Emerge is currently recruiting qualified candidates for a Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence Manager position in Hampton, VA for our client, a growing manufacturer of quality industrial and aerospace components. The Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence Manager is responsible for driving the plant's implementation and sustained use of Lean principles, enhancing operational efficiency and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence Manager aligns improvement initiatives with business objectives, ensuring measurable impact on productivity, capacity and overall plant performance.
Our client offers a salary of $160,000 to $180,000 plus 15% bonus plan, excellent benefits that start on day one, growth opportunities within the global company, and a relocation package if needed.
Responsibilities for the Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence Manager job in Hampton, VA include:
- Establish and champion the Howmet Business System (HBS) framework across all operational levels, utilizing Lean Execution Systems Assessments and comprehensive gap analysis to guide improvement roadmaps.
- Implement continuous improvement strategies leveraging VSM, Kaizen events, 5S methodologies, Standard Work protocols, SMED principles, TPM programs, and structured Root Cause Problem Solving techniques.
- Orchestrate and guide improvement workshops, Kaizen events, and rapid improvement initiatives while maintaining accountability for sustained performance gains.
- Build a culture of knowledge transfer across multiple facility locations through formalized best practice documentation and digital knowledge management platforms.
- Spearhead overall equipment effectiveness improvements by conducting comprehensive equipment performance analysis and cascading effective strategies throughout the organization.
- Evaluate financial performance indicators to uncover efficiency gains and cost optimization opportunities, supporting strategic capital investment and production floor advancement initiatives.
- Mentor operational leaders and cross functional teams in advanced CI methodologies, project execution disciplines, systematic problem resolution, and metrics-based performance tracking.
- Track and communicate progress against established KPIs, measuring the effectiveness and business impact of all improvement activities.
- Direct organizational change initiatives to guarantee effective implementation and long term viability of operational improvements.
- Recruit, develop, and lead Maintenance and Facilities Engineering personnel while fostering accountability, skill development, and team engagement.
- Enhance equipment performance by targeting cycle time optimization, unplanned downtime reduction, and equipment uptime maximization using advanced reliability and Lean practices.
- Direct maintenance expenditure planning, capital allocation decisions, facility improvement requests, and major infrastructure investments.
- Champion enterprise-wide performance enhancements spanning safety outcomes, delivery reliability, manufacturing speed, waste minimization, and smart automation adoption.
- Oversee corrective action management, preventive maintenance programs, spare parts inventory control, and technical issue resolution.
- Serve as organizational ambassador for continuous improvement externally and contribute to multi-site improvement networks, capability building, and knowledge dissemination.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution. Master's degree in engineering or supply chain from an accredited institution being preferred.
- Minimum 7 years of experience in manufacturing environments in areas such as: Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, or Operational Excellence
- Minimum of 3 years in leadership roles in Operations or Continuous Improvement
- Previous experience working with automation projects highly desirable
- Project Management certification a plus
- Demonstrated experience in manufacturing improvement techniques, including hoshin, flow principles, Jidoka, Kanban, 5S, and "plan for every part" (PFEP).
- Strong skills in value stream mapping and associated improvement methodologies.
- Experience evaluating TAKT time vs. cycle time, determining work area constraints (i.e. cycle time constraint, periodic work constraints, downtime constraints).
- Experience on the shop floor, working with employees, and enhancing manufacturing processes.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills require the ability to resolve conflicting interests and obtain cooperation.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills: able to develop and use structured approaches to identify root causes and recommend resolutions.
- Demonstrated experience in project leadership and project management skills, with ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously to meet objectives and key deadlines.
- This position is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) which requires U.S. person status. ITAR defines U.S. person as an U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee. Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
If you are qualified for this position, please click "apply now”. Thank you in advance for applying, however, only qualified candidates will be contacted.
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