DEPUTY DIRECTOR-OFFICE OF OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE (SPSA, OPT.1)

Position Summary

CMS seeks a dynamic senior leader dedicated to advancing operational excellence through continuous improvement, enterprise learning, and strategic organizational development. The preferred candidate brings a proven ability to lead high-performing teams, drive transformational change, and partner with executive leadership to deliver innovative solutions that improve efficiency, strengthen workforce capabilities, and achieve measurable results across complex organizations.

State of Illinois Benefits

As a State of Illinois employee, you receive a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Competitive Group Insurance benefits including health, life, dental and vision plans.
• Flexible work schedules (when available and dependent upon position).
• 10 -25 days of paid vacation time annually (10 days for first year of state employment).
• 12 days of paid sick time annually which carryover year to year.
• 3 paid personal business days per year.
• 13-14 paid holidays per year dependent on election years.
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Pension plan through the State Employees Retirement System.
• Deferred Compensation Program – voluntary supplemental retirement plan.
• Optional pre-tax programs -Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP) & Dependent Care Assistant Plan (DCAP).
• Tuition Reimbursement Program and Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility.

For more information regarding State of Illinois Benefits follow this link: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx

If this opportunity appeals to you, please apply today!

Position Essential Functions

Subject to management approval, serves as the Deputy Director - Office of Operational Excellence for the agency.

Monitors and reviews Office of Operational Excellence activities to ensure consistency, quality, and effectiveness of agencies’ initiatives.

Serves as full line supervisor.

Serves as spokesperson on behalf of the Director to internal and external entities including CMS staff, senior management of all client agencies, boards and commissions served by CMS, public, private, and federal officials on initiatives and issues.

Serves as an advisor to CMS senior management and liaison with the Governor’s Office and state agencies to monitor operational excellence initiatives. 

Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to the completion of four (4) years of college with coursework in business management, organizational development, or a business-related field.
• Requires four (4) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in business management or related experience in a public or business organization

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers five (5) years of professional supervisory experience.
• Prefers five (5) years of professional experience leading and implementing the principles of continuous improvement within a large, diverse organization.
• Prefers five (5) years of professional experience leading and implementing learning programs for an adult workplace audience within a large, diverse organization.
• Requires thorough knowledge of administration practices and principles. 
• Prefers four (4) years of professional experience developing and implementing a major operational program. 
• Prefers four (4) years of professional experience coordinating and overseeing implementation of statewide policies, procedures, and performance standards.  

Conditions of Employment

Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.

Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This may require the ability to work evenings and weekends.

Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.

Requires the ability to use agency technology/equipment (i.e., mobile phone, laptop, etc.) properly in accordance with information security awareness policies and confidentiality guidelines.

Requires ability to attend seminars, conferences, and trainings to stay current on methods, tools, ideologies, or other industry related topics relevant to the job duties.

This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.

The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About the Agency

Central Management Services (CMS) is the State of Illinois’ central operational support agency, the team that keeps government running smoothly behind the scenes. We provide the essential services that enable more than 80 agencies, boards, and commissions to serve the people of Illinois effectively. As the backbone of state operations, CMS delivers high‑quality, reliable, and forward‑thinking services that help government programs work efficiently and meet the needs of residents statewide.

Our vision is to be the trusted partner dedicated to the success of the State of Illinois through service, optimization, and inclusion. Our mission is to be the accessible agency that delivers essential, effective, and efficient services to State agencies and the people of Illinois. Our core values are: Trusted, Strategic, Effective, Innovative, Responsive, and Inclusive. Through strategic leadership CMS plays a vital role in strengthening the effectiveness of Illinois State government.

CMS provides a broad portfolio of statewide services through specialized bureaus such as: Administrative Hearings • African Descent-Citizens Reparations Commission • Statewide Benefits • Communication and Information • Diversity and Inclusion • Fleet Administration • Labor Relations • Operational Excellence • Statewide Personnel • Property Management • Strategic Sourcing • Surplus Equipment Control. 

CMS also operates internal service bureaus that support our agency’s own effectiveness and efficiency, including: Internal Audit • Finance and Management • Government Affairs • Human Resources • Legal Services • Strategic Transformation.

Professionals who join CMS become part of a mission‑driven organization committed to continuous improvement and public service excellence. CMS offers the opportunity to contribute to impactful statewide initiatives, collaborate with skilled and talented colleagues, shape strategic improvements across Illinois government, and support the operational foundation that allows state agencies to better serve the residents of Illinois. CMS is a place for people who want their work to matter; where innovation, service, and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do.