Continuous Improvement Specialist

Come make a difference and join team Metro!

Come make a difference and join Team Metro! King County Metro Transit's Employee Services division is seeking a servant leader to guide a team of Project/Program Managers. This leadership role will oversee critical initiatives that improve processes impacting our entire department—from onboarding and probationary processes to broader human resources improvements. Your expertise in change management, HR operations, and equity and inclusion will be essential to driving meaningful, data-informed enhancements that foster belonging for all staff.

If you’re passionate about supporting others, building strong relationships, and fostering an environment of continuous improvement, this position offers a tremendous opportunity to shape the employee experience for hundreds of team members across King County Metro.

Position Info: This recruitment will be used to fill One (1) Term Limited Temporary/Special Duty Assignment (Continuous Improvement Specialist Classification). The TLT/SDA is anticipated to last through 12/31/2025 and may be extended as needed.

Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply those principles—shared values, behaviors, and practices—to every aspect of your work. Specific responsibilities include:

1. Servant Leadership & Team Oversight
   • Lead, mentor, and support a team of Project/Program Managers.
   • Foster a culture of respect, belonging, and continuous improvement.
   • Cultivate strong, collaborative relationships across the division.
2. HR Process Enhancement & Labor Relations
   • Improve and standardize onboarding, probation, and other HR workflows.
   • Interpret labor contracts to inform process design, ensuring all changes respect negotiated agreements.
   • Address process inefficiencies while upholding equitable practices.
3. Change Management & Data-Driven Improvement
   • Apply Lean, Six Sigma, or similar frameworks to optimize workflows and promote innovation.
   • Develop comprehensive change management plans to guide successful transitions.
   • Use metrics and analytics to refine processes and inform decision-making.
4. Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
   • Embed equity and social justice principles into all improvement efforts and policy recommendations.
   • Engage diverse perspectives to identify barriers, enhance access, and promote inclusive outcomes.
   • Champion a workplace culture that honors and values every individual’s contribution.
5. Organizational & Stakeholder Engagement
   • Manage multiple projects and shifting priorities with clear documentation and timelines.
   • Communicate effectively with staff, leadership, and cross-functional teams through training and presentations.
   • Maintain transparency and accountability through regular status updates and feedback loops.

Minimum Qualifications:

Three years of progressive experience in a position dedicated to leading continuous improvement and facilitating lean, change management, or equivalent activities for a complex and large organization AND Experience in broad functional knowledge in HR service delivery OR any combination of work experience, training, and education that provides the skills to perform the work.  

Additional qualifications include:

Servant Leadership

• Proven track record of leading teams by focusing on the growth, development, and well-being of team members.
• Ability to build trust, empower direct reports, and foster a positive team culture.

Human Resources & Labor Relations

• Understanding of HR fundamentals, especially around recruitment, onboarding, and probationary periods.
• Experience working within a labor union environment; familiarity with contracts and collective bargaining agreements.

Change Management / Process Improvement

• Experience implementing systematic process improvements (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) and guiding teams through organizational change.
• Strong facilitation skills to navigate resistance and build stakeholder buy-in.

Equity & Inclusion Mindset

• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace; ability to proactively address systemic inequities.
• Openness to diverse perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds, and skill in incorporating those perspectives into policy and process changes.

Organizational & Project Management Skills

• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt to evolving demands, and deliver quality outcomes under tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in project tracking/documentation tools, and skill in conveying progress to stakeholders clearly.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to present complex ideas in user-friendly language.
• Skilled in building relationships across teams, levels, and backgrounds; demonstrates respect for managerial hierarchy.

Data Literacy & Analytical Thinking

• Ability to gather, interpret, and apply data to influence decision-making, including metrics related to employee engagement, productivity, and HR processes.

Highly competitive candidates will have (desired, not required):

• Advanced knowledge of human resources systems, processes, policies, and procedures (particularly related to hiring and onboarding).
• Documented professional experience in a non-profit/public organization or union environment.
• Project Management Professional Certificate, Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt, or change management certifications.

Working Conditions

• Remote and Onsite Work Details: The role combines remote work from home with onsite reporting typically once per week. Reporting frequency may vary based on business needs.
• Work Location: Onsite locations include various King County worksites, with primary space at King Street Center (201 S. Jackson St., Seattle, WA 98104).
• Work Schedule: This position is exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act and not overtime eligible. It is scheduled for 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Variations may occur based on operational demands.
• The work is currently performed through a blend of teleworking, onsite work, and in-person meetings. Employees must reside in Washington State and within a reasonable distance of their King County worksite to meet onsite obligations.

Application and Selection Process

Who may apply: We welcome applications from all qualified applicants. We value diversity, different perspectives, and life experiences, and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

To Apply
 Please submit the following:

1. Online King County Application: Make sure it includes accurate contact information and relevant work history covering at least the past 10 years (or more if needed).
2. Completed Supplemental Questions
3. Cover Letter: Tell us why you’re interested in this position and how your experience, skills, or education have prepared you for success.

Applications missing the required materials may not be considered. We will screen submissions for competitiveness, completeness, and written communication skills. The most competitive candidates may be invited for one or more interviews (and possibly other selection process elements). Final offers are contingent upon successful references and/or record reviews.

If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application/assessment process, or have questions, please contact: Sabrina Brazzle at sbrazzle@kingcounty.gov.

Interviews

• Interviews may be conducted in person. If selected, please be prepared to attend in-person interviews.
• First-round interviews are tentatively planned for the week of April 21st.

Other Position Information

• Union Membership: This position is not represented by a union.
• Class Code: 2850100 – Continuous Improvement Specialist

Thank You for Your Interest!

We appreciate your time and look forward to reviewing your application. If you’re ready to help us make a lasting impact on King County Metro’s Employee Services, apply today!

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Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ , people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. 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.

Salary : $111,260 - $141,029