Sarah Stout
Marysville,WA
Summary
Encouraging manager and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. Collaborative, with dedication to partnering with staff to promote an engaged, and empowering work culture. Well versed in liaising between IT professionals and business leaders to transform business goals into actionable improvements and profitable outcomes. Skillful in utilizing data to identify opportunities for process improvement.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Process Analyst
Snohomish County Planning And Developement
Everett, WA
03.2023 - Current
- Streamlined business processes by analyzing and identifying areas for improvement, reducing inefficiencies and boosting productivity.
- Implemented new process automation tools to enhance overall workflow and increase operational efficiency.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop optimized business processes, resulting in improved collaboration and communication.
- Conducted thorough research on industry trends and best practices, incorporating findings into process improvement initiatives.
- Managed project timelines and deliverables associated with business process improvements, ensuring successful completion within established timeframes.
- Performed root-cause analysis on recurring issues within existing processes, identifying solutions that addressed underlying causes effectively.
- Established strong relationships with internal clients to better understand their needs and expectations related to process improvements.
- Served as a subject matter expert on business process analysis methodologies within the organization, mentoring junior team members as needed.
- Actively participated in continuous improvement initiatives, fostering a culture of innovation and growth within the organization.
- Provided technical support for troubleshooting analytics and reporting issues.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to identify business needs and data sources.
- Implemented business intelligence solutions to increase operational efficiency.
- Presented findings from process analyses to senior management, securing buy-in for recommended improvements and facilitating implementation efforts.
- Coordinated testing efforts for proposed changes to ensure smooth integration into existing systems without compromising functionality or stability.
- Facilitated training sessions for employees on newly implemented processes, ensuring seamless adoption across the organization.
Senior Permit Technician, LEAD
Snohomish County Planning And Development Services
04.2018 - 03.2023
- Orchestrated projects within strict timeframes by solving complex problems and working closely with senior leaders.
- Minimized resource and time losses by addressing employee or production issues directly and implementing timely solutions.
- Coached 6+ team members in techniques necessary to complete job tasks.
- Developed training documents to use for reference.
- Adjusted technology to meet different productivity levels.
- Reported on updates to project specifications and progress.
- Made recommendations to reduce waste, increase utilization and reduce costs via enhancements to procedures, business practices and systems.
- Maintained open communication by presenting regular updates on project status to customers.
- Tracked project and team member performance closely to quickly intervene in mistakes or delays.
- Recruited and oversaw personnel to achieve performance and quality targets.
- Scheduled and facilitated meetings between project stakeholders to discuss deliverables, schedules and conflicts.
- Obtained needed resources by strategically negotiating with stakeholders
- Updated processes and process maps to improve material flow.
- Worked with cross-departmental teams with existing functioning projects by implementing set strategies to improve process productivity.
- Used consultative techniques to understand customer needs and make strategic referrals to business partners.
- Provided primary customer support to internal and external customers.
- Surpassed performance goals by approaching interactions with resourcefulness, organization and customer-centric solutions.
- Advised decision-makers on complex and confidential matters ranging from performance management to employee relations issues.
- Implemented standardized programs and policies, driving smooth operations, employee retention and engagement.
- Managed employee disputes by employing conflict resolution techniques.
- Organized and led staff orientation programs and training to promote collaboration.
- Coordinated with senior leadership and handled managerial needs by implementing fresh solutions into business strategies.
- Improved permit processing efficiency by streamlining application procedures and documentation requirements.
- Supported the development of an online permitting system for increased accessibility and user satisfaction.
Senior Permit Technician
Snohomish County Planning And Development Services
08.2016 - 04.2017
- Participated in continuous improvement by generating suggestions, engaging in problem-solving activities to support teamwork
- Worked with customers to understand needs and provide excellent service
- Maintained energy and enthusiasm in fast-paced environment
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems
- Conducted research, gathered information from multiple sources and presented results to leadership.
- Used coordination and planning skills to achieve department goals and decrease time spent for permit intake by 50%.
- Created plans and communicated deadlines to complete projects on time
Permit Technician
Snohomish County Planning And Development Services
10.2015 - 08.2016
- Assisted newly hired permit technicians in learning about application reviews and verification procedures, performance strategies and customer service techniques
- Issued 100+ permits daily for Building Department including Clearing and Grading, Single Family Construction, Commercial Construction, and Fire Systems.
- Worked closely with applicants to determine eligibility and verify accuracy and integrity of application data
- Performed routine data entry or document management
- Created documents with applicant information and verified data against permitting database information
- Processed payments for fines and fees, maintained accurate drawers, issued receipts and updated account balances
Operations Manager
Puget Sound Gastroenterology
04.2008 - 10.2015
- Implemented process improvement to shape organizational culture, optimize procedures for higher efficiency and help company evolve and grow
- Identified and resolved unauthorized, unsafe or ineffective practices
- Developed systems to track and log work issues
- Led improvement initiatives to advance operational efficiencies
- Spearheaded department training to enhance employee performance and boost employee productivity
- Planned and resourced personnel and logistics for operations component exercises resulting in highly trained personnel ready to act quickly in critical roles
- Established positive and effective communication among 50-unit staff and organization leadership, reducing miscommunications in customer care environment
- Collaborated cross-functionally with physicians, staff and CEO to refine procedures, devise best practices and enforce quality metrics
- Reviewed operations reports to understand numbers and trends
Education
Certificate - Project Management
Everett Community College
Everett, WA2019
Certificate - Change Management
PROSCI
International 2019
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies
Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA08.2011
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Everett Community College
Everett, WA06.2003
High School Diploma -
Lake Stevens Sr High School
Lake Stevens, WA06.2001
Skills
- Advanced Problem Solving
- Change Control Processes
- Project Management
- Staff Management
- Procedure development
- Company organization
- Performance management
- Organizational Development
- File and records management
- Team Building
- Process change management
- Team Collaboration
Timeline
Business Process Analyst
Snohomish County Planning And Developement
03.2023 - Current
Senior Permit Technician, LEAD
Snohomish County Planning And Development Services
04.2018 - 03.2023
Senior Permit Technician
Snohomish County Planning And Development Services
08.2016 - 04.2017
Permit Technician
Snohomish County Planning And Development Services
10.2015 - 08.2016
Operations Manager
Puget Sound Gastroenterology
04.2008 - 10.2015
Certificate - Project Management
Everett Community College
Certificate - Change Management
PROSCI
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies
Central Washington University
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Everett Community College
High School Diploma -
Lake Stevens Sr High School