Continuous Improvement Leader

Cessna Aircraft Company; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K company match

Education assistance

Flight training bonus

Fertility and adoption assistance

Free financial consultations

Wellness & Pharmacy access

Job summary

A leading aviation company in Wichita is seeking a Continuous Improvement Leader to drive lean activities and foster a Continuous Improvement culture. This role involves project management, developing training programs, and supporting process simplification to enhance operations. Candidates should have a relevant bachelor’s degree and skills in problem-solving, analytical thinking, and collaboration. A competitive rewards package is offered, including 401K matching and education assistance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering preferred.
• Relevant experience in Manufacturing or Engineering is helpful.
• Experience in reading and interpreting blueprints and technical specifications is beneficial.
• Experience reading blueprints, work instructions, and technical specifications is helpful.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, organization, and project management skills are needed.
• Strong interpersonal, collaboration, and communication skills are helpful.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with leaders to drive Lean activities and manage organizational change.
• Promote a Lean culture and provide training on methodologies.
• Establish quantifiable Lean goals linking projects to strategic objectives.
• Lean Culture: Promote a culture based on lean principles, standardization, and visual management.
• Training & Development: Provide Lean training and act as change agent to remove barriers to improvement.
• Data-Driven Approach: Establish and achieve quantifiable Lean goals using metrics linked to strategic objectives.

Skills

Problem-solving

Analytical thinking

Organization

Project management

Collaboration

Communication skills

Problem Solving

Project Management

Interpersonal

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, Technology or related fields

Science

Technology

Other related fields

Tools

Lean methodology certifications

Job description

Job Description – Continuous Improvement Leader (329378)

Job Number: 329378

Textron Aviation has been inspiring the journey of flight for nine decades through the iconic and beloved Cessna and Beechcraft brands. We are passionate advocates of aviation, empowering people with the freedom of flight. As you join our legacy as a global leader in private aviation, you’ll have opportunities to try new fields, expand your skills and knowledge, stretch your abilities, and build your career.

What you will be doing as a Continuous Improvement Leader:

In this role, you can expect to collaborate with leaders to drive Lean activities, which focus on maximizing value by minimizing waste, while also developing a Continuous Improvement culture. You will assess, prioritize, and execute lean management projects that support our business goals. Your work will involve both hands‑on project management and strategic coaching, playing a crucial role in impacting our organization’s success.

Your responsibilities may include (but are not limited to):

• Lean Manufacturing: Collaborate with leaders to eliminate waste, reduce costs, and improve productivity. Drive process improvements for both daily operations and future state visions.
• Process Simplification: Manage organizational change by simplifying processes and frameworks, aligning improvements with business objectives.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify and correct issues impacting safety, quality, volume, cost, and morale. Lead short and long‑term improvement strategies.
• Lean Culture: Promote a culture based on the Shingo model while supporting standardization, visual management, and Lean events.
• Training & Development: Provide training on Lean methodologies, problem‑solving, technical skills, and other technical trainings required for process excellence. Act as a change agent to remove barriers to continuous improvement.
• Data‑Driven Approach: Establish and achieve quantifiable Lean goals using metrics to link projects to strategic objectives. Ensure results are significant, measurable, and sustainable.

What you need to be successful:

• A bachelor’s degree in one of the fields is required:
  • Engineering (Mechanical or Industrial is preferred)
  • Science
  • Technology
  • Other related fields
• Certifications for Lean methodology and/or technical training is helpful.
• Relevant experience in Manufacturing or Engineering is helpful.
• Experience reading and interpreting blueprints, work instructions, and technical specifications is helpful.
• Ability to practice problem‑solving, analytical thinking, organization, project management, and be action‑oriented is needed.
• Strong interpersonal, collaboration, and communication skills are helpful.

We provide a competitive and extensive total rewards package that includes pay and innovative benefits to help you and your family members – now and in the future, beginning day one.

• 401K company match + additional annual contribution equal to 4% of eligible compensation.
• Education assistance for undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, compensated at the start of the semester.
• Flight training bonus program for earning pilot certifications.
• Fertility and adoption assistance, along with discounted childcare and planning.
• Free financial consultations and guidance.
• Access to the Textron Aviation Plane Wellness and Pharmacy.

Join Textron Aviation’s Kansas team and you may be eligible for a $5,000 state of Kansas Aviation tax credit for up to five years. Visit https://www.aircapitaloftheworld.com/taxcredits for more information on the tax credit.

We’re Here to Support You:

We understand the hiring process can be overwhelming which is why our team is committed to assisting you at each stage. If you have questions, visit the Career & Learning Center located in Wichita, Kansas, where you’ll find answers and additional resources as you explore your career opportunities with us.

EEO Statement

Textron is committed to providing Equal Opportunity in Employment, to all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, military status, veteran status, disability, sex (including pregnancy and sexual orientation), genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.