Continuous Improvement Director

This position is responsible for the HES BU Continuous Improvement deployment and execution at Howmet Engines locations globally. Role will be based out of Cleveland, OH. Candidates based out of all other US Engines locations will also be considered.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead the implementation of CI strategy across all Engines locations, dotted line reporting of CI Leads in each Segment of the Business Unit. Build team capabilities and provide OpEx surge team.
• Manage CI systems include LEAN system, Reliability Excellence, and Maintenance CMMS Launches
• Create global Reliability Excellence strategy and deploy standardized and integrated REX system and tools.
• Partner with Plant Leaders to develop Continuous Improvement strategies that directly support plant Hoshin goals, provide leadership for establishment of strategies on the shop floor including the tools and processes required to sustain the improvements in the future.
• Build a lean culture and improve manufacturing ability by improving existing Lean tools/processes. Broadly deploy continuous improvement tools and systems, including Kaizen, Lean / Six Sigma, OEE and AU monitoring.
• Support leadership to rapidly implement and/or continuously improve usage of the stability tools (TPM, kaizen, daily management, communications, suggestion system, reward & recognition and problem solving).
• Create and deploy HBS training and certification program. Drive training and coach process owners on leveraging these critical tools.
• Publish frequent communication updates for employees and management.
• Support training and benchmarking activities to help communicate best practices in HBS to other location leaders.
• Accelerate people's engagement and ownership of improvement effort through active participation, communication and recognition.

Job Dimensions:

• Expert knowledge of Lean Manufacturing theories, methodologies, standards, and tools. Demonstrated ability to utilize Lean tools to generate meaningful, quantified improvement in: cost reduction, efficiency, reduced inventory, shortened cycle or lead times, improved quality and reliability, on-time delivery, or safety
• Leadership - Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
• Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
• Disciplined Execution - Job requires holding the teams accountable through daily execution to the plan. When required, he/she will need to be able to dive into details to ensure operational success.
• Strong financial literacy - Deep understanding of financial and non-financial metrics necessary to achieve Plant and BU Hoshin goals
• Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical.
• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
• Customer Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer service. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Team Player - Outstanding interpersonal and teaming skills including the ability to work well on cross-functional teams at all levels in the organization
• Coaching - Experience in training and coaching personnel to achieve productivity savings using Lean principles and tools.
• Communication - Excellent communication skills including the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization (written and verbal) in English.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or business from an accredited institution is required
• Minimum 15 years of experience in manufacturing or engineering roles.
• Minimum 10 years of lean manufacturing or continuous improvement experience.
• Must have a minimum of 5 years experience in a people leadership/supervisor 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.
• This position entails access to export-controlled items and employment offers are conditioned upon an applicant's ability to lawfully obtain access to such items.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in engineering or business from an accredited institution highly desired.
• Six Sigma experience is desired.

Travel:
Expected Travel is estimated at 25% and may fluctuate depending on the need to support the deployment of CI systems across the HES locations.

Howmet 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.

The 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.