The Role
The Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence Manager leads initiatives to enhance operational efficiency using Lean principles while aligning improvements with business objectives, coaching teams, managing budgets, and driving a culture of continuous improvement across the plant.
Summary Generated by Built In
ResponsibilitiesQualifications About the TeamThe 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.
Howmet Engines seeks an experienced professional to join our team! The Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence Manager at Howmet Aerospace is responsible for driving the plant's implementation and sustained use of Lean principles, enhancing operational efficiency and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence Manager aligns improvement initiatives with business objectives, ensuring measurable impact on productivity, capacity and overall plant performance.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Lead the development, deployment, and continuous enhancement of the Howmet Business System (HBS), including Lean Execution Systems Assessments and gap‑closure planning.
- Drive Lean and continuous improvement initiatives using tools such as VSM, Kaizen, 5S, Standard Work, SMED, TPM, and Root Cause Problem Solving.
- Facilitate Hoshins, Kaizens, problem‑solving sessions, and rapid improvement events, ensuring follow‑through and sustained results.
- Promote best‑practice sharing across sites through structured processes and electronic knowledge‑sharing systems.
- Lead OEE improvement efforts through deep‑dive analysis, leader engagement, and dissemination of proven practices.
- Analyze P&L statements to identify cost, revenue, and margin opportunities, and collaborate on CAPEX and factory‑floor improvement projects.
- Coach and develop leaders and teams in CI tools, project management, problem solving, and performance measurement.
- Monitor and report KPIs to evaluate progress and impact of improvement initiatives.
- Lead change‑management efforts to ensure successful adoption and long‑term sustainability of process improvements.
- Manage and develop the Maintenance and/or Facilities Engineering teams, ensuring strong performance, accountability, and engagement.
- Improve asset utilization by reducing cycle times, minimizing downtime, and maximizing equipment reliability through TPM and Lean methods.
- Oversee maintenance budgets, capital planning, RFAs, and major facility‑related expenditures.
- Support cross‑functional improvements in safety, on‑time delivery, production efficiency, scrap reduction, and automation integration.
- Lead ASAT management, daily troubleshooting, parts management, and preventive‑maintenance oversight.
- Represent the organization externally as needed and support cross‑site CI initiatives, training, and best‑practice sharing
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum 7 years of experience in manufacturing environments in areas such as: Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, or Operational Excellence
- Minimum of 3 years in leadership roles in Operations or Continuous Improvement
- 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 in Engineering or Supply Chain from an accredited institution
- Previous experience working with automation projects highly desirable
- Project Management certification a plus
- Proficiency in all MS Office applications
- Demonstrated 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.
- Experience evaluating TAKT time vs. cycle time, determining work area constraints (i.e. cycle time constraint, periodic work constraints, downtime constraints).
- Experience on the shop floor, working with employees, and enhancing manufacturing processes.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills require the ability to resolve conflicting interests and obtain cooperation.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills: able to develop and use structured approaches to identify root causes and recommend resolutions.
- Demonstrated experience in project leadership and project management skills, with ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously to meet objectives and key deadlines.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Howmet is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
If you need assistance to complete your application due to a disability, please email [email protected]
Top Skills
5S
Kaizen
Lean Principles
Smed
Standard Work
Tpm
Vsm
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The Company
What We Do
Howmet Aerospace Inc., headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. The Company’s primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, and titanium structural parts necessary for mission-critical performance and efficiency in aerospace and defense applications, as well as forged wheels for commercial transportation. With nearly 1,150 granted and pending patents, the Company’s differentiated technologies enable lighter, more fuel-efficient aircraft to operate with a lower carbon footprint.
