Demo

Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement Program Manager

State of Washington
Washington, DC Full Time
POSTED ON 1/21/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 4/21/2025

About WSDOT

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence! Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build, and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Washington State Ferry (WSF) system is essential to Washington's transportation network, linking communities on both sides of Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands. There are over nearly 400 sailings each day on nine ferry routes. WSF transports nearly 19 million passengers a year and has more than 1,900 employees. Employees perform a variety of duties on vessels, in terminals, at the maintenance facility, and at the Seattle headquarters.

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking A Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement Program Manager to oversee the development, implementation, and management of quality assurance systems and processes for WSF operations. This role is critical in ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements while driving continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and performance quality. The Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement Program Manager is responsible for establishing and maintaining a robust quality assurance framework that ensures compliance with maritime regulations and industry standards.

What to Expect

This position plays a pivotal role in ensuring that marine operations adhere to high-quality standards and regulatory compliance. This position directly influences operational efficiency, service reliability, and safety, thereby enhancing the organization’s reputation and expectations of our customers, the communities we serve, and our stakeholders. Key responsibilities include :

  • Developing and implementing quality assurance policies and processes to ensure compliance with industry standards;
  • Creating metrics;
  • Leading continuous improvement initiatives using methodologies like Lean and Six Sigma;
  • Collaborating and creating training and workshops to foster a culture of quality among teams;
  • Engaging with internal and external stakeholders to address quality concerns and implement best practices.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you / the Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement Program Manager will :

  • Develop and implement quality assurance policies.
  • Manage staff of quality assurance / continuous improvement professionals.
  • Create, oversee, and ensure the performance of regular operations audits to assess compliance with quality standards.
  • Collaborate to develop corrective and preventative action plans.
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Track and analyze quality performance metrics to identify trends and areas for improvement.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for quality-related inquiries from internal teams and external partners.
  • Ensure all quality-related documentation is accurate, up-to-date, and accessible for audits.
  • Qualifications

    To be considered for this opportunity, the following are

    required

  • Bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering, Quality Management, Environmental Science, or a related field.
  • Four (4) years of qualifying experience in Marine Quality Assurance.
  • Five (5) years in Quality Assurance, Quality Control, or Continuous Improvement, preferably within the marine or maritime industry.
  • Must obtain a Transportation Workers Identification Card (TWIC) within six months of hiring.
  • Demonstrated experience in a managerial or supervisory role, leading teams and driving quality initiatives.
  • Familiarity with industry regulations (e.g., ISO standards, MARPOL, SOLAS) and experience ensuring compliance.
  • Ability to analyze complex data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions to enhance quality and operational efficiency.
  • Strong skills in identifying root causes of quality issues and developing effective corrective and preventative action plans.
  • Proficiency in managing multiple projects simultaneously, including planning, execution, and monitoring progress.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey quality standards and engage with stakeholders at all levels.
  • Ability to build relationships and collaborate with cross-functional teams, fostering a culture of quality and continuous improvement.
  • Strong leadership abilities to motivate and guide teams in implementing quality initiatives and ensuring adherence to standards.
  • Familiarity with quality management software, tools for data analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).
  • Strong attention to detail to ensure compliance with quality standards and accuracy in documentation and reporting.
  • Ability to adapt to changing regulations, industry trends, and organizational priorities while maintaining focus on quality objectives.
  • It is

    preferred

    that qualified candidates also have :

  • Master’s degree, Advanced degree in Quality Management, Marine Engineering, Environmental Science, or Business Administration is preferred.
  • ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification.
  • Professional certifications such as Certified Quality Manager (CQM), Six Sigma Black Belt, or other such continuous improvement / quality assurance certifications are highly desirable.
  • Seven (7) years in quality assurance or continuous improvement roles specifically within the marine, shipping, or offshore industries.
  • Experience in various aspects of marine operations, including project management, safety, and environmental compliance.
  • Proven experience in leading organizational change initiatives related to quality and process improvement.
  • Ability to develop long-term strategies for quality improvement that align with organizational goals and industry trends.
  • Expertise in statistical analysis and data interpretation to drive informed decision-making and continuous improvement.
  • Strong influencing skills to effectively advocate for quality initiatives and negotiate solutions with stakeholders.
  • Ability to manage and resolve quality-related crises effectively, ensuring minimal disruption to operations.
  • Creative problem-solving skills to identify and implement innovative solutions for quality enhancement.
  • Experience working collaboratively with various functional departments to achieve quality objectives.
  • Understanding of diverse work environments, particularly in multinational or multicultural settings, to foster inclusive quality practices.
  • Commitment to professional development and staying updated on industry advancements, quality standards, and best practices.
  • Important Notes

  • This position offers flexible / hybrid remote work options.
  • The salary listed includes the legislative-approved 5% salary premium for positions with an assigned duty station in King County.
  • In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position.
  • Why WSDOT

    Work-Life Balance

    We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle.

    Paid Leave

    In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!

    Tuition Assistance

    Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.

    Plan For Your Future

    WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs and much more.

    How to Apply

    Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine your salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.

    In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application :

  • An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
  • An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
  • Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies.
  • Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed.

    WSDOT is an equal-opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds, and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and / or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.

    Contact Us

    For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Renee Mason, at renee.mason@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 24DOT-WSF-9W142 in the subject line.

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