Manager, TechOps Continuous Improvement - Strategic Value Stream

Delta Air Lines; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Delta Air Lines is seeking a Manager, TechOps Continuous Improvement to lead deployment, governance, and sustainment of the Flight Path operating system within an assigned Strategic Value Stream (Engines, Airframes, or Line). You will partner with the Value Stream Owner to drive safety, quality, delivery, and cost improvements while coaching leaders and frontline teams.

You will develop the CI team, facilitate Kaizen events, conduct Gemba walks, and manage daily management and visual systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field
• 7+ years in operations, CI, OE, engineering, maintenance, project management, or related functions
• 3+ years of leadership experience leading teams or cross-functional initiatives
• Experience implementing Lean methods and driving improvements
• Deep understanding of Lean principles and performance management
• Experience facilitating value stream analysis, Kaizen events, and strategic workshops
• Coaching leaders in problem solving, change management, and CI practices
• Strong facilitation, communication, presentation, and consensus-building skills
• Ability to translate strategic objectives into actionable improvement plans and measurable results
• Experience managing high-performing teams
• Proficient with Excel and PowerPoint for analysis
• Ability to work with all organizational levels; travel may be required
• Commitment to safety and data security
• Diversity and inclusive mindset
• High school diploma or equivalent

Responsibilities

• Lead deployment, governance, and sustainment of Flight Path within the Value Stream
• Partner with Value Stream Owner to identify and execute improvements for safety, quality, delivery, and cost
• Coach leaders and frontline teams in Lean leadership, problem solving, Daily Management, and standard work
• Lead and develop the Value Stream CI team and deploy CI resources
• Facilitate value stream assessments, Kaizen events, and strategic planning workshops
• Develop and improve Daily Management systems and visual management practices
• Analyze performance data to identify root causes and countermeasures
• Lead change management for Flight Path deployment and transformation
• Conduct Gemba walks to assess implementation and ensure compliance with standards
• Promote safety-conscious behaviors across operations

Skills

Lean leadership

Problem solving

Daily Management

Change management

Team leadership

Data analysis

Excel

PowerPoint

Stakeholder engagement

Facilitation

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

How You'll Help Us Keep Climbing (Overview & Key Responsibilities)

The Manager, TechOps Continuous Improvement - Strategic Value Stream leads deployment, adoption, governance, and sustainment of the TechOps Lean operating system ("Flight Path") within an assigned Strategic Value Stream (Engines, Airframes, or Line). This role serves as the primary Continuous Improvement business partner to the assigned Value Stream Owner and leadership team, driving improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost (in that order) through strategic deployment, operational excellence, leader coaching, and change leadership.

The Manager is responsible for aligning Flight Path activities to value stream priorities, building continuous improvement capabilities, coaching leaders and frontline teams, and leading a team of Continuous Improvement professionals. This position influences performance across multiple operational organizations within the value stream and plays a critical role in achieving sustainable operational and financial results.

Roles And Responsibilities

• Lead deployment, governance, and sustainment of the Flight Path operating system within the assigned Value Stream, ensuring alignment to strategic priorities, operating plans, and performance objectives.
• Partner with the Value Stream Owner and leadership team to identify, prioritize, and execute improvement opportunities that support safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.
• Coach Value Stream leaders and frontline leadership teams in Lean leadership behaviors, structured problem solving, Daily Management, leader standard work, and continuous improvement methodologies to accelerate cultural transformation and performance improvement.
• Lead and develop the assigned Value Stream Continuous Improvement team, including talent development, capability building, performance management, and deployment of continuous improvement resources.
• Facilitate value stream assessments, Kaizen events, operational reviews, strategic planning workshops, and improvement activities to identify and eliminate operational waste and performance barriers.
• Develop, monitor, and improve Daily Management systems, visual management processes, performance review cadences, and problem-solving routines across the Value Stream.
• Analyze operational performance data, identify root causes of performance gaps, and develop sustainable countermeasures to improve business outcomes.
• Lead change management efforts associated with Flight Path deployment and operational transformation initiatives while ensuring stakeholder engagement and adoption.
• Conduct Gemba walks and other validation activities to assess implementation effectiveness and ensure compliance with Flight Path standards and expectations.
• Practice safety-conscious behaviors in all operational processes and procedures and promote a culture of safety throughout the organization.

What You Need To Succeed (Minimum Qualifications)

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field required.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in operations, continuous improvement, operational excellence, engineering, maintenance, project management, or related business functions.
• Minimum 3 years of leadership experience leading teams and/or significant cross-functional initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience implementing Lean methodologies and driving measurable operational improvements.
• Deep understanding of Lean principles, continuous improvement methodologies, Daily Management systems, and performance management processes.
• Demonstrated experience facilitating value stream analysis, Kaizen events, operational reviews, and strategic planning workshops.
• Experience coaching leaders and teams in structured problem solving, change management, and continuous improvement practices.
• Strong facilitation, communication, presentation, and consensus-building skills.
• Ability to translate strategic objectives into actionable improvement plans and measurable business results.
• Experience managing and developing high-performing teams.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and related business analysis tools.
• Ability to work effectively with all organizational levels, from frontline employees to senior leaders.
• Some travel may be required.
• Consistently prioritizes safety and security of self, others, and personal data.
• Embraces diverse people, thinking, and styles.
• Possesses a high school diploma, GED, or high school equivalency.
• Is at least 19 field, the role.