Continuous Improvement Manager

Responsibilities

The Continuous Improvement Manager is an expert in continuous improvement processes who teaches and facilitates implementation of standard operational excellence methods and tools to deliver results in safety, throughput, productivity, cost, and inventory and delivery performance.  This position is located in Plant 3 in Whitehall, Michigan.  

Job Roles 

• Improvement agent--provides expertise and guidance while contributing substantively to implementation and solutions; serves with both strategic and tactical implementation assistance; listens well to ensure the right interventions occur; maintains focus as an internal partner versus outside observer
• Sustainability support--understands plant and enterprise level strategy and prioritizes accordingly; creates follow up plans, support and accountability to ensure adoption and independent implementation
• Educational implementer--conducts planned events and responds to operational needs to create efficiencies that support strategies; enables next steps for the business and creates virtuous cycles of feedback and performance at a local level; manages projects and events efficiently and maximizes allocation of resources under time pressure
• Business acumen--creates compelling business case for events and interventions; understands and communicates the “why” behind efforts; measures success based on business performance
• Analysis and synthesis--seeks first to listen and understand; determines root cause with contributions from others; translates based on observation and input; technical expert in ABS
• Influence--compels others without direct authority; provides business case and data-driven justification for events; appreciates the use of other leaders’ resources and people, holds those things in trust; creates a favorable brand for ABS and CI
• Coach--helps others grow their capability; motivated by teaching and improvement; embraces the need to receive invitation; contributes to Talent Factory strategy by increasing awareness and functionality of individuals and groups
• Creativity and innovation--challenges the status quo; networks internally to gather information; offers ideas and potential solutions based on observation and direct feedback from operators and supervisors
• Strategic perspective--driven to improve the plant to improve the business; prioritizes based on hoshin and collaboration with other leaders; identifies areas of greatest potential return and adds value at the decision making level; evaluates effectiveness of events and interventions based on performance metrics in addition to CI and ABS metrics; thinks about the business as it will be in the future when deciding what to do today

Key Responsibilities:

Hoshin Kanri Leadership:

• Facilitate the development, deployment, and execution of annual Hoshin plans across all departments.
• Ensure alignment between corporate strategy, plant-level objectives, and frontline daily management systems.
• Lead strategy review (catchball) processes and ensure cascading of goals and metrics through the organization.
• Track progress against breakthrough objectives and ensure countermeasures are in place when gaps are identified.

Lean & Continuous Improvement Systems:

• Serve as the plant’s Lean expert and coach for all levels of the organization.
• Standardize and sustain key Lean systems, including Daily Management, A3 Thinking, Value Stream Mapping, and Kaizen.
• Champion structured problem solving using 8D, 5 Whys, and DMAIC tools.
• Facilitate targeted Kaizen events to improve flow, reduce waste, and optimize process stability in wax, shell, foundry, and finishing departments.

Metrics & Visual Management:

• Drive a visual factory environment with strong linkage between metrics and actions at all levels.
• Support operational excellence scorecards and provide monthly updates to leadership on progress.

Change Leadership:

• Act as a catalyst for cultural transformation by promoting employee involvement and ownership in improvement efforts.
• Train, mentor, and coach leaders, supervisors, and frontline employees in Lean thinking and continuous improvement tools.
• Develop internal CI champions and foster team-based problem-solving capability.

Project Management:

• Lead cross-functional projects focused on improving productivity, reducing variation, and enhancing throughput in complex casting processes.
• Ensure all improvement projects deliver measurable and sustainable business impact.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum 7 years’ experience in a Continuous Improvement capacity 
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a leadership role 
• 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 in Engineering, specifically Industrial Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering, or Supply Chain from an accredited institution
• Ability to demonstrate a solid understanding of HBS and/or Toyota Production System
• Demonstrated experience in teaching/coaching/mentoring others - leading diverse groups to drive major change initiatives
• Experience with Hoshin framework, TPM/OEE, 5S, Kaizen, visual factory management, work design and A3 thinking and improvement plans improvement atmosphere
• Experience in investment casting or aerospace component manufacturing
• Lean manufacturing experience in aerospace, defense, or automotive industry
• Familiarity with AS9100 quality standards and NADCAP compliance
• Hands-on leadership style with ability to engage on the shop floor
• Proven results facilitating continuous improvement activity
• Strong computer and relationship skills, proficient in Microsoft Office
• Ability to speak and present effectively to personnel at all levels of the organization
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Power BI report creation
• SQL exports into Excel database in order to turn data into information
• Passion for continuous learning, teaching, and building capability in others

About UsHowmet 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.