Continuous Improvement Manager

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Continuous Improvement Leader to join Cherry Aerospace. This role is critical in driving operational excellence and fostering a culture of continuous improvement across all levels of the organization. The ideal candidate will be a hands-on leader who can partner with senior leadership to develop and execute a long-term improvement roadmap that aligns with business goals.

Role Type

This is not solely an individual contributor role. The Continuous Improvement Leader will work closely with senior facility leadership to shape strategy and drive execution. A key responsibility of this role is to develop and maintain a comprehensive Continuous Improvement Roadmap—detailing the types of improvement events, their timing, sequencing, and targeted operational areas. The role requires a balance of strategic planning and hands-on facilitation, with the ability to influence and align cross-functional teams toward long-term operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate directly with senior leadership to define and prioritize improvement initiatives.
• Develop a strategic Continuous Improvement Roadmap that outlines:
• Types of improvement events (e.g., Kaizen, 5S, Value Stream Mapping)
• Timing and sequencing of initiatives
• Targeted departments or operational areas
• Establish and implement a Continuous Improvement (CI) Program tailored to Cherry Aerospace’s high-volume aerospace fastener production environment.
• Conduct time studies and bottleneck analysis to identify inefficiencies; implement standardized work and line balancing, resulting in measurable improvements such as:
• Reduction in cycle time
• Increased throughput without additional labor
• Lead structured root cause analysis using 5 Whys and Fishbone diagrams to address recurring quality issues.
• Introduce in-process inspection checkpoints and operator training, significantly reducing scrap rates.
• Apply SMED (Single-Minute Exchange of Dies) principles to reduce tooling changeover time on machines.
• Reorganize tooling layout, pre-stage materials, and implement quick-release fixtures, cutting changeover time and increasing machine availability.
• Facilitate cross-functional improvement events and workshops.
• Coach and mentor employees at all levels on Lean principles and problem-solving methodologies.
• Track and report on the progress and impact of improvement initiatives.
• Promote a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous learning.
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or related field (Master’s preferred)
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing or operations, with a focus on Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt preferred)
• Proven experience leading cross-functional improvement initiatives
• Strong analytical, facilitation, and communication skills
• Ability to influence at all levels of the organization
  
  

Preferred Attributes

• Experience in aerospace or high-precision manufacturing environments
• Familiarity with Howmet Aerospace systems and processes
• Change management expertise