Continuous Improvement Lead (MA5)

About the Department

Join Us as a Continuous Improvement Lead

Are you passionate about driving meaningful change and fostering a culture of improvement? The Washington State Department of Revenue is seeking a visionary and passionate change agent to join our Office of Efficiency and Accountability as a Continuous Improvement Lead. This is a unique opportunity to shape agency-wide initiatives, empower teams, and make a lasting impact for the citizens of Washington.

Revenue is a dynamic learning organization where you will experience a remarkable work-life balance, with amazing leadership and talented co-workers ready and focused to achieve the agency's goals. We value diverse perspectives and life experiences. We employ and serve people of all backgrounds including people of color, immigrants, refugees, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and veterans. This unique culture of respect promotes a professional family of cohesive groups maximizing potential through opportunity. We offer a generous benefits package that includes defined benefit retirement plans; health, dental and vision coverage, deferred compensation plans, and as a public service employee, you may also be eligible for  student loan forgiveness.
     
Visit these links to watch our recruitment video to find out more about our agency and see what our employees say about why Revenue is a great place to work.

Candidate screening will begin as early as August 4, 2026, and the hiring authority may exercise the option to make a hiring decision at any time after. It will be to the applicant's advantage to submit materials as soon as possible.

Position Duties

Reporting to the Efficiency Program Manager, you will:

• Lead and facilitate agency-wide efficiency and continuous improvement projects and workshops, collaborating with diverse teams across all levels of the organization.
• Serve as a trusted management consultant, providing expert training, and coaching to employees at all levels.
• Use change and performance management methods to support organizational transitions and sustain a culture of improvement.
• Guide teams in problem-solving internal and external customer focus support and ensure strategies are appropriately supported and integrated across business areas.
• Support data-driven decision-making, leveraging analytics to inform agency priorities and measure the effectiveness of improvement efforts.
• Celebrate learning and articulate results, helping teams operationalize continuous improvement and achieve measurable outcomes in areas such as productivity, quality, and customer satisfaction.

What We’re Looking For

We seek a change management professional with:

• Technical acumen in continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.), problem-solving, and project management.
• Proven ability to lead and support organizational change, guiding teams with clarity, adaptability, and responsiveness.
• Experience using data and performance measures such as metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to inform decisions and drive organizational goals.
• Demonstrated skills in coaching, developing, and empowering other, and strengthening process and performance capabilities and standards.
• Commitment to equity and inclusion, actively seeking to understand and appreciate diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
• Strong communication skills, able to motivate and influence without direct authority, and tailor messages to varied audiences.

Minimum Qualifications

The required qualifications are key competencies that you can successfully demonstrate through any combination of experience or education. To join our team, you must possess the following knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies listed below:

Process Improvement: Demonstrated ability to lead and facilitate process improvement initiatives by applying continuous improvement methodologies (such as Lean or Six Sigma), problem-solving techniques, and project management practices. This ability has been gained through progressive experience identifying inefficiencies and achieving measurable service or operational improvements.

Leading and Supporting Change: Proven ability to lead and support organizational and process change by guiding teams and individuals with clarity and adaptability, fostering understanding and commitment, addressing concerns, and enabling employees to successfully adopt and sustain new ways of working.

Using Data to Inform Decisions: Progressive experience using data and performance measures to inform decisions, apply analytical tools and methods to identify trends, evaluate outcomes, measures effectiveness of improvement efforts, and provide evidence-based recommendations that support continuous improvement and organizational goals.

Coaching, Developing, and Empowering Others: Demonstrated ability to coach, develop, and empower others, shown through experience providing guidance, sharing knowledge, supporting problem-solving efforts, and teaching improvement methodologies to build employee capabilities and strengthen both individual and organizational performance.

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification, or the demonstrated ability to complete Green Belt certification within trial service period, supported by prior experience applying Lean principles, improvement tools, or structured problem-solving methodologies in organizational settings.

Proficient knowledge and demonstrated ability to use Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, Outlook, and SharePoint acquired through progressive experience preparing reports, analyzing data, developing presentations, documenting processes, or collaborating in a digital environment. 

Preferred qualifications include:

Four years of continuous improvement experience including experience leading or facilitating projects/process improvements in a complex organization. 

Two years’ experience coaching and training employees at a variety of skill levels on efficiency, process improvement, or change management topics. 

Three (3) years of professional experience in at least two of the following areas:

• Conducting research and analysis

• Interpreting and analyzing policies, laws, rules, and regulations

• Performing business process analysis and developing business requirements

• Leading or facilitating business projects

• Managing business operations

• Developing business policies and procedures

OR

Bachelor's degree in Organizational Development, Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field, AND

Three (3) years of professional experience in at least two of the following areas:

• Conducting research and analysis

• Interpreting and analyzing policies, laws, rules, and regulations

• Performing business process analysis and developing business requirements

• Leading or facilitating business projects

• Managing business operations

• Developing business policies and procedures

Relevant work experience in the above areas may substitute year for year for education

To apply:

• Complete the online application in detail,
• Attach a letter of interest explaining your interest in the position and how you meet the qualifications listed,
• Attach a current resume.
• Include three or more professional references with current contact information.

*Note- Failure to attach requested documentation may result in removal from the competitive process.
 
To take advantage of Veteran's preference, please attach your DD-214, member 4 long form, or your NGB-22. Please blackout your social security number and date of birth before attachment.

Questions?

Hello, my name is Lance, and I will be assisting with this announcement. As a 20-year Department of Revenue employee, I understand the importance of finding a rewarding career with a work-life balance. At Revenue, we pride ourselves in connecting talented individuals with opportunity and would like to answer any questions you have.

Please contact any part of the Staffing team at [email protected] or give me a call (360) 704-5725.  

Other Qualifications

The Human Resource Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

The Department of Revenue is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and offer a respectful, inclusive culture for people with disabilities, as well as members of all protected groups and statuses. We encourage you to apply.

If you need help during the application process, please call the Human Resources Office at 360-704-5731. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

Benefits

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits. 

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays 
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. 

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave 
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. 

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.  

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave 
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

Supplemental Questions

Required Question

Agency Information

EmployerState of WashingtonAddress View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504 Website http://www.careers.wa.gov