product, process or service improvements. Leads projects or programs with significant risk and complexity and develops strategy for project execution. Analyzes complex business issues using conceptual thinking and exercises significant judgment on technical or highly complex problems. Makes recommendations impacting processes or outcomes.
• Exercises independent judgment in methods, techniques and evaluation criteria to work on significant and unique issues. Expert level knowledge in functional area and broad understanding of multiple disciplines. Applies innovative technical or industry knowledge. Communicates frequently with leadership.
• Acts independently to determine methods and procedures. May supervise the activities of others. Works autonomously under general guidance. May lead work group through expertise. Manages multiple processes or programs and establishes operational plans.

Essential Skills:

Education & Experience:

• Required Education:Bachelors degree in field relevant to role (or 4 additional years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree)
• Required Experience:8 - 12 years of relevant experience

Qualifications & Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to lead complex, strategic initiatives with significant organizational impact.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate complex issues into practical and sustainable solutions.
• Strong knowledge of process improvement methodologies, change management principles, and performance measurement practices.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and stakeholder management skills, including the ability to influence leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Proven ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and navigate ambiguity within dynamic business environments.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with execution and drive measurable business results across multiple initiatives simultaneously.

Location:

Chelmsford, MA or Hillsboro, OR - Hybrid - 1+ day/week onsite

Target Compensation:

$164,000 - $197,000 / year + annual bonus

Schedule:

Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm

#INDMI

Who We Are:

Every great journey begins with a bold idea-and ours is no different. First Tech and DCU were founded on the belief that financial solutions should put people first. That belief has fueled decades of innovation and service, rooted in the tech sector and expanding to support members from all walks of life.

What makes First Tech different?

Every great journey begins with a bold idea-and ours is no different. First Tech and DCU were founded on the belief that financial solutions should put people first. That belief has fueled decades of innovation and service, rooted in the tech sector and expanding to support members from all walks of life.

Employees are eligible for:

• Traditional medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Generous 401(k) match
• Paid Time Off: You'll accrue up to 15 days in your first year. In addition, you'll receive 40 hours of sick time and 3 personal days, which refresh annually
• Paid federal holidays
• Special employee pricing on lending products such as mortgage, auto, and personal loans (eligibility subject to standard account requirements and underwriting criteria)

Employment Statements:

First Tech is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity, inclusion, and equity at our company. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

If you’re applying for a job and need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an email to [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request and contact information. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

First Tech is not currently offering Visa transfer/sponsorship for this position.