Senior Continuous Improvement (Lean) Facilitator, who under the general direction of the Continuous Improvement Manager, serves as an internal consultant, Lean subject matter expert, and strategic resource across the organization. This role partners with leaders and cross-functional teams to identify, prioritize, and implement continuous improvement initiatives that address key business needs.
The Senior CI Facilitator leads kaizen events and improvement projects, coaches employees and leaders on Lean principles and tools, and helps ensure improvements are sustained through effective daily management, standard work, and control plans.
Responsibilities- Lead and facilitate cross-functional kaizen events and continuous improvement projects from planning through implementation and sustainment.
- Partner with managers and process owners to identify improvement opportunities related to safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, and operational efficiency.
- Conduct value stream mapping and process analysis to identify waste, bottlenecks, and opportunities for improvement.
- Apply Lean problem-solving methodologies including A3, PDCA, root cause analysis, 5S/6S, standard work, flow, pull systems, Kanban, and takt time.
- Develop project plans, establish timelines and action items, track risks and issues, and maintain project and workshop documentation.
- Train, coach, and mentor employees and leaders on Lean principles, tools, and methodologies.
- Develop and improve Lean training materials and support the development of future Lean champions throughout the organization.
- Partner with process owners to develop and implement control plans that sustain improvements and prevent regression.
- Establish and support Leader Standard Work (LSW), visual management, tiered huddles, audits, and other daily management practices.
- Monitor project results and ensure appropriate controls and metrics are in place to maintain improvements.
- Maintain and update policies and procedures related to Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence.
- Lead hands-on, shop-floor activities during kaizen events, workshops, and process-improvement initiatives.
- Communicate project status, results, and recommendations to stakeholders and leadership.
- Represent the company as a Lean practitioner during customer, supplier, and visitor engagements, including presentations and on-site events.
- Champion 5S/6S, workplace organization, safety, and environmental compliance.
- Collaborate across departments to evaluate and prioritize potential Lean initiatives and provide support as business needs arise.
- Perform other duties and participate in additional training or cross-functional activities as assigned.
QualificationsEducation- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Experience- 5-8 years of experience in a manufacturing environment driving Lean and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
- Demonstrated experience leading and facilitating kaizen events and CI projects with measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and/or productivity.
- Experience training, coaching, and influencing cross-functional teams and leaders.
- Aerospace manufacturing experience preferred.
Technical Skills- Strong working knowledge of Lean tools and methodologies, including:
- Value Stream Mapping (VSM)
- A3 and PDCA
- Kaizen
- 5S/6S
- Standard Work
- Kanban
- Flow and pull systems
- Takt time
- Knowledge of quality and statistical tools, including SPC, Pareto analysis, cause-and-effect analysis, and root cause analysis.
- Strong project-management skills, including planning, action-item management, risk/issue tracking, documentation, and stakeholder communication.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical documentation with strong mechanical aptitude.
- Familiarity with statistical analysis software such as Minitab or JMP is a plus.
- Experience with ERP/MES systems such as SAP or Oracle is a plus.
Preferred Certifications- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred.
Core Competencies- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent facilitation, coaching, presentation, and communication skills.
- Strong attention to detail, organization, and documentation.
- Ability to influence and drive change across teams without direct authority.
- Results-oriented with a strong bias for action and follow-through.
- Collaborative, adaptable, curious, and open-minded.
- Ability to balance strategic, big-picture thinking with hands-on execution.
- Strong commitment to safety, quality, customer service, and continuous improvement.
Physical Requirements- Ability to occasionally move materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
- Frequent mental and visual attention required.
- Ability to participate in hands-on activities within a manufacturing environment.
Work Schedule & Travel- Standard business hours.
- Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support kaizen events or major implementations.
- Occasional travel to other company locations, customers, or suppliers may be required.
Benefits:
At Kamatics, we recognize how important your career and benefits are to you and your family. We offer a full suite of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability coverage, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, basic and supplemental life insurance, employee assistance plan, retirement savings and matching, and other developmental opportunities. We are committed to supporting the way you live and work.
(Actual placement within the salary range is dependent on multiple factors, including but not limited to skills, education, experience and location)
