Continuous Improvement Program Manager

Salary: $126,922.02 - $160,880.93 Annually
Location : King Street Center - 201 S Jackson St, Seattle, WA
Job Type: Career Service (Exec)
Job Number: 2026BM27948
Department: DES - Executive Services
Division: Fleet
Opening Date: 10/19/2026
Closing Date: 11/2/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: Z3 : KC Personnel Guidelines
Full- or Part-Time: Full Time

Summary
Continuous Improvement Program Manager

This position is OPEN to King County Employees ONLY.

Job Duties
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

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
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 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.
Supplemental Information

Application Process

The recruitment for this position is open to King County Employees ONLY. A completed King County Application is required. We highly recommend that you also provide a resume and cover letter.

If you are interested in pursuing this position and supporting King County's vision for unified, equitable, and high-performing government, please follow the application instructions carefully. Provide us with your work history as applicable, ensuring that you provide details that highlight your ability to fulfill the requirements for this position.

If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, or you would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process, please contact Brittney Marzest, Senior Talent Advisor at