Continuous Improvement Senior Manager

Howmet Engines seeks an experienced professional to join our team! The Continuous Improvement Senior Manager at Howmet Aerospace is responsible for driving the Airfoil's implementation and sustained use of Lean principles, enhancing operational efficiency and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This role serves as a learner/teacher, working closely with Plant Managers and their employees at all levels to build systems for continuously improving business results. The Continuous Improvement Senior Manager works within the Hoshin Kanri process ensuring measurable impact on productivity, capacity and overall airfoil's performance. This role reports to the Director of Opex/CI for the Airfoils segment.

Position will be based in Whitehall, Michigan. Will consider candidates local to all US Engines locations.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead Howmet Business System implementation of continuous improvement initiatives to drive waste reductions utilizing Lean principles (Standard Work Observations/OEE Observations, Value Stream Mapping/Proposal A3, Kaizen, Daily Management Systems including Leader Standard Work, 5S, Standard Work, Line/Cell Design, Visual Management, SMED, TPM, Root Cause Problem Solving, etc.) Lead OEE improvement actions deep dive with leaders and provide avenues for best practice sharing.
• Facilitate Hoshin Kanri process with plant staff management, Kaizens, problem solving, and rapid improvement process events with internal personnel at all levels of the organization, consultants, customers, and suppliers as needed. This includes working alongside plant management and their staff to sustain all follow-throughs through daily management accountability.
• Understand and analyze Profit and Loss (P&L) statements to identify opportunities for cost reduction, revenue enhancement, and margin improvement. Lead and collaborate with cross functional internal teams focused on shop floor factory improvements, which could include CAPEX.
• Assist plant managers in building high performance teams through the Hoshin Kanri and Daily Management accountability systems.
• Work with plant managers and their staff to create and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress and measure the impact of Hoshin Kanri initiatives.
• 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.
• Role may support other sites' continuous improvement activities, as needed (e.g., training, project-based work, best practice support, etc.)

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution is required
• Minimum 7 years of experience in a manufacturing environment
• Minimum of 5 years in a leadership role in Operations or Continuous Improvement
• Previous experience in an aerospace, automotive or other manufacturing environment that demonstrates successful use of lean strategies and Continuous Improvement methodologies is required
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Must be able to travel up to 50%
• This position is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) which requires U.S. person status. ITAR defines U.S. person as an U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree from an accredited institution in Engineering or Supply Chain field of study is preferred
• Advanced Excel skills, including Power Query highly desired
• Proven ability to influence and motivate others, execute strategy, and drive success at a variety of levels.
• Experience developing operations leadership development programs in a manufacturing environment
• Ability to demonstrate experience in manufacturing improvement techniques, including hoshin, flow principles, Jidoka, Kanban, 5S, and "plan for every part" (PFEP).
• Strong skills in value stream mapping and associated improvement methodologies.
• Understanding of pillars of Toyota production system (JIT, Jidoka).
• Experience evaluating TAKT time vs. cycle time, determining work area constraints (i.e. cycle time constraint, periodic work constraints, downtime constraints).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. Our primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, titanium structural parts and forged wheels. With $7.4 Billion in revenue in 2024, our products play a crucial role in enabling fuel efficiency and lightweighting, contributing to our customers' success and making a positive impact on the world. To learn more about the way Howmet Aerospace Inc. is advancing the sustainability of our customers, markets, and communities where we operate, review the 2024 Environmental Social and Governance report at www.howmet.com/esg-report. Follow: LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

The Howmet engines business produces world-class aerospace engine components, including investment castings, fasteners, rings and forgings. Our vacuum melted superalloys, machining, performance coatings and hot isostatic pressing for high performance parts enable the next generation of quieter, cleaner and more fuel-efficient aerospace engines. Able to supply more than 90% of structural and rotating aerospace engine components.