Head of Transformation AHNA

Airbus Helicopters, Inc. offers relocation assistance for qualified positions and a comprehensive compensation and benefits package.

About the Role

The Head of Transformation is responsible for supporting the development and execution of the company’s regional transformation roadmap. Working closely with the Senior Leadership team, they define transformation plans across Airbus Helicopters North America’s (AHNA) five core pillars: People, Industrial Ecosystem, Customer Centricity, Technology & Innovation, and Sustainability.

Responsibilities

• Transformation & Digitalization (50%)
  • Build an AHNA transformation plan aligned with executive leadership and the Mother Company, including a change management plan.
  • Act as a project manager for multiple, simultaneous, medium to large complex projects, ensuring successful planning, tracking, and execution.
  • Optimize business processes to achieve efficient results, establishing standard processes and best practices.
  • Drive the Site Development Planning (SDP) process across regional sites (Grand Prairie, Columbus, Fort Erie) and ensure execution.
  • Leverage data analytics, process automation, and End-to-End (E2E) performance management to eliminate bottlenecks and secure On-Time Delivery (OTD).
  • Develop and submit Business Case Analyses for proposed changes.
  • Define an effective data analytics strategy applicable across AHNA.
  • Develop, oversee, monitor, and implement the group’s digital strategy in line with organizational values and objectives.
  • Create and embed a prioritization approach for innovation, including processes, tools, and metrics to support business objectives.
• Business Improvement (30%)
  • Propose and implement performance improvement initiatives aligned with the strategic plan.
  • Identify and measure opportunities for competitiveness improvement.
  • Assess risks and management issues associated with change.
  • Prepare and launch projects, ensuring compliance with corporate strategic objectives.
  • Implement methods, tools, and mindsets to drive performance improvement.
  • Champion the adoption of digital dashboards for real-time visibility into key TCOs and TFOs.
  • Incorporate industry-standard methodologies, conduct benchmarking, and implement standards, measures, and metrics.
  • Drive organizational mindset shifts centered on accountability, continuous improvement (LEAN), and a customer-first digital approach.
• Coordination, Alignment, and Communication (20%)
  • Develop an integrated transformation network with liaison across business functions to support AHNA transformation.
  • Create and support an environment of digital innovation and best practices.
  • Lead key functional areas (IM, finance, etc.) to develop and implement supporting pillars for transformation projects.
  • Ensure awareness, collaboration, and work packages across a multi-national, multi-cultural, multi-site team.
  • Secure support and concurrence from key partners regarding AHNA strategy priorities.
  • Develop and implement the Airbus Americas Regional transformation plan, identifying alignments for each Airbus Division in North America.
• Additional Responsibilities
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Education
  • Required: Bachelor’s degree in management, project management, business improvement, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
  • Preferred: Master’s or higher degree in management, project management, business improvement, or a related field.
• Experience
  • Required: Minimum ten (10) years managing complex aerospace projects.
  • Preferred: Team leadership experience.
• Licensure/Certifications
  • Preferred: PMP certification.
• Travel
  • 10% domestic and international travel required.
• Citizenship
  • Authorized to work in the U.S.

Skills

• Knowledge & Capabilities
  • Required: Strong interpersonal and organizational skills; ability to maintain effective relationships and communication with internal and external customers.
  • Required: Excellent leadership and supervisory skills.
  • Required: Experience in project management and leading a matrix organization.
  • Preferred: Knowledge of the contemporary digital landscape and experience bringing leading technology and process optimization practices to drive sustainable improvements.
  • Preferred: Demonstrated accomplishment in handling complex programs or projects.
  • Preferred: Knowledge of helicopter production and the support supplier base.
• Communication Skills
  • Required: Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written English.
• Technical Systems Proficiency
  • Required: Google Suite.
  • Preferred: Project management software.

Organizational Information

• Reports to the AHNA Chief of Staff.
• Direct Reports: Yes (2-5 exempt reports).
• Manages budget/expenditures and evaluates resource use.
• Coordinates with a wide variety of partners (programs, business development, communications, contracts, etc.) and consultants.

Physical Requirements

• Work Environment
  • 90% onsite.
• Vision
  • Able to see and read computer screens, documents, reports, and engineering drawings.
• Hearing
  • Able to participate in conversations in person, via teleconference or phone, and hear production floor sounds, including safety warnings or alarms.
• Speaking
  • Able to speak in conversations, meetings, and deliver information.
• Equipment Operation
  • Able to operate personal computers, telephones, copiers, fax machines, and related office equipment.
• Physical Tasks
  • Carrying: Up to 10 lbs/5 kg (documents, tools, drawings, electronic equipment).
  • Lifting: Up to 10 lbs/5 kg.
  • Pushing/Pulling: Small office furniture and equipment/tools.
  • Sitting: Prolonged periods in meetings or working on a computer.
  • Squatting/Kneeling: To retrieve or replace items on low shelving.
  • Standing: For discussions in offices or on the production floor.
  • Walking: Through office and production areas, including uneven surfaces.
• Travel
  • Able to travel independently and at short notice (5%-10%).
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Steel-toed shoes required for shop floor visits; appropriate hearing/eye protection may also be required.