WBS Manager

Woodward, Inc.•Rockford, IL

3d•$105,000 - $140,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Operational Excellence Coach partners with Value Stream leaders and teams to deploy and mature the Woodward Business System (WBS), build a daily problem-solving culture, develop leaders as coaches, and drive sustainable improvements aligned with site objectives. The role shares ownership of overall performance with the Value Stream leader and helps ensure site objectives are cascaded through the Value Stream. The position is hybrid to Rockford, Illinois, and requires travel up to 50%. The estimated annual base pay is $105,000–$140,000. Applicants must be U.S. Persons under ITAR and EAR, or eligible to obtain required authorizations.

Requirements

Proficiency with the Woodward Production System (WPS).
Strong understanding of coaching principles and ability to mentor leaders at all levels within the Value Stream.
Strong knowledge of structured problem-solving methodologies, such as A3, PDCA, and root cause analysis.
Ability to facilitate training, improvement workshops, and Kaizen activities with diverse participants.
Ability to work effectively with leaders across functions, fostering trust and alignment.
Ability to translate site objectives into Value Stream-level deliverables (SQDC).
Strong knowledge of continuous improvement tools and processes, including 5S, Visual Management, Standardized Work, Daily Management Systems, Flow/Pull, Value Stream Mapping, and Kaizen.
Strong interpersonal skills to build trust and rapport with employees at all levels.
Ability to implement and standardize improved processes and ensure they are sustained.
Must be a U.S. Person under ITAR and EAR or eligible to obtain all required authorizations.

Responsibilities

Coach the deployment and maturity of the Woodward Production System for the Value Stream.
Promote a culture in which employees at all levels use problem-solving as a daily practice.
Provide training, tools, and guidance to help Value Stream leaders become effective coaches and support the development of future leaders.
Share ownership of overall performance with the Value Stream leader, supporting alignment, accountability, and execution of operational goals and objectives.
Ensure site-level objectives are clearly cascaded through Value Stream departments, teams, and individuals in alignment with strategic priorities.
Facilitate training, improvement workshops, and Kaizen activities.
Work with teams to implement and standardize improved processes and sustain continuous improvement.
Foster an environment where employees feel safe surfacing problems, testing ideas, and learning from failures.

Benefits

Annual cash bonus opportunity for all members.
401(k) match of 4.5%.
Annual Woodward stock contribution of 5%.
Tuition reimbursement and training/professional development opportunities.
12 paid holidays.
Medical, dental, and vision insurance upon date of hire.
Vacation, sick time, vacation buy-up, short-term disability, and bereavement leave.
Paid parental leave.
Adoption assistance.
Employee Assistance Program, including mental health benefits.
Member Life & AD&D and Long Term Disability coverage.
Member Optional Life coverage.
Member referral bonus.
Spouse/Child Optional Life, Optional AD&D, and Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending.
Voluntary benefits, including home/auto insurance discounts, whole life insurance, critical illness insurance, legal assistance, and military leave.