Continuous Improvement Leader

### Responsibilities **JOB SUMMARY:** The Continuous Improvement Leader position is located at the Howmet Wichita Falls facility and working in a close cross-functional team environment. The Continuous Improvement Leader will lead the organization’s continuous improvement initiative to increase efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction. Drive data-driven decision making, foster a culture of innovation and align improvement projects with business strategy. **Job Roles** - **Systems thinker**--sees the business and its operation holistically; understands actions and reactions; considers multiple pathways of potential effect before decisions; thinks strategically about interventions with an eye toward scale - **Optimizer**--constantly challenging the organization to work smarter; supports others to ensure they have what they need to do their work successfully - **Anticipation**--looks ahead to minimize potential issues and maximize advantages; prepares others for what comes next - **Operational accelerator**--drives continuous improvement; understands ramifications of automation and other advances; advocates for safety, ergonomics and scalable solutions - **Organization and structure**--works within existing structures while striving to improve and standardize them; provides accurate information; galvanizes others toward common goals - **Influence**--leverages knowledge, relationship, data and perspective to persuade, educate and navigate; gains buy in and adoption of ideas and practices at scale; interacts with a variety of stakeholders - **Data informed**--focused on things that drive quantifiable business outcomes; evaluates based on quantitative feedback; knows and explains the “why” behind actions - **Prioritized reaction**--handles the unexpected without losing sight of important objectives; reacts where greatest leverage points exist - **Relationship**--connects individually and with teams across shifts and practices; builds rapport and commonality; creates a “win together” ethic; serves as liaison between shop floor and engineering; keeps the pulse of the floor; helps people feel heard - Develop and execute the continuous improvement strategy aligned with corporate goals - Champion Lean Six Sigma, and other improvement methodologies across functions - Mentor and coach managers and employees in improvement practices - Prioritize and manage a portfolio of improvement projects - Define project scope, objectives, KPIs, and success metrics - Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and achieve expected benefits - Collect and interpret operational data to identify improvement opportunities - Use statistical tools (DMAIC, control charts, root-cause analysis) to diagnose problems - Report findings and recommendations to senior leadership - Map and redesign processes to eliminate waste, reduce cycle time and improve quality - Implement process controls and standard operating procedures - Collaborate with IT to integrate improvement tools (e.g., Minitab, Minit, Tableau) - Design and execute change-management plans to ensure adoption of new processes - Communicate benefits, timelines and expectations to stakeholders - Monitor adoption and reinforce sustainable practices - Build a continuous improvement culture through training, workshops, and recognition programs **JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:** - Develop and execute the continuous improvement strategy aligned with corporate goals - Champion Lean Six Sigma, and other improvement methodologies across functions - Mentor and coach managers and employees in improvement practices - Prioritize and manage a portfolio of improvement projects - Define project scope, objectives, KPIs, and success metrics - Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and achieve expected benefits - Collect and interpret operational data to identify improvement opportunities - Use statistical tools (DMAIC, control charts, root-cause analysis) to diagnose problems - Report findings and reco…