Process Excellence Program Manager

At NAES, you’ll find engaging and challenging career opportunities in the power generation, renewable energy and industrial construction industry. At every level of the company, we share a common goal: To instill confidence in our clients through our steadfast commitment to safety, integrity and quality of work.

As the largest independent operator of power facilities in the industry, we’ve come to be viewed as an employer of choice. We strive to attract and retain employees by offering competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package (including retirement) and promotional opportunities.

Summary

The Process Excellence Program Manager will drive transformation initiatives focused on process simplification, digitization, and smart compliance within the Corporate Finance function.  Lead cross-functional projects from concept to execution (“zero to one”), embedding digital-first thinking, automations, and intelligent control frameworks.  Partner with other departments to develop scalable, compliant solutions that integrate with enterprise platforms.

Primary Duties

• Lead cross-functional process excellence initiatives across Controllership and Finance to improve efficiency, controls, automation, and use of emerging technologies
• Manage full project lifecycle from discovery through execution, including scope, planning, stakeholder management, and post-implementation support
• Design and implement digitally native workflows that embed internal controls and eliminate reliance on manual, paper-based processes
• Champion the use of GenAi and Agentic AI to automate document analysis, forecasting, audit readiness, and routine finance operations
• Drive adoption of smart compliance by embedding proactive, system-based controls that monitor and enforce policies in real time
• Translate complex business needs into structured functional and technical requirements
• Partner with Technology, Risk, Data, Audit and Compliance to develop scalable, compliant solutions that integrate with enterprise platforms
• Define KPIs, monitor outcomes, and continuously refine processes to drive sustained improvement and adoption
• Develop SOPs, governance models, change management, and communication plans to support successful process rollouts
• Develop and maintain process excellence roadmaps that aligns with defined strategic objectives and performance metrics
• Provide coaching, training, and toolkits to business units and process owners to build continuous process excellence capabilities

Working Relationships

This role reports to the VP Group Controller and will work collaboratively with various individuals at the corporate office in Issaquah and strategic business units.

Compensation

The initial compensation will range from $107,300 - $123,400

Job Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business, industrial engineering, data science or related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the United States Department of Education or equivalent. Relevant work experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

• Years of Experience:
  • Six years of experience in finance transformation, process improvement, or internal audit/control roles
  • Experience deploying automation or GenAI solutions in a corporate finance setting
  • Strong project and program management experience (Agile, Scrum, or Waterfall)
  • In-depth understanding and experience of finance operations and internal control frameworks (Sox & COSO).
  • Proven expertise in business process improvement (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen)

Preferred Experience:

• Licenses/Certification: Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and/or PMP certification (preferred)

• Software/Equipment Knowledge:
  • Power BI, Excel, SQL
  • ERP systems (D365, ViewPoint) and automation tools
  • Practical experience with GenAI and Agentic AI (eg., Microsoft Copilot, Azure OpenAI, UiPath, Power Automate)

• Other Considerations:
  • Exposure to matrixed, enterprise-level organizations and cross-functional teams
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to simplify and present complex ideas to varied audiences
  • Fast learner with the ability to adapt quickly and think strategically under deadline pressure
  • Strong emotional intelligence
  • Exceptional critical thinking skills and structured problem-solving mindset

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Normal working hours are 8:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. Monday through Friday. Extended hours may be required during periods of high workload or major projects
• This role requires sitting/standing at a desk, using a computer workstation, the ability to handle long periods of screen time, and typing
• Up to 20% travel may be required

Fit for Duty

All employees will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program. This program includes a post-offer physical examination and drug screening and post-employment random drug screening. There are extensive smoking restrictions in and around the facility.

NAES Safe

Safety is a core value of NAES and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to be mentally alert and work safely at all times.  Additionally, employees are required to adhere to all safety warnings and posted safety signs whenever on company property.  Furthermore, employees must follow all NAES safety rules and procedures.  Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of the evaluation of each employee’s performance.

NAES is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. It is the practice of NAES to seek employees of the highest quality and to select individuals on the basis of merit and competence, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status or affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other basis of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state and federal law.