Operations Manager

The Road Services Division of King County’s Department of Local Services seeks an experienced people leader and operations manager to join its Maintenance Section Leadership Team, a creative and skilled team of professionals. Our ideal candidate shares a commitment to building a culture of transparency, safety and belonging and is comfortable working with a highly operational workforce. This leadership position ensures that Roads maintenance and operations are optimized and aligned with King County’s True North Values and the division’s strategic priorities. Our Commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice The Department of Local Services is deeply dedicated to fostering Equity and Racial and Social Justice in every aspect of our work. Our pledge is to cultivate, embrace, and celebrate the distinct experiences, viewpoints, and perspectives of our people, partners, and the communities we serve. Through this work, we dismantle systemic barriers, address inequities, and actively confront prejudices and biases. We acknowledge this journey is ongoing, and we remain steadfast in our efforts to create a positive impact for our employees and communities alike. Applying equity, racial, and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work. Responsibilities Provide clear, transparent and accountable leadership to a diverse workforce that prioritizes safety and a culture of belonging. Act as an integral team member on the Roads Maintenance Leadership Team. Plan, Do, Check and Adjust to optimize delivery of operational and budgetary priorities; develop and implement strategies to accomplish those priorities. Bring a continuous improvement mindset and process improvement skillset to the organization. Implement strategic plans, goals and policies; ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies; analyze and interpret operating policies, procedures, and guidelines; and approve recommendations for improvement. Serve as the liaison between the Roads Maintenance Section and the Engineering Section, as well as with other county agencies, cities and other governmental and non-governmental partners. Strategize new initiatives, problem solving, and operational improvements. Prepare presentations, written materials and graphic communications for senior management, crews, and people leaders. Plan, coordinate and direct emergency response planning and make emergency response and recovery decisions related to various disasters (earthquakes, floods, windstorms, snow, etc.) Build teams, supervise, and mentor staff across the Maintenance section; assist and make recommendations on hiring, disciplining and terminating subordinates; prepare performance appraisals and maintain appropriate documentation for personnel issues; enforce workplace rules, including employee discipline and positive performance counseling. Play a key role during flood and snow events and other natural disasters Supervise staff and manage programs across planning, environmental/cultural resources, business administration, special use permits and claims, 24/7 customer service, performance management, continuous improvement, workforce planning, organizational development and other as needed special projects and initiatives. Lead, help develop, and motivate employees, helping them to recognize the important role they each play in achieving the overall agency priorities while empowering individuals to pursue professional goals. Values (ACTIVATE) A ccountable C ollaborative T imely I mpactful V alue Employees A ccessible T rusted E quitable Qualifications Possess arobustexecutiveskillset including strong people leadership, organization, strategic thinking, and organizational development; demonstrated experience leading inclusive group processes. Be proactiveand able to manage/track a high volume of diverse tasks and projects. Demonstrated ability to be self-directed and adaptable, in a multi-faceted and sometimes ambiguous environment; ability to track, prioritize and manage multiple issues and competing priorities. Developandmaintain an effective, collaborative, and positive staffing environment including workforce development, personnel management, conflict resolution, and managing staff and organizations through periods of change. Effectivelyleadindividualsand/orteams in service-based programs, working with diverse populations including race, ethnicity, gender, ability, age, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status in a culturally competent manner. Demonstratebehaviors and decision making that reflect accessibility, respect, equity and belonging. Possess excellentwritten,verbal,organizationandpresentationskills,with the ability to concisely, clearly and effectively communicate information to a range of audiences. Excellentinterpersonalskills and ability to anticipate and successfully navigate issues and perform effectively in a range of situations. Experience maintaining positive working relationships with senior managers, elected officials, staff and other partners. Experiencemanaging multiple programs; planning, scheduling, and obtaining all necessary resources to complete projects, including guiding the preparation and monitoring of project cost estimates, delivery timelines and other measures of success. Apply knowledge of local, state, federal and environmental laws, regulations, and policies pertaining to road maintenance. R ecognize, assessandoverseeresolution of complex and/or technical problems or hazards related to the road system, the communities served and the diversity of built and natural environments within which the road system is located. Ability to read maps and plan sets, policies, legislation, and other technical information. Familiarity with human resources, labor relations, and leadership principles and be dedicated to employees and the management of their performance and development of their skills. Predictableandreliableattendance,isessential,includingtheabilitytoeffectivelyrespond after hours, and during emergencies and/or naturaldisasters. Note that this position is primarily an in-person position, with some remote work possible. Proficiency with MS Office Suite, SharePoint, Teams and other appropriate technology. Desired Qualifications Knowledgeof GIS, Maintenance Management Systems, and Roadworks. Knowledge of King County and Washington State regulations and policies pertaining to road maintenance. Additional Requirements Have a valid Washington State Driver’s License. Union Membership This position is represented by PTE Local 17. Teleworking Requirement This position requires in-office presence at least four days a week to foster connection and responsiveness, arrive prepared and on time, and structure meetings with clear goals and next steps. Work Location Employees will have access to shared workspaces at various King County facilities. The employee will report to work at Renton Maintenance Facility - 155 Monroe Ave NE, Renton, WA 98056. Employees will be provided with a King County-issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection (access may be supplemented in some situations) where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr