Lean Improver Expert

About the role

The Lean Improver Expert contributes directly to the Airbus Industrial strategy by defining and deploying ways of working within operational teams with direct contact with key stakeholders. With a deep knowledge of lean principles and a proven shop-floor experience in Manufacturing, you will address systemic operational performance issues with piloted, standardized & sustainable solutions through the Airbus Operating System.

Responsibilities

• Contribute directly to the Airbus industrial strategy by defining and deploying ways of working within operational teams and influencing plant management teams (CDT, plant managers, HO functions)
• Improve business efficiency and results achievement by advising plant stakeholders at manager and senior manager level on business priorities and how to make the most of the standards, methods and associated behaviors
• Deploy business improvement / transformation road maps, the jobholder will identify which Lean/AOS standards best match the manufacturing areas needs OR trigger new Lean/AOS standards definition
• Pilot the lean/AOS standards first implementations in the plant/FAL following the AOS deployment strategy with a "we do, you do" logic
• Set up and support governance and steering at all levels (with Senior Leadership Teams), securing a deployment roadmap (architecture, ensure roadmap content) and a consolidated AOS architecture strategy
• Facilitate workshops on dedicated topics in complex situations or for training purposes (vision, Hoshin Kanri, macro VSM, business VSM, kaizen, etc.)
• Run and facilitate specific Gembas and shop floor exercises coaching senior management
• Support development of Lean/AOS standards to answer the business issues & priorities
• Design and provide on-the-job coaching of the AOS deployment architecture strategy with operational and local teams
• Provide knowledge transfer in dedicated manufacturing areas/populations to local plant/FAL teams (from business managers to change agents)
• Coaching, Influencing and Training: 30% Coaching and training of managers, technicians and operators

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing or Industrial Engineering or equivalent work experience
• 8+ years in lean/continuous improvement projects demonstrating tangible & sustainable results
• Solid knowledge and understanding of manufacturing processes, production management and industrialization principles
• Experienced in project management, including multi-functional teams and financial aspects
• Operational experience in the implementation and optimization of industrial systems (conception phase, implementation, management of production processes)
• Good communication skills, active listening and a proactive approach to problem solving & decision making
• Proven coaching / training competencies, Leadership, Assertiveness to influence and challenge the status quo
• Ability and experience to train managers, technicians and operators
• Deep knowledge and experience of AOS / lean manufacturing and lean management / problem solving
• Good knowledge and experience in industrial engineering, quality tools, problem solving, logistics engineering and process optimization (APICS basic level, lean/Six Sigma Black Belt, Kepner Tregoe or equivalent)
• Experience in leading lean manufacturing workshops such as kaizen, VSM, SMED, 5S, etc.
• Experience in operations management within a best-in-class lean environment
• Coaching skills and experience with communication competences
• Ability to inspire and give meaning
• Aeronautical manufacturing basics
• Capability to design strategies for change management, coaching, mentoring and training

Qualifications

• Fluency in local language mandatory / English negotiation level
• Preferred: APICS basic level, Six Sigma/Lean Black Belt, Kepthero or equivalent

Skills

• Knowledge of lean principles and shop-floor experience in Manufacturing
• Project management experience
• Operational experience in industrial systems
• Communication and problem-solving skills
• Training and coaching abilities
• Leadership and assertiveness
• Knowledge of AOS/lean manufacturing and lean management
• Experience in leading lean manufacturing workshops
• Operations management experience
• Change management and coaching skills
• Knowledge of Aeronautical manufacturing basics

Benefits

• Competitive base salary
• Incentive compensation which may include profit sharing schemes
• Roth 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”)
• Paid time off including personal time, holidays and a generous paid parental leave program
• Comprehensive insurance coverage including medical (traditional and high-deductible health plans), prescription, dental, vision, life, disability, Employee Assistance Plan (“EAP”) and other supplemental benefit coverages
• Upskilling and development opportunities through our global Leadership University
• Individual Development: Upskilling and development opportunities through our global Leadership University, including unlimited access to 10,000+ e-learning courses focusing on ways to develop your employability, certifications, career path as well as the opportunity to participate in accelerated development programmes and both national and international mobility

Pay

Competitive base salary and incentive compensation which may include profit sharing schemes.

Schedule

On-site employment at Airbus Americas, Inc. in Mobile, AL.

Benefits

• Comprehensive insurance coverage including medical (traditional and high-deductible health plans), prescription, dental, vision, life, disability, Employee Assistance Plan (“EAP”) and other supplemental benefit coverages
• Paid time off including personal time, holidays and a generous paid parental leave program
• Upskilling and development opportunities through our global Leadership University
• Individual Development: Upskilling and development opportunities through our global Leadership University, including unlimited access to 10,000+ e-learning courses focusing on ways to develop your employability, certifications, career path as well as the opportunity to participate in accelerated development programmes and both national and international mobility

Company

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Airbus provides reasonable accommodations as needed to applicants with disabilities. Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief. Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all.