Director, Continuous Improvement

Howmet Aerospace; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Howmet Aerospace seeks a Continuous Improvement Director to spearhead Lean initiatives across its manufacturing footprint in the United States. The role partners with senior leadership to align CI programs with business objectives and drive sustained productivity gains.

The position requires a deep background in Lean, Six Sigma, and CI leadership, with travel up to 50%. It involves mentoring teams, leading cross-functional improvement projects, and delivering tangible cost and efficiency

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in manufacturing environments (Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, or Operational Excellence).
• Minimum of 7 years in leadership roles in Operations or Continuous Improvement.
• Willingness to travel up to 50% of the time, including domestic and international travel.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and enhancement of the Howmet Business System journey, accelerating Lean Execution and gap closure plans across sites.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing of CI best practices within the location and across teams via a sustainable electronic system.
• Lead OEE improvement actions and provide avenues for best practice sharing.
• Drive successful implementation of continuous improvement initiatives and waste reduction using Lean tools (JIT, Autonomation, VSM, Kaizen, 5S, Standard Work, Line/Cell Design, PFEP).
• Coordinate problem solving events (Hoshin, Kaizens, rapid improvement) with internal and external stakeholders to sustain improvements.
• Analyze P&L to identify cost-reduction and margin-improvement opportunities, collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• Provide coaching and mentorship to develop CI capabilities across the organization.
• Monitor KPIs to measure impact of improvement initiatives and drive change management.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Leadership

Problem solving

Project management

Kaizen

Value stream mapping

JIT

5S

Communication

Change management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Master’s Degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

• Locations 1600 Harvard Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44105, US One Misco Drive, Whitehall, MI, 49461-1799, US One Howmet Drive, Hampton, VA, 23661, US 1110 East Lincoln Way, Laporte, IN, 46350-3954, US (On-site)
• Job Schedule Full time
• Remote Work Schedule Availability? None
• Export-Controlled Data This position entails access to export-controlled items and employment offers are conditioned upon an applicant's ability to lawfully obtain access to such items

Responsibilities

Howmet Engines seeks an experienced professional to join our team! The Continuous Improvement Director at Howmet Aerospace is responsible for driving the implementation and sustained use of Lean principles, enhancing operational efficiency and fostering a culture of continuous improvement across the business segment This role serves as a teacher, coach and mentor, working closely with employees at all levels to build long-term adoption of CI practices. The Continuous Improvement Director partners with Senior Leadership to align improvement initiatives with business objectives, ensuring measurable impact on productivity, capacity and overall business segment performance.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the continued development and enhancement of the Howmet Business System journey, including accelerating the Lean Execution Systems Assessment process and progress, working with plant teams on gap closure plans in support of advancing the CI culture across the business segment.
• Facilitate the Howmet Business System “HBS” journey best practice sharing within the location and across teams through a sustainable electronic system that allows users to search for common issues or problems.
• Lead OEE improvement actions deep dive with leaders and provide avenues for best practice sharing.
• Lead Howmet Business System implementation of continuous improvement initiatives and drive waste reductions utilizing Lean principles (JIT, Autonomation, Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, 5S, Standard Work, Line/Cell Design, Single Piece Flow, Material Flow, Visual Management, SMED, TPM, Root Cause Problem Solving, etc.)
• Facilitate Hoshins, Kaizens, problem solving, and rapid improvement process events with internal personnel at all levels of the organization, consultants, customers, and suppliers as needed. This includes providing support to sustain all follow-throughs required to sustain the improvements initiated during those events, especially those concentrated on local improvement.
• Understand and analyze Profit and Loss (P&L) statements to identify opportunities for cost reduction, revenue enhancement, and margin improvement. Lead and collaborate with cross functional internal teams focused on shop floor factory improvements, which could include CAPEX.
• Assist team leaders in team skill and knowledge development to support meeting management goals, project management, improvements, results measurements, problem solving and related team skills.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress and measure the impact of improvement initiatives.
• Drive change management efforts to ensure successful implementation and sustainability of process improvements.
• Identify and share best practices, lessons learned, and success stories to promote knowledge sharing and continuous learning within the organization.
• Provide coaching and mentorship to team members across the organization to drive the Continuous Improvement mindset.
• May participate or lead other targeted initiatives or kaizens as directed by the BU, as defined by the Segment Vice President.
• Role may support other sites’ continuous improvement activities, as needed (e.g., training, project-based work, best practice support, etc.)

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum 10 years of experience in manufacturing environments in areas such as: Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, or Operational Excellence
• Minimum of 7 years in leadership roles in Operations or Continuous Improvement
• Previous experience in an aerospace, automotive or other manufacturing environment requiring significant lean strategies to maintain wins and propel the organizations’ success through Continuous Improvement
• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution
• Must be willing to travel up to 50% of the time, including domestic and international travel
• Strong working knowledge and understanding of Continuous Process Improvement methodologies such as Lean and Six Sigma.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• This position is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) which requires U.S. person status. ITAR defines U.S. person as an U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee
• Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree and Master's Degree from an accredited institution in Engineering or Supply Chain field of study highly desired
• Project Management certification or earned certificate
• Demonstrated experience in manufacturing improvement techniques, including hoshin, flow principles, Jidoka, Kanban, 5S, and “plan for every part” (PFEP).
• Strong skills in value stream mapping and associated improvement methodologies.
• Understanding of pillars of Toyota production system (JIT, Jidoka).
• Experience evaluating TAKT time vs. cycle time, determining work area constraints (i.e. cycle time constraint, periodic work constraints, downtime constraints).
• Experience on the shop floor, working with employees, and enhancing manufacturing processes.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills require the ability to resolve conflicting interests and obtain cooperation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills: able to develop and use structured approaches to identify root causes and recommend resolutions.
• Demonstrated experience in project leadership and project management skills, with ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously to meet objectives and key deadlines.

About Us

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. Our primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, titanium structural parts and forged wheels. With $8.3 Billion in revenue in 2025, our products play a crucial role in enabling fuel efficiency and lightweighting, contributing to our customers’ success and making a positive impact on the world. To learn more about the way Howmet Aerospace Inc. is advancing the sustainability of our customers, markets, and communities where we operate, review the 2025 Environmental Social and Governance report at www.howmet.com/esg-report . Follow: LinkedIn , Twitter , Instagram , Facebook , and YouTube .

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Howmet is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

The Howmet engines business produces world-class aerospace engine components, including investment castings, fasteners, rings and forgings. Our vacuum melted superalloys, machining, performance coatings and hot isostatic pressing for high performance parts enable the next generation of quieter, cleaner and more fuel-efficient aerospace engines. Able to supply more than 90% of structural and rotating aerospace engine components.