Continuous Improvement Leader

Adient; Kennewick (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 112,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Comprehensive benefits

Paid time off & holidays

401(k) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Alleima Special Metals in Kennewick, WA seeks a Continuous Improvement Leader to drive operational excellence across our manufacturing operations. You will identify opportunities, prioritize projects, and lead cross-functional teams to reduce waste, improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance.

The role requires a strong background in Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and PDCA, with 5+ years of relevant experience and a Bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or related field.
• 5+ years of relevant manufacturing/continuous improvement experience.
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and PDCA methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate site-wide continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify inefficiencies and implement sustainable solutions.
• Partner with department leaders to prioritize opportunities aligned with goals.
• Analyze performance data and develop metrics to track outcomes.
• Coach and train employees on CI tools and methodologies.
• Standardize processes and ensure adherence to best practices.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective action processes.
• Monitor progress and report on key improvement initiatives.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Kaizen

PDCA

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Business/Operations Management

Tools

ERP/MES systems

Data analysis tools

Job description

Location

Kennewick, United States of America

Continuous Improvement Leader

Join our dynamic team at Alleima Special Metals, part of the global Alleima Group, where innovation meets precision manufacturing. Within our Specialized Business Unit, we produce high-performance titanium tube products for demanding industries such as Aerospace and Medical.

The Continuous Improvement Leader is responsible for driving operational excellence by leading and supporting continuous improvement initiatives across the organization. This role partners with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, EHS, and support functions to identify opportunities, eliminate waste, and improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance.

Your Role

As the Continuous Improvement Leader, you will be responsible for identifying, prioritizing, and driving operational improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Lead and facilitate continuous improvement initiatives throughout the site that will drive operational improvement.
• Identify process inefficiencies and implement sustainable solutions.
• Partner with department leaders to prioritize improvement opportunities aligned with business goals.
• Analyze performance data and develop metrics to track improvement outcomes.
• Coach and train employees at all levels on continuous improvement tools and methodologies.
• Standardize processes and ensure adherence to established best practices.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective action processes.
• Monitor and report progress on key improvement initiatives.
• Ensure operations are performed according to defined and documented processes.
• Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement across the site.

About You

You are an experienced continuous improvement professional with a strong background in manufacturing, operations, continuous improvement, or quality systems management. You bring strong analytical and problem-solving skills, a demonstrated ability to perform cost-benefit analyses when assessing improvement opportunities, and a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams and driving change.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or a related field and has 5+ years of relevant experience. You have demonstrated experience with Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and PDCA methodologies, along with excellent communication and facilitation skills. You are comfortable presenting to groups and training others.

Preferred qualifications include Six Sigma certification, Lean Manufacturing Certification (SME), Toyota Production System (TPS) training, or Lean Practitioner, Leader, or Expert certification. Experience with ERP/MES systems and data analysis tools is preferred, as is a background in metals, industrial manufacturing, and working in a unionized manufacturing environment.

This position is primarily on-site in a manufacturing environment and requires the ability to sit or stand at desks and tables, use computers, and move throughout the manufacturing floor. Regular interaction with production areas is required, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Due to applicable export control regulations, candidates must be authorized to work in the United States and qualify as a U.S. Person, which generally includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders), and certain other individuals authorized under U.S. export control laws to access ITAR-regulated information and facilities. Applicants must also be able to work for any employer in the United States without current or future sponsorship for employment visa status.

What you can expect from us

• The salary range for this position is $89, 520 - $111, 900 annually with a 10% annual bonus and annual merit eligibility.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision insurance as well as company paid disability and life insurance.
• We offer paid time off and 11 paid holidays a year.
• A 401 (K) retirement savings plan begins on day 31 and provides a 5% company contribution plus company match of 50% for the first 6% you contribute, all immediately vested.
• We offer a generous Tuition Reimbursement Program.
• Global career development and opportunities for professional development and training.

Additional Information

At Alleima Special Metals, our mission is much more than delivering high-quality products, technology, and processes. Working together to develop solutions based on our customers’ needs and thus achieving our business goals is a better way to describe our daily work. With curious employees and safety as our priority, we create a work environment where you can develop both personally and professionally.

With a clear direction for our journey ahead, utilizing our position as a technology leader, progressive customer partner, and sustainability driver, we aim to become an even stronger company in our industry.

Are you ready to take on this challenge together with us? Join us on our journey! www.alleima.com.