Sr. Process Excellence Specialist

Closes: January 19 2026
Posting Type: Internal/External
Contacts: Hiring Manager William Peterson X7782 & HR Recruiter Alexia Saad X7664

Job Description
In this senior-level role you will provide technical and strategic leadership in developing monitoring and administering the organizations operational excellence processes with business units. Implements continuous process improvement methods tools and templates across the enterprise that focus on delivering exceptional customer value and improving internal operational efficiencies. Utilizes Lean Office and Six Sigma methods to analyze improvement opportunities and lead the improvement processes focusing on innovation and operational excellence efficiency strategies and tools such as automation. Uses effective project management leadership and facilitation skills to lead and facilitate improvement projects with all levels and all functions of the organization. As a senior colleague in the Process Excellence job family you will lead efforts and play a vital role in optimizing business processes through innovative design cross-functional collaboration and a commitment to continuous improvement across the organization.

• Establish implement maintain and facilitate continuous improvement for Avistas process excellence program.
• Coach train and mentor leaders advocates cross-functional team members and other employees and stakeholders in the operational excellence and process improvement methods and tools.
• Provides informal leadership support and mentoring to immediate team advocates champions and stakeholders.
• Manage internal and external opportunities while collaborating with all internal and external stakeholders. Lead the effort to follow through on process improvement requests. Identify and prioritize process improvement opportunities by working with business units to develop problem statement scope risk feasibility and expected benefits of potential opportunities.
• Lead formal enterprise wide and/or departmental operational excellence initiatives using program methodology and tools.
• Facilitate the development assessment and implementation of key operational excellence performance program indicators (KPIs) to identify areas for improvement efforts and track results. Ensure specific process improvement efforts identify and track KPIs. Develops dashboards and/or reporting tools on process excellence activities.

• Bachelors degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university in business management communications technical or related field required
• Minimum seven (7) years progressively increasing leadership responsibility in areas such as process improvement Lean Office and/or Six Sigma positions or related project experience required
• Lean Six Sigma (Black Belt/Master Black Belt) or Project Management certification (or equivalent) preferred or willing to obtain within one year in role
• Demonstrated effective use of project management facilitation and leadership skills
• Effective and flexible written and verbal communication skills including presentation and public speaking required

Other combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Hiring Range: $96517 to $126439 ML 10

Hybrid work options are available for this role. The successful candidate will be required to work at our Project Center in downtown Spokane Washington at least 3 days per week including Mondays and Tuesdays with additional day(s) determined by the manager.

To Apply
We encourage you to apply as many of our positions have multiple levels to account for an incoming employees various knowledge skills and experience.

Complete an online application and attach your resume and cover letter to your profile. All documents must be attached to your application at the time of submitting your application for review. No documents can be attached after you click Submit.

At Avista our employees are the foundation of our success. Their dedication drives the value we deliver to our customers and communities. Thats why we prioritize the physical mental and financial well-being of our team members and their families.

We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards program designed to support every stage of life and career. Our offerings include:

• Affordable healthcare options including medical dental and vision coverage
• Retirement benefits with an enhanced 401(k) match
• Incentive programs rewarding performance and contributions
• Competitive paid time off including holidays personal days and vacation
• Life and disability insurance for added peace of mind
• Wellness resources supporting mental and physical health
• Education and development support including tuition assistance
• Community giving programs encouraging employee engagement and impact
• Other optional benefits from Legal insurance Pet insurance and more (Eligibility subject to Bargaining Unit affiliation)

To learn more please visit our benefits website at are committed to maintaining a competitive and equitable total rewards package that attracts and retains a diverse skilled and engaged workforce.

In compliance with state laws we provide the full salary range for each position along with the typical hiring range based on qualifications experience and internal equity. The full salary range for this position is $96517 to $156359. Questions regarding compliance with this requirement can be directed to .

Pre-employment screening requirements
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a drug test background check and motor vehicle records review.

Avistas Commitment to Equal Opportunity
Avista is a safe inclusive workplace for people of all backgrounds and we are committed to Equal Opportunity Employment. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of race color religion national origin sex gender identity sexual orientation marital status age sensory mental or physical disability (unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification) Veteran status or any other classification protected by nondiscrimination laws.

Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you require any special accommodations to participate fully in our recruitment process. Avista will make reasonable accommodation to assist a qualified person with a disability in the job application interview process and to perform the essential functions of the job whenever possible where undue hardship would not be created for Avista. Please contact us at if you would like assistance.

Required Experience:

Senior IC