Business Improvement Lead

Airbus; Waterloo (IA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Airbus is seeking a Business Improvement Lead to join NAVBLUE’s Operational Excellence department in Waterloo, Iowa. This role involves leading cross-functional problem-solving initiatives, developing improvement plans, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization. The ideal candidate should have strong analytical and communication skills, with a relevant degree or qualification.

Qualifications

• Experience facilitating problem solving or process improvement sessions is required.
• Knowledge of change management and project management principles is a plus.
• Fluency in English (written, visual & verbal) is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead structured problem solving workshops across the organization.
• Develop actionable, data-driven improvement plans with clear metrics.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of initiatives to ensure measurable outcomes.

Skills

Problem Solving

Analytical Thinking

Communication

Facilitation

Education

Vocational qualification, diploma or degree in relevant subject(s)

Job description

Business Improvement Lead page is loaded

Business Improvement Lead

Apply locations Waterloo time type Full time posted on Posted 7 Days Ago job requisition id JR10336865

Job Description:

Job Summary:

NAVBLUE, an Airbus Company, is currently seeking a Business Improvement Lead to join our team. The Lead is part of the small and dynamic Business Improvement team, itself part of NAVBLUE's Operational Excellence (OpEx) department.

The role involves responsibilities both within the team and transversely with business owners. We are seeking a proactive and results driven individual to lead cross-functional problem solving sessions across the organisation. The role is instrumental in identifying, analysing, and addressing operational challenges and inefficiencies, and converting these findings into structured, measurable improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate will be a skilled communicator, a natural facilitator, and a champion of change.

Key Responsibilities:

• Facilitate structured problem solving workshops (e.g., 5Whys, Ishikawa diagram) across all levels of the organisation

• Collaborate with stakeholders to identify and define business problems, root causes, and improvement opportunities

• Translate workshop outcomes into actionable, data-driven improvement plans with clear metrics, timelines, and accountability

• Partner with teams to implement, monitor, and sustain process improvement

• Develop and maintain documentation related to continuous improvement initiatives, including progress tracking and reporting

• Promote culture of continuous improvement by coaching and training teams on Lean, DMAIC and other relevant methodologies

• Monitor and evaluate the impact of initiatives, ensuring measurable business outcomes

• Work closely with the Business Improvement Team Lead to align on improvement initiatives with strategic goals and KPIs

Required Technical Skills/Experience:

• Proven experience facilitating problem solving or process improvement sessions

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills

• Excellent facilitation, interpersonal, and communication skills

• Ability to engage cross-functional teams to drive consensus and results

• Experience with change management and project management principles is a plus

• Excellent English language skills (written, visual & verbal)

Successful Profile:

• Strong influencer and collaborator

• Structured yet flexible approach to problem solving

• Data-driven mindset

• Able to operate independently and lead through ambiguity

• Committed to continuous learning and business transformation

Qualifications:

• Vocational qualification, diploma or degree in relevant subject(s)

• Management Engineering is a plus

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

Company:

NAVBLUE, Inc.

Employment Type:

Permanent

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Experience Level:

Professional

Job Family:

Improvement & Performance Management

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Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.

Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to [e-mail] .

At Airbus, we support you to work, connect and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we foster flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking.

About Us

Airbus pioneers sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. The Company constantly innovates to provide efficient and technologically-advanced solutions in aerospace, defence, and connected services. In commercial aircraft, Airbus offers modern and fuel-efficient airliners and associated services. Airbus is also a European leader in defence and security and one of the world's leading space businesses. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions and services worldwide.

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