Continuous Improvement Leader

JOB SUMMARY:

The Continuous Improvement Leader position is located at the Howmet Wichita Falls facility and working in a close cross-functional team environment. The Continuous Improvement Leader will lead the organization’s continuous improvement initiative to increase efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction. Drive data-driven decision making, foster a culture of innovation and align improvement projects with business strategy. 

Job Roles 

• Systems thinker--sees the business and its operation holistically; understands actions and reactions; considers multiple pathways of potential effect before decisions; thinks strategically about interventions with an eye toward scale
• Optimizer--constantly challenging the organization to work smarter; supports others to ensure they have what they need to do their work successfully
• Anticipation--looks ahead to minimize potential issues and maximize advantages; prepares others for what comes next
• Operational accelerator--drives continuous improvement; understands ramifications of automation and other advances; advocates for safety, ergonomics and scalable solutions
• Organization and structure--works within existing structures while striving to improve and standardize them; provides accurate information; galvanizes others toward common goals
• Influence--leverages knowledge, relationship, data and perspective to persuade, educate and navigate; gains buy in and adoption of ideas and practices at scale; interacts with a variety of stakeholders
• Data informed--focused on things that drive quantifiable business outcomes; evaluates based on quantitative feedback; knows and explains the “why” behind actions
• Prioritized reaction--handles the unexpected without losing sight of important objectives; reacts where greatest leverage points exist
• Relationship--connects individually and with teams across shifts and practices; builds rapport and commonality; creates a “win together” ethic; serves as liaison between shop floor and engineering; keeps the pulse of the floor; helps people feel heard
• Develop and execute the continuous improvement strategy aligned with corporate goals
• Champion Lean Six Sigma, and other improvement methodologies across functions
• Mentor and coach managers and employees in improvement practices
• Prioritize and manage a portfolio of improvement projects
• Define project scope, objectives, KPIs, and success metrics
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and achieve expected benefits
• Collect and interpret operational data to identify improvement opportunities
• Use statistical tools (DMAIC, control charts, root-cause analysis) to diagnose problems
• Report findings and recommendations to senior leadership
• Map and redesign processes to eliminate waste, reduce cycle time and improve quality
• Implement process controls and standard operating procedures
• Collaborate with IT to integrate improvement tools (e.g., Minitab, Minit, Tableau)
• Design and execute change-management plans to ensure adoption of new processes
• Communicate benefits, timelines and expectations to stakeholders
• Monitor adoption and reinforce sustainable practices
• Build a continuous improvement culture through training, workshops, and recognition programs

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and execute the continuous improvement strategy aligned with corporate goals
• Champion Lean Six Sigma, and other improvement methodologies across functions
• Mentor and coach managers and employees in improvement practices
• Prioritize and manage a portfolio of improvement projects
• Define project scope, objectives, KPIs, and success metrics
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and achieve expected benefits
• Collect and interpret operational data to identify improvement opportunities
• Use statistical tools (DMAIC, control charts, root-cause analysis) to diagnose problems
• Report findings and recommendations to senior leadership
• Map and redesign processes to eliminate waste, reduce cycle time and improve quality
• Implement process controls and standard operating procedures
• Collaborate with IT to integrate improvement tools (e.g., Minitab, Minit, Tableau)
• Design and execute change-management plans to ensure adoption of new processes
• Communicate benefits, timelines and expectations to stakeholders
• Monitor adoption and reinforce sustainable practices
• Build a continuous improvement culture through training, workshops, and recognition programs

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Engineering, Business, or related field

• 2 years of experience in continuous improvement 

• Experience in manufacturing (aerospace environment is highly desirable)

• Proven track record of leading successful improvement projects

• Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States.  Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.  Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. 

• This position is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) which requires U.S. person status. 

• This position entails access to export-controlled items and employment offers are conditioned upon an applicant's ability to lawfully obtain access to such items.
  
  PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

•  

• Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent (Black Belt Preferred)

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Excellent communication and stakeholder-management abilities

• Project management proficiency (PMP or equivalent preferred)

• Proficiency in improvement tools (Minitab, Minit, Tableau, etc.)

• Results-orientated, proactive, and collaborative

• Ability to influence and drive change across all levels