Continuous Improvement Analyst

Seattle City Light, a department of the City of Seattle, is one of the nation’s largest municipally owned utilities in terms of the number of customers served. Over the years we have worked very hard to keep Seattle's electricity affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound. Today, City Light is a recognized national leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.

We are seeking a Continuous Improvement Analyst to lead and support organizational improvement initiatives through structured problem-solving and data-driven decision-making. The position is instrumental to support the utility in achieving its strategic priorities over the next ten years, namely: decreasing utility costs and improving customer experience by reducing lead and cycle times for new electric service connections. 

The ideal candidate will facilitate and manage structured problem-solving activities such as rapid improvement events, 5S, and discreet improvement projects. The position will analyze complex systems and processes, develop insightful data products that meet customer need, and lead cross-functional improvement projects. This role requires proficiency in facilitation, structured problem-solving, collaboration, and business system workflow and process analysis. A strategic mindset guided by Lean and/or Lean Six Sigma methods are instrumental to this position’s success.

• Facilitate and manage improvement initiatives: Design, facilitate, and manage rapid improvement events and structured problem-solving activities with diverse teams. Model and coach individuals and teams in effective problem solving and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Process Optimization & Workflow Enhancement: Partner with business to identify pain points in existing processes and workflows, conduct root cause analysis, and identify and test countermeasures. Apply new and/or existing technologies to automate and error-proof workflows and processes.
• Data Analysis & Visualization: Partner with business and data and technology teams to collect, clean, analyze, and interpret data and develop key performance indicators, dashboards, reports, tables, and other visual tools to enable the business and our stakeholders to develop a deeper understanding of operational performance and to inform decisions.
• Business Application Integration and Automation: Assist with integrating new applications into existing processes to support automation and/or streamlining and identify opportunities to leverage existing functionality of different business applications to optimize business and operational processes.
• Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Partner with stakeholders within the utility and across city departments to drive well-coordinated and well-managed process improvements.
• Project Management: Manage multiple improvement projects ensuring continued alignment with strategic priorities. At times, serve in both the Project Management and Analyst roles on the same project. 
• Stakeholder Engagement & Change Management: Work closely with employees at all levels, translating technical solutions into accessible business language and fostering adoption of continuous improvement thinking and tools.

Required Qualifications

Experience: Two years in systems, operational, procedures, research or analysis.

Education: Bachelor's degree in business or public administration, finance, computer science or a related field (or a combination of education, training and/or experience that provides an equivalent background required to performs the work of the class).

Desired Qualifications

• Behaviors:

• • Comfortable with ambiguity and frequent change 
  • High level of emotional intelligence
  • Ability to receive and apply feedback and coaching non-defensively
  • Have a growth mindset

• Experience:
  • Minimum 1 year of experience in a dedicated continuous improvement work environment such as health care, construction, or manufacturing.
  • Minimum 2 years of experience managing cross-functional improvement projects in a large, complex organization.
  • Demonstrated expertise in data analysis, visualization, and reporting for diverse audiences.
  • Bachelor’s degree in a STEM or social science field such as industrial engineering, economics, organizational psychology, operations research, business administration, or public administration.
• Technical Skills:
  • Lean Six Sigma White or Yellow Belt certification or equivalent experience.
  • Proficiency in data visualization and analytics tools (e.g., Tableau, Excel, SQL).
  • Experience with workflow automation solutions (i.e. Adobe Sign, Microsoft PowerAutomate).
  • Ability to quickly learn and work with various data and business applications.
• People Skills:
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to navigate ambiguity and change.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to translate technical concepts into plain business language.
  • Ability to influence without authority and partner effectively with stakeholders across functions and levels.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Emergency Response Commitment: Seattle City Light is committed to reliable service during emergencies. Through our Emergency Response Program, each employee is assigned a role—usually aligned with their regular duties—to support emergency operations. Your participation is required and vital to helping the utility stay prepared and serve our community when it matters most.

The full salary range for this position is $47.39 to $55.19 per hour.

Application Process

Please submit the following with your online application:

• A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement. 
• A current resume of your educational and professional work experience.

Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle City Light values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Seattle City Light encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3. A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020.Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits.

Want to know more about Seattle City Light? Check out our web page: https://www.seattle.gov/city-light/about-us/careers.