Director of Continuous Improvement
Apply NowCompany: Safran
Location: Gainesville, TX 76240
Description:
Entity
Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 92,000 employees and sales of 23.2 billion euros in 2023, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets. Safran undertakes research and development programs to maintain the environmental priorities of its R&T and innovation roadmap.
Safran is in the 1st place in the aerospace and defense industry in TIME magazine's "World's best companies 2023" ranking.
With over one million seats equipping the fleets of the major airlines, Safran Seats is one of the world's leading suppliers of seating for passengers, crews and helicopters thanks to innovative and high added-value solutions.
Reference number
2024-148315
Job details
Domain
Performance and Support
Job field / Job profile
Continuous improvement - Performance improvment management
Job title
Director of Continuous Improvement
Employment type
Permanent
Professional category
Professional, Engineer & Manager
Part time / Full time
Full-time
Job description
POWERED BY TEAMWORK. Are you ready to be part of a team that drives big ideas and even bigger wins? At Safran, we believe in the power of both collaboration and individual contributions. We understand that it takes diverse perspectives, problem-solving skills, dependability, and trust to push each other forward and achieve great success. For us, working here is more than just a job; it's a passion. There's the unique opportunity to lead the way in aerospace and defense and contribute to creating a safer and more sustainable world.
Objective:
Under limited supervision, this position directs continuous and breakthrough improvement activities in all areas of the business unit, including production, logistics, engineering, program management, and office environments such as HR, Finance, IT and Sales/Marketing. Works under general supervision of Seats USA CEO, collaborates with members of Seats USA Leadership team and with Seats Safran + Director and group Safran + organizations
Authorities:
This position has the authority withing a CI project or inititive to implement process flows and layout changes, visual management standards and Lean Sigma practices and routines upon validation of improvement projects sponsor and/or improvement project steering committee. Position has the authority to grant Safran Leand Sigma Certification to Green and Black Belt candidates.
Main Function Responsibilities:
A) Support Strategy deployment trhu Balance Score Card initiatives flow down and Performace reviews
B) Along with SSUSA leadership, drive Continuous Improvement including Lean Sigma ownership throughout the organization through metrics, training and Balance Score Card flow down
C) In conjunction with SSUSA senior management team and SAFRAN Seats SAFRAN+ Director, coordinates and defines the vision and strategy of continuous improvement as well as progress plans and financial goals for project savings in EBIT and Working Capital for SSUSA
D) Coordinates, collects, organizes and distributes financial and project information to SSUSA senior management and corporate with the support of the Continuous Improvement Managers
E) Reports progress of the Continuous improvement strategy to SAFRAN Seats top management at least quarterly.
F) Ensures benchmarking and best practice sharing with other SAFRAN sites
Travel specifictity
International and/or Domestic travel required; Up to 20%
Additional description
G) Support Lean Sigma team on the Lean Sigma training activities including the development of the training materials and facilitation of workshops and classes
H) Represents SSUSA in the SAFRAN Lean Sigma network
I) Organizes and coordinates external consulting support
J) Supports the deployment of One SAFRAN Operation excellence in SSUSA
K) Ensures the training, development and mentoring of the Lean Sigma team
L) Ensures the effectiveness Lean sigma Green Belt and Black Belt program
M) Maintain highest safety in all areas.
N) Optimization of overall product flow and Layouts
O) Perform other duties as assigned
Candidate skills & requirements
Qualification Requirements:
Education & Qualification:
Bachelor's degree in engineering or business administration; OR an Associate's plus 3 years relevant work experience; OR 6 years directly related work experience required. MBA degree preferred.
Work Experience - Technical knowledge:
10+ years' experience and/or training in a Lean Sigma manufacturing environment required.
Practical application of Lean Sigma tools and techniques.
Master Black Belt certification required.
If MBB external certified must pursue Safran certification
Must pursue One Safran referent accreditation
Professional Skills:
Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of all Continuous Improvement including Lean Sigma activities in these areas.
Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and procedures and applicable laws.
Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
Must have proven expertise in teaching and implementing Continuous improvement methodologies including Lean Sigma principles and tools.
Proficiency in Change Management methodologies in order to overcome people resistance to change
Require complete knowledge of all phases of manufacturing preferably in an aerospace industry.
Require knowledge of production control methods
Thorough understanding of Lean Sigma manufacturing techniques/cells concept. Must have the ability to generate written communication and to operate required office equipment.
Ability to read and review written communication.
Speech and hearing abilities that allow individual to communicate clearly and distinctly in English.
Behavioral Skills:
Must be an effective communicator, motivator and a leader.
Must be able to train managers/cell leaders to be effective leaders by using Lean Sigma concepts.
Purpose driven thinking. Operates as a business owner, not a player.
Desirable Aspects:
Multilingual (English plus French and/or Spanish).
Experience in the implementation of APQP, D&PFMEA and Control Plans
Annual salary
Based on Market Rate
Job location
Job location
North America, United States, Texas
City (-ies)
Gainesville
Applicant criteria
Minimum education level achieved
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum experience level required
More than 8 years
Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 92,000 employees and sales of 23.2 billion euros in 2023, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets. Safran undertakes research and development programs to maintain the environmental priorities of its R&T and innovation roadmap.
Safran is in the 1st place in the aerospace and defense industry in TIME magazine's "World's best companies 2023" ranking.
With over one million seats equipping the fleets of the major airlines, Safran Seats is one of the world's leading suppliers of seating for passengers, crews and helicopters thanks to innovative and high added-value solutions.
Reference number
2024-148315
Job details
Domain
Performance and Support
Job field / Job profile
Continuous improvement - Performance improvment management
Job title
Director of Continuous Improvement
Employment type
Permanent
Professional category
Professional, Engineer & Manager
Part time / Full time
Full-time
Job description
POWERED BY TEAMWORK. Are you ready to be part of a team that drives big ideas and even bigger wins? At Safran, we believe in the power of both collaboration and individual contributions. We understand that it takes diverse perspectives, problem-solving skills, dependability, and trust to push each other forward and achieve great success. For us, working here is more than just a job; it's a passion. There's the unique opportunity to lead the way in aerospace and defense and contribute to creating a safer and more sustainable world.
Objective:
Under limited supervision, this position directs continuous and breakthrough improvement activities in all areas of the business unit, including production, logistics, engineering, program management, and office environments such as HR, Finance, IT and Sales/Marketing. Works under general supervision of Seats USA CEO, collaborates with members of Seats USA Leadership team and with Seats Safran + Director and group Safran + organizations
Authorities:
This position has the authority withing a CI project or inititive to implement process flows and layout changes, visual management standards and Lean Sigma practices and routines upon validation of improvement projects sponsor and/or improvement project steering committee. Position has the authority to grant Safran Leand Sigma Certification to Green and Black Belt candidates.
Main Function Responsibilities:
A) Support Strategy deployment trhu Balance Score Card initiatives flow down and Performace reviews
B) Along with SSUSA leadership, drive Continuous Improvement including Lean Sigma ownership throughout the organization through metrics, training and Balance Score Card flow down
C) In conjunction with SSUSA senior management team and SAFRAN Seats SAFRAN+ Director, coordinates and defines the vision and strategy of continuous improvement as well as progress plans and financial goals for project savings in EBIT and Working Capital for SSUSA
D) Coordinates, collects, organizes and distributes financial and project information to SSUSA senior management and corporate with the support of the Continuous Improvement Managers
E) Reports progress of the Continuous improvement strategy to SAFRAN Seats top management at least quarterly.
F) Ensures benchmarking and best practice sharing with other SAFRAN sites
Travel specifictity
International and/or Domestic travel required; Up to 20%
Additional description
G) Support Lean Sigma team on the Lean Sigma training activities including the development of the training materials and facilitation of workshops and classes
H) Represents SSUSA in the SAFRAN Lean Sigma network
I) Organizes and coordinates external consulting support
J) Supports the deployment of One SAFRAN Operation excellence in SSUSA
K) Ensures the training, development and mentoring of the Lean Sigma team
L) Ensures the effectiveness Lean sigma Green Belt and Black Belt program
M) Maintain highest safety in all areas.
N) Optimization of overall product flow and Layouts
O) Perform other duties as assigned
Candidate skills & requirements
Qualification Requirements:
Education & Qualification:
Bachelor's degree in engineering or business administration; OR an Associate's plus 3 years relevant work experience; OR 6 years directly related work experience required. MBA degree preferred.
Work Experience - Technical knowledge:
10+ years' experience and/or training in a Lean Sigma manufacturing environment required.
Practical application of Lean Sigma tools and techniques.
Master Black Belt certification required.
If MBB external certified must pursue Safran certification
Must pursue One Safran referent accreditation
Professional Skills:
Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of all Continuous Improvement including Lean Sigma activities in these areas.
Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and procedures and applicable laws.
Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
Must have proven expertise in teaching and implementing Continuous improvement methodologies including Lean Sigma principles and tools.
Proficiency in Change Management methodologies in order to overcome people resistance to change
Require complete knowledge of all phases of manufacturing preferably in an aerospace industry.
Require knowledge of production control methods
Thorough understanding of Lean Sigma manufacturing techniques/cells concept. Must have the ability to generate written communication and to operate required office equipment.
Ability to read and review written communication.
Speech and hearing abilities that allow individual to communicate clearly and distinctly in English.
Behavioral Skills:
Must be an effective communicator, motivator and a leader.
Must be able to train managers/cell leaders to be effective leaders by using Lean Sigma concepts.
Purpose driven thinking. Operates as a business owner, not a player.
Desirable Aspects:
Multilingual (English plus French and/or Spanish).
Experience in the implementation of APQP, D&PFMEA and Control Plans
Annual salary
Based on Market Rate
Job location
Job location
North America, United States, Texas
City (-ies)
Gainesville
Applicant criteria
Minimum education level achieved
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum experience level required
More than 8 years