Manager for Continuous Improvement

Eaton’s AER Aerospace Group is a leader in manufacturing aerospace components and systems, delivering innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of the aviation industry. We drive continuous improvement to enhance performance, quality, and efficiency across our operations.

About the role

The primary function of this position is to coordinate, assist, and drive the implementation of the Aerospace Group Continuous Improvement (CI) Strategy. This role involves working with Operations Directors, Plant Managers, and site Continuous Improvement Managers to implement the CI strategy through strategic Value Stream Maps (VSMs). The goal is to drive CI cultural change, Lean Tool Certification programs, and develop CI plans to advance and sustain Customer Scorecards and High 5 performance.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and establish EBS Pull priorities and annual CI Plans for each plant with the involvement of the division OPS Director, plant leadership team, and site CI leader. The plan should support EBS Pull flow down, Sector & Aerospace CI Strategy, and High 5 improvement.
• Coordinate and execute VSMs between the plants to identify the best strategies to reduce non-value-added activities. Ensure annual self-assessments are completed at each plant, including but not limited to ELSS, OpA, and formal assessments when required. These assessments must identify gaps driving maturity levels, annual action plans to improve, and include a process to monitor progress.
• Monitor performance and CI plans for each plant, participate in regular reviews, and recommend opportunities for improvement as necessary.
• Mentor, coach, and challenge site leadership teams and CI leaders in the integration and use of ELSS methodology, including Continuous Improvement Framework (CIF), High Performance Work Teams (HPWT), ELSS Tools, Rapid Improvement Events/Kaizen, Lean Six Sigma Projects, and the Aerospace Lean Tool Certification Program.
• Lead process improvement teams, including Rapid Improvement Events (RIE)/Kaizen, and direct timely completion of projects that meet top Corporate, Industrial Sector, Aerospace Group, and/or Division priorities.
• Act as an instructor and mentor for various ELSS training programs, including EBS Pull, specific ELSS tools, Lean training and certification, Six Sigma Greenbelt training and certification, and CI for Front Line Leaders.
• Support Corporate, Industrial Sector, and Aerospace Group initiatives, including special projects or councils as needed.
• Establish VSM-based CI council to identify, share, and leverage best practices, build a network of subject matter experts using the Aerospace Lean Tool Certification program, and collaborate to solve common problems faced in the Supply Chain.
• Build organizational capability by hiring and developing CI leaders, participating in annual development plans, and providing input on organization capability/succession planning sessions.
• Support assigned plants to ensure all CI Projects are loaded in Eaton’s Cost Out Data Base (CODB) and run reports as needed to ensure sites meet their PP Factory Cost Out (FCO) Targets at 1.5x.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by the Aerospace Group, Director of Continuous Improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in engineering, science, math, or a technical field.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in Continuous Improvement in high mix, low volume environments, with a track record of success in various Operations assignments.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship now or in the future.
• This position requires access to export-controlled information. To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. person, defined as a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), refugee under 8 U.S.C.1157, or asylee under 8 U.S.C.1158.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior work experience in different functions to ensure a holistic view of value streams and downstream impacts of functional decisions.
• Demonstrated knowledge of continuous improvement methods, system thinking, daily manufacturing management, strategic management, and project management.
• Experience with Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing methodology and roadmaps. Lean certification and Six Sigma Greenbelt certification required; Blackbelt preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and planning skills with proven ability to lead change through direct and indirect influence.
• Working knowledge of the Eaton Business System (EBS).
• Demonstrated analytical skills, both qualitative and quantitative, with comfort in statistics and mathematical concepts. Proficient in software tools like PowerPoint, Excel, Minitab, Visio, and SharePoint.
• Ability to communicate effectively and comfortably across all levels of the organization, from senior leaders to the factory floor.

Pay

The expected annual salary range for this role is $146,000 - $215,000. This position is also eligible for a variable incentive program. Salaries are based on candidate skills, experience, qualifications, market, and business considerations.

Benefits

Eaton provides various Health and Welfare benefits as well as Retirement benefits, and several programs that provide for paid and unpaid time away from work. Specific programs and options available to an employee may depend on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements. Click here for more detail: Eaton Benefits Overview.