Manager, Continuous Improvement

Job Description

At Albany Engineered Composites we are highly regarded for our composite design and fabrication expertise, that is deeply integrated into a wide spectrum of defense programs. Our product range encompasses an array of offerings including complete structural assemblies, flight-critical components, primary and secondary structural elements. Notably, our contributions extend to prestigious platforms such as the F-35 Lightning II, the CH-53K Heavy-lift Helicopter, and the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM).

Job Purpose

The CI Manager has overall responsibility for leading and driving Enterprise Excellence (EE) and the Shingo Model across an entire site. Trains, coaches and directly applies lean principles, systems and tools to all business functions within company value streams. This Leader will work with site and BU leadership to achieve significant improvements to business processes that are linked to site strategy and focused on the customer, resulting in Continuous Improvement (e.g. lean, six sigma, TOC) Culture.

Job Responsibilities

• Ensuring that safety is first at all times, never compromise on safety for the obtainment of other objectives. Responsible for health and safety of themselves and coworkers.

• Lead and manage all standardized CI activities across the site, aligned with the company CI business system including conducting periodic gap assessments.
• Lead the delivery of significant, quantifiable, annualized cost savings. Take accountability for the success of identified cost reduction. Drive cost reduction efforts through cycle time reduction, process improvement, setup reduction, etc.
• Develop and deploy the periodic facility Continuous Improvement Plan, consistent with the Hoshin Planning cycle and Corporate Continuous Improvement Plan
• Act as a change agent, systematically driving a CI culture
• Lead site EE Council and facilitate the development of a healthy cross-functional group of qualified EE lean tool experts
• Lead the Site deployment of SQDCE hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly metrics, ensuring that collection and monitoring of this information is meaningful in the identification of areas requiring process improvement or corrective action.
• Create training materials and lead kaizen and lean workshops to site leaders and associates, including VSM, daily management, standard work, problem solving, 3P/layout, cell design, material flow, TPM, SMED, 5S and visual management
• Facilitate strategy deployment and goal deployment across all site functions and multiple value streams, and maintain a site-wide lean roadmap aimed at meeting site business goals, including productivity, quality, delivery and customer allegiance
• Drive six sigma process improvement methodologies as the facility wide "thinking tool." Be the facility wide champion for data based decision making
• Nothing in this document restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Supervisory responsibility: Yes

Supervisors are responsible for overseeing their work group including but not limited to: formal evaluations/performance management as set out by the organization, recruitment and developing.

Experience/Education/Skills

Our Ideal Candidates:

To excel in this role, you will need the following qualifications:

Qualifications/Characteristics

• Education
• Bachelor's degree preferred; relevant aerospace CI experience may be substituted
• Formal Lean/CI Black Belt certification
• Six Sigma training preferred
• Experience
• Minimum of 10 years in Manufacturing with 5 years of hands-on lean Kaizen, including VSM, daily management, standard work, cell design, material flow, TPM, SMED, 3P/layout, 5S and visual management
• Demonstrated experience working as an organizational change agent
• Demonstrated track record of CI implementation yielding measurable performance improvement or transformation from traditional batch manufacturing processes
• Experience leading strategy development, goal deployment, Shingo Model understanding with preferred experience practicing the model
• Skills
• Be the Ambassador of communication for Enterprise Excellence throughout the site or division training and coaching all levels of the organization
• Demonstrated strong verbal and written communication skills, analytical skills, statistical and mathematical abilities and interpersonal skills

Solid lean tool technical skills, project management experience and decision-making capability

• Abilities
• Working knowledge of multiple business functions, including operations, quality, logistics, finance, sales, customer service, engineering, IT and human resources
• The ability to influence team without direct authority and navigate through difficult or ambiguous situations
• The ability to translate strategic vision to tactical elements for the Team

Working Conditions

Indoor production environment, duties performed indoors, adequate lighting and comfortable temperatures. Occasional exposure to moderate noise and machinery with mechanical moving parts. Ability to work 24/7 schedule and be available as business situations required, Travel may be required

Physical requirements

Occasionally positions self to move an office item >10 lbs.

Frequently move about the production floor and office area to attend meetings or trainings

Must be able to remain in a stationary position up to 75% of the time

Frequently operates a computer, enters data into systems, verifies information, etc...

Who We Are:

For more than 50 years, Albany International has innovated advanced composite solutions for defense and commercial industries in applications from large commercial transports to fighter jets and commercial and military rotorcraft. Our employees experience first-class training and opportunities all designed to create a rewarding career. Our culture is one of celebrating successes and providing an inclusive workplace, empowering each individual to bring their authentic whole selves to work each day and do their best work.

Albany International is an equal opportunity employer. Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran

Except where prohibited by state law, all offers of employment are conditioned upon successful completion of a drug screening and background check.

Albany Engineered Composites participates in E-Verify.

Our Location:

Albany Engineered Composites (AEC) is located in Salt Lake City, Utah, one of the top 25 metro areas to live with a great quality of life and thriving job market. As a young and dynamic city, we're home to both natural and historic attractions and nearby skiing and mountain-based adventures. You'll find great dining and shopping experiences as well as five national parks, professional sports and kid-approved attractions. Just a few miles away from the Salt Lake City International Airport, our location is easily accessible by car or transit just outside our doors.