Continuous Improvement Manager

Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) is seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager in our Torrance, California location. HFS is a business unit of Howmet Aerospace, headquartered in Torrance, California.  We hold the number one global position in aerospace fastening systems, and we’re the North American leader in commercial transportation fasteners. Our high-tech, multi-material fastening systems are found nose to tail on aircraft and aerospace engines. Our products are also critical components of industrial gas turbines, automobiles, commercial transportation vehicles, and construction and industrial equipment.

Summary:

Responsible for managing lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives at Howmet Fastening System’s (HFS). This role drives and leads a wide range of activities that are designed to improve operations efficiency, productivity, and on-time delivery while minimizing cost and waste.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Define activities that require engineered solutions resulting in reduced waste, improved quality, improved throughput, increased machine/person ratio, improved safety, and improved business unit DVP%. 
• Lead and collaborate with cross functional internal teams focused on shop floor factory improvements, which could include CAPEX. 
• Standardize process and document for repeatability, train and certify operators.
• Understand and analyze Profit and Loss (P&L) statements to identify opportunities for cost reduction, revenue enhancement, and margin improvement.
• Analyze existing processes and identify areas for improvement through data-driven methods such as Lean Six Sigma principles, root cause analysis, and statistical tools.
• Act as internal consultant and catalyst to assist plant leadership, individuals, and teams in the application of continuous improvement principles and techniques to improve operations.
• Drive consistent, uniform approaches for visual controls and productivity measurements to be utilized throughout production teams and the factory.
• Facilitate successful Kaizen and rapid improvement process events with employees, customers and suppliers, with a major emphasis on locally focused improvement. Provide support for all follow-throughs required to sustain the improvements during the events.
• Instruct and train others in continuous process improvements, including the use of various problem solving and productivity techniques such as process mapping and cost time management.
• Provide formal training on lean manufacturing and continuous improvement concepts, principles, and practices. Utilize a learn-by-doing approach, supplementing classroom work with hands-on training
• Assist team leaders in team skill and knowledge development to support meeting management goals, project management, improvements, results measurements, problem solving and related team skills.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress and measure the impact of improvement initiatives.
• Role may support other HFS sites’ continuous improvement activities, as needed (e.g., training, project-based work, best practice support, etc.)
• Drive change management efforts to ensure successful implementation and sustainability of process improvements.
• Identify and share best practices, lessons learned, and success stories to promote knowledge sharing and continuous learning within the organization.
• Stay updated on industry trends and emerging technologies related to continuous improvement methodologies.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in a manufacturing work environment, which has provided a working knowledge of lean manufacturing and rapid improvement techniques.
• Minimum of three (3) year of leadership experience 
• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution, preferred in Engineering or Business
• Proficient with computer systems and programs (MS-Word, MS-Excel, MS-PowerPoint, querying databases, ERP systems. etc.)
• 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 entails access to export-controlled items and employment offers are conditioned upon an applicant’s ability to lawfully obtain access to such items.

Benefits and Salary:

The position includes competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package available day one of hire, including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), excellent 401k matching program, paid holidays and vacation. Howmet Aerospace curates a strong working environment through opportunities for career progression, community engagement activities, and flexible schedules contingent upon role and location. The salary range for this position is $140k-$170k.