Continuous Improvement Program Manager

Textron; Wichita, Northern (KS, KY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Textron Aviation in Wichita seeks a Continuous Improvement Program Manager to lead standardized CI systems and drive measurable performance improvements across functions and sites.

You will develop and deliver Lean training, coach CI leaders, and embed continuous improvement into daily operations, enabling sustained gains and organizational learning. The role requires collaboration with diverse stakeholders and strong data-driven decision making.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Industrial preferred) or closely related field.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in manufacturing, engineering, or other relative field is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead deployment and sustainment of continuous improvement practices aligning with business goals.
• Develop and maintain standardized CI systems, tools, and methodologies across teams.
• Deliver CI and Lean Manufacturing training to build capability within the CI team and across functions.
• Lead CI communications to reinforce expectations and share improvements.
• Develop and lead CI strategies, projects, and programs embedding CI principles in daily operations.
• Work cross-functionally and tailor briefings to stakeholders at all levels.
• Ensure standard work, visual management, and disciplined process execution.
• Provide day-to-day coaching to CI leaders using Lean methods.
• Ensure sustainment of improvements through documentation, ownership, and accountability.
• Track, analyze, and report CI activities and results for leadership awareness.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Problem-solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Data analysis

Microsoft Office

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

2 years manufacturing/engineering experience

Job description

Continuous Improvement Program Manager

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

Description

JOB SUMMARY:

Leads continuous improvement programs by establishing and maintaining standardized systems, methods, and practices that enable consistent deployment of continuous improvement across functions, sites, and programs. Develops and delivers internal continuous improvement training, coaching, and learning pathways to build capability within the Continuous Improvement (CI) team and across organizational silos, reinforcing expected behaviors and ways of working. Drives and sustains organizational change by embedding continuous improvement principles into daily operations, decision-making, and problem-solving, while identifying, developing, and implementing new continuous improvement opportunities to achieve measurable performance improvement, accountability, and long-term operational excellence.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the deployment and sustainment of continuous improvement practices that drive organizational change and align with business goals and operational priorities.
• Develop and maintain standardized continuous improvement systems, tools, and methodologies to enable consistent application across teams, programs, and sites.
• Develop, schedule, and deliver Continuous Improvement and Lean Manufacturing training to build capability within the CI team and across functional organizations.
• Lead continuous improvement communications to reinforce expectations, promote engagement, and share improvement successes and learning across the organization.
• Develop and lead continuous improvement strategies, projects, and programs that embed continuous improvement principles into daily operations.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional environment while delivering clear, tailored briefings to stakeholders at all levels of the organization as required.
• Enable consistent use of standard work, visual management, and disciplined process execution to support reliable and sustainable improvements.
• Provide day-to-day guidance and coaching to continuous improvement leaders using structured Lean Manufacturing methods and problem-solving approaches.
• Ensure sustainment of completed improvements through effective documentation, ownership alignment, and reinforcement of accountability.
• Track, analyze, and report continuous improvement activities, adoption measures, and results to support leadership awareness and informed decision-making.

Qualifications

EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Industrial preferred), Sciences, Technology, or closely related field.

Minimum 2 years of experience in manufacturing, engineering, or other relative field is required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Independently identifies and leads significant impact projects and programs. Identifies areas of need, recommendations, and guides company process improvement strategies.
• Highly motivated to create positive organizational impact, with the ability to effectively balance and execute multiple priorities concurrently.
• Demonstrates strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving capabilities, leveraging both critical and creative thinking to drive effective solutions.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence without authority, secure buy‑in at all organizational levels, and effectively engage both technical and business‑focused stakeholders.
• Ability to translate complex concepts into well‑organized, concise, and effective curriculum and learning solutions.
• Ability to facilitate and coordinate projects end‑to‑end, including planning, scope definition, stakeholder alignment, and ongoing execution, while effectively tailoring communication and engagement strategies to the appropriate audiences.
• Demonstrates ability to collaborate across the organization with a global mindset to understand challenges and drive solutions across locations, functions, and all levels.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook), with the ability to leverage AI‑enabled tools to enhance data analysis, communication, and productivity.

Preferred Knowledge & Skills:

• Demonstrate leverage of continuous improvement tools, including structured problem‑solving methodologies.
• Lean methodology certificates and/or training.
• Sufficient relevant experience to understand organizational and business processes
• Previous experience in reading and interpreting blueprints, work instructions and technical specifications (Quality and/or Engineering).

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Kansas Tax Credit:

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.

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.

Recruiting Company: Textron Aviation
Primary Location: US-Kansas-Wichita
Job Function: Program Management
Schedule: Full-time
Job Level: Individual Contributor
Job Type: Standard
Shift: First Shift
Job Posting: 08/19/2026, 1:50:31 AM
Job Number: 343519