Continuous Improvement Director

Chromalloy is a global engineering & solutions company that develops, manufactures and repairs critical turbine components for aerospace, energy and defense industries.

We are seeking a senior strategic leader responsible for developing and propagating a deep culture of continuous improvement and Lean across a diverse production, repair, logistics and business operations in the aerospace industry.

Ideal candidate will be experienced in operationalizing executive strategy to transform shop‑floor execution, back‑office processes and drive measurable step‑level improvement in safety, quality, delivery, and cost. This role reports directly to the VP Operations and Transformation and is onsite at one of the following U.S. sites: Tampa, FL; Windsor, CT; Orangeburg, NY; Newnan, GA; San Antonio, TX; Phoenix, AZ; San Diego, CA; Carson City, NV.

Responsibilities

• Strategy & Roadmap Development: Evaluate, refine and deploy an enterprise‑wide Lean operating system that aligns with long‑term business goals. Experience with leading Goal Deployment Process/Hoshin Kanri is preferred.
• Change Management & Culture: Act as a primary change agent, coaching executive leadership and site managers to adopt Lean behaviors, discipline, and data‑driven decision‑making. Deep experience in practicing and teaching problem solving techniques is preferred.
• Operational Excellence: Lead high‑impact Kaizen events, Value Stream Analysis, 3P and root cause assessments to eliminate waste and optimize factory throughput. Experience with planning and facilitating large‑scale and multiple Shingajutsu events in parallel is preferred.
• KPI & Governance: Standardize, operationalize and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as OEE, lead‑time reduction, and first‑pass yield.
• Building CI Talent: Establish internal Lean training programs and develop selected team members to create a self‑sustaining network of Lean trainers and practitioners.
• Experienced Leader: Lead, mentor and empower a team of diverse Lean resources to develop and drive lean roadmaps for each site and selected functions, with the goal of achieving and exceeding strategic objectives.
• Advise and Communicate: Serve as an advisor to senior management, develop, coordinate, and execute communication plans for all stakeholders including progress updates, lessons learned and best practices, providing overall transparency on site‑level and functional CI efforts.

Key Requirements

• Regulatory Compliance: Develop ecosystems to design and sustain all process improvements to comply with stringent industry standards such as AS9100, FAA, and EASA.
• High‑Complexity Manufacturing Experience: Managing Lean in low‑volume, high‑complexity environments (e.g., component repair, single‑crystal castings, specialized coatings, engine assembly and test).
• Propagate Safety & Quality Mindset: Ensure Lean initiatives prioritize safety and zero‑defect quality standards critical to flight safety.
• Travel: Able to travel up to 50% of time (some instances may require 75%).

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience: 10+ years in manufacturing/operations, project/program management with at least 5 years in a dedicated Lean leadership role.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field; MBA preferred.
• Certifications: Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt required; PMP preferred.
• Soft Skills: Strong influence without direct authority, resilience in the face of resistance, and humble/transparent leadership traits.

Benefits

• Comprehensive and flexible benefit options starting on day one, including medical, dental, vision, EAP, wellness incentives, and 401(k) with employer matching.
• Development & progression opportunities for every employee – regular performance conversations, training, and a curriculum.
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, and parental leave—all eligible on your first day of employment.
• Competitive pay, including eligibility for quarterly and annual bonuses, depending on role and site.

Due to government regulation, only U.S. persons (U.S. citizen, naturalized citizen, permanent resident, or holder of approved political asylum or refugee status) may be considered for this role. Chromalloy participates in E‑Verify and may provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm authorization to work in the U.S.

Chromalloy is an equal opportunity employer – veterans/disabled.

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