Continuous Improvement Leader - Thermatech

Howmet Aerospace • Whitehall, MI

7d

About The Position

The Continuous Improvement Leader is an expert in continuous improvement processes who teaches and facilitates implementation of standard operational excellence methods and tools to improve throughput, productivity, cost, inventory, and delivery performance. The position is located in Plant 4 and supports the Thermatech Coatings and Titanium Ingot businesses.

The role provides strategic and tactical assistance as an internal improvement partner, supports sustainable adoption of improvements, and plans and conducts events and projects in response to business strategies and operational needs. It develops business cases, explains the rationale for improvement efforts, and measures success through business performance. The leader listens to stakeholders, identifies root causes, uses data and observation to shape solutions, and influences others without direct authority. The role also challenges existing practices, collaborates with leaders to prioritize opportunities, and evaluates interventions against performance metrics.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• At least 3 years of experience leading continuous improvement projects in a manufacturing environment.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States; employment eligibility verification is required at hire. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Supply Chain Logistics, or a related discipline.
• At least three years of experience in a Continuous Improvement role.
• Demonstrated ability to lead managers and employees through major change initiatives with diverse groups.
• Solid understanding of ABS and/or the Toyota Production System, with ability to teach, coach, and mentor others.
• Proven results facilitating continuous improvement activity.
• Strong computer and relationship skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Ability to speak and present effectively to personnel at all organizational levels.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Lean manufacturing experience in the aerospace, defense, or automotive industry.
• Experience with the Hoshin framework, TPM/OEE, 5S, Kaizen, visual factory management, work design, A3 thinking, and improvement plans or improvement culture.

Responsibilities

• Teach and facilitate implementation of standard operational excellence methods and tools.
• Provide strategic and tactical expertise and guidance for improvement implementation and solutions.
• Support sustainable adoption through follow-up plans, support, and accountability.
• Conduct planned improvement events and respond to operational needs to create efficiencies aligned with business strategies.
• Manage projects and events efficiently and allocate resources under time pressure.
• Develop compelling business cases for events and interventions, communicate their rationale, and measure success based on business performance.
• Listen to stakeholders, determine root causes with their input, and translate observations into solutions.
• Influence stakeholders without direct authority using business cases and data-driven justification.
• Network internally and develop potential solutions based on observation and direct feedback from operators and supervisors.
• Prioritize improvement opportunities in collaboration with other leaders and based on hoshin and potential business returns.
• Evaluate events and interventions using business performance metrics as well as CI and ABS metrics.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage, including FSA and HSA account options.
• Pre-tax and Roth 401(k) retirement savings plans with employer matching funds and a separate employer retirement contribution.
• Paid holidays and vacation time, subject to applicable eligibility, accrual, usage, and policy terms.
• Paid parental leave and adoption assistance programs.
• Life insurance and disability coverage plans.
• Optional auto, home, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance coverage.
• Tuition Assistance Program and ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level