Sr Manager, Continuous Improvement

Sr. Manager, Continuous Improvement 

Position Summary 

The Senior Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for leading, driving, and sustaining a culture of continuous improvement across the organization. This role partners with business leaders, operations teams, engineering, quality, and supply chain functions to identify and eliminate waste, improve operational performance, and enhance organizational effectiveness. The position serves as a change agent, championing Lean principles, best practices, leader standard work, and performance management processes to achieve strategic business objectives. 

This individual will lead cross-functional improvement initiatives, develop organizational capabilities, and ensure alignment of continuous improvement efforts with company goals. Through coaching, mentoring, and influencing leaders at all levels, the Senior Continuous Improvement Manager will foster a culture of accountability, operational excellence, and continuous learning while delivering measurable improvements in productivity, quality, cost, delivery, and customer satisfaction. The role is responsible for managing improvement portfolios, supporting change management efforts, and driving sustainable results that contribute to the company's long-term growth and competitiveness. 

Position Responsibilities 

• Ensure understanding & alignment of best practices. 

• Champion the advancement of Best Practices. 

• Consult, coach and facilitate appropriate use of standard metrics within standard performance management processes. 

• Culture Change and Leader Standard Work 

• Influence and advance the models for Leader Standard Work (LSW). 

• Support PLM’s and overall site for rituals and Performance Management. 

• Drive behavioral transformation through Mindset & Behavior strategic commitment. 

Continuous Improvement 

• Create and foster the continuous improvement culture throughout the organization. 

• Ensure processes exist and are functioning to fill and execute the improvement project portfolio plan pipeline for reduction of waste and constraints in Plan/Source/Make/Deliver/Return processes. 

• Break down barriers to drive continuous improvements. 

• Ensure an effective Decision Board process is in place which secures appropriate staffing, clarity on project goals, milestones, and deliverables. 

• Ensure the integration of cross-functional improvement teams efforts (across Plan, Source, Make, Deliver, and Return; inclusive of integrated Operations: Quality, Engineering). 

• Integrate work with corporate improvement initiatives. 

• Drive improvement through external and internal BIC {best in class) benchmarks. 

• Financial Impact of Operations 

• Drive and manage operations best practices to assure business productivity improvements are met. This includes championing the business productivity improvement tracking process, championing resourcing of key Cl projects aligned with supply chain and operations strategies / CSFs and business strategy / CSFs. 

Individual & Organization Capability Development 

• Provide leadership, coaching and counseling for competency and capability building to enhance continuous improvement in the organization. 

• Responsible to foster Best Practice capabilities of the organization. 

• Encourage best practice sharing and foster creation and continuity of networks I peer learning opportunities. 

• Consult / support Operations Directors, Business Leaders, and Steering Committees. 

• Pursue personal journey to refine personal Mindsets & Behaviors capability (M&B). 

Communication, Networks & Forums 

• Participate in Best Practice Networks and Roundtable events. 

• Communicate and market Best Practices. 

• Communicate continuous improvement approaches (technology, strategy, etc.) 

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience) 

• 10 years of direct experience, including 3 years management experience 

• Bachelors – directly related degree (Engineering Preferable) 

• Strong computer skills are a must, as is the ability to quickly pick up new programs and techniques as technology evolves 

• Strong analytical skills and the ability to evaluate and interpret trends and important information 

• Work with different departments and as part of a team, so excellent interpersonal and communication skills are required 

• Being able to identify issues or ways to improve systems that are already in place is a key job function, so this position requires critical thinkers who can successfully troubleshoot and solve problems 

• Experience with Foundational Best Practices (5S, Visual Performance Management, Focused Improvement, Teamwork) 

• Uses vision to think beyond the immediate situation, explore multiple potential paths, and adapt decision-making style based on the situational circumstances 

• Inspires, motivates, and empowers people to deliver organizational goals, while also delivering value back to employees 

• Brings organizational values to life using personality, uniqueness, and the creation of a shared vision 

• Champions the process of change and promotes a culture of quick adaptation while helping others deal with the effects of change 

• Demonstrates the ability to develop and maintain internal and external trusting, professional relationships 

• Assesses the degree of risk and opportunity in plans or actions and takes appropriate action to mitigate them or makes plans to build on the opportunity 

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies 

• Master's degree in a relevant field is a plus. 

• Certification in Lean Six Sigma (e.g., Green Belt, Black Belt) is highly desirable. 

• Program management experience preferred 

• Previous experience in the aerospace or defense industry is advantageous. 

• Demonstrated ability to lead change management initiatives and overcome resistance to change. 

• Proactive and self-motivated with a continuous improvement mindset. 

Physical Demands 

• Ability to work in an office or warehouse environment (Constant) 

• Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent) 

Comprehensive Benefits & Perks: 

• Health & Wellness: Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans - including a 100% employer-paid option covering both employees and their families. 

• Paid Time Off: Enjoy 120 hours of PTO, 80 hours accrued plus an additional 40 hours of holiday break pay in addition to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day off. 

• Life Insurance: $25,000 employer-paid life insurance policy, with the option to purchase additional coverage for employees and their families. 

• Supplemental Coverage: Access optional benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage. 

• Health Savings Account (HSA): Take advantage of a tax-advantaged HSA to manage medical expenses. 

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) with a company match to support your financial future. 

• Paid Holidays: Enjoy 9 paid holidays throughout the year. 

• Work Environment: A casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and a welcoming company culture. 

• Ideal Location: Work in an area that offers an outstanding quality of life - a perfect place to live, work, and play! 

Company Overview 

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero) is a leader in aerospace engineering, product development, and manufacturing, dedicated to delivering high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective solutions to the industry. We specialize in cutting-edge system design, rapid product development, precision manufacturing, comprehensive testing, and technology demonstrations to support the evolving needs of the aerospace community. Committed to excellence, on-time delivery, and continuous growth, we invest in infrastructure to expand our manufacturing and aftermarket capabilities while maintaining the highest standards of engineering services. 

At ESAero, we don’t just build products, we engineer solutions that propel  

the aerospace industry forward. 

**This position is fully on-site at ESAero in San Luis Obispo, CA** 

__________________________________________________________________________ 

ESAero is an equal opportunity employer.  
E-Verify participation required for employment.  
Must present proof of authorization to work in the United States.     
Must be able to pass background check and drug test.    
Pay Range: $160-200k Salary/Exempt