Subject Matter Expert (ISO) – Quality Management & Process Improvement
Position Overview
We are seeking a senior-level Subject Matter Expert (ISO) to provide specialized expertise in quality management systems, international standards, documentation governance, and continuous process improvement for a major Department of State program.
The ISO Subject Matter Expert will support the development, implementation, and improvement of quality management processes across a complex federal operational environment.
The ideal candidate brings extensive experience implementing ISO standards, evaluating organizational processes, developing standardized documentation, and identifying opportunities to improve service quality, operational efficiency, and compliance.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as a subject matter expert on ISO standards, quality management systems, and organizational process improvement.
- Lead development, review, and standardization of program documentation, procedures, and quality management practices.
- Support implementation and maintenance of ISO 9001-aligned quality management processes.
- Evaluate operational workflows and identify inefficiencies, compliance gaps, and service quality risks.
- Conduct root cause analyses and recommend corrective and preventive actions.
- Apply Lean Six Sigma methodologies to improve operational performance and reduce process variability.
- Establish and maintain documentation standards, process controls, and continuous improvement procedures.
- Collaborate with program leadership and government stakeholders to strengthen quality assurance practices.
- Develop quality metrics, performance indicators, and reporting mechanisms to evaluate operational effectiveness.
- Support process mapping, quality assessments, and improvement initiatives across multiple functional areas.
- Provide guidance and training to program personnel on quality management principles and best practices.
- Ensure quality management activities align with contractual requirements and federal operational standards.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum 10 years of relevant professional experience.
- Master's degree in a related field or 16 years of qualifying experience.
- ISO credential demonstrating expertise in international standards and quality management.
- Lean Six Sigma credential.
- Demonstrated experience implementing, maintaining, or improving quality management systems.
- Expertise in process documentation, standardization, quality assurance, and operational improvement.
- Experience identifying, analyzing, and resolving problems affecting service quality.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and stakeholder communication skills.
- SECRET security clearance meeting contract requirements.
- Ability to work primarily onsite in Washington, DC.
Preferred Qualifications
- ISO 9001 Lead Auditor, Lead Implementer, or equivalent certification.
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, or Master Black Belt.
- Experience supporting federal government quality management or operational improvement programs.
- Experience developing quality management plans, SOPs, corrective action processes, and performance metrics.
- Familiarity with organizational change management, process mapping, and risk-based quality management.
- Experience supporting large professional services or federal operational support contracts.