Operational Excellence Facility Specialist

Safran; Liberty (MS); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Safran Aerosystems in Mississippi seeks an Operational Excellence Facility Specialist to drive Lean and Lean Six Sigma initiatives at the designated facility. You will identify, propose, lead, and manage projects improving performance metrics, layout, and training with Gemba walks and 5S+1 programs.

The role requires formal Lean Kaizen and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt training, plus project management experience. Proficiency in AutoCAD and Minitab, and strong English communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Must be formally trained in Lean Kaizen, Visual Factory Management, Lean Pull Systems, One Piece Flow and 5S+1.
• Must be formally trained as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.
• Must have project management experience.
• Must have experience in Lean, Lean Six Sigma, Operational Excellence and problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Create a culture of Lean and Lean Six Sigma at the designated facility.
• Implement Safran Corporate Operational Excellence requirements at the facility.
• Monitor and analyze metrics for continuous improvement (Rate per Day, Lead Time, Cycle Time, WIP, etc.).
• Lead Lean and Lean Six Sigma projects; complete Lean Kaizen and Six Sigma projects as required.

Skills

Lean Kaizen

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Project management

Problem solving

5S+1

Visual Factory Management

Lean Pull Systems

One Piece Flow

Fluent English

Education

Lean Kaizen, Visual Factory Management, Lean Pull Systems, One Piece Flow and 5S+1 training

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification

Project management training/experience

Tools

AutoCAD

Minitab

Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the fields of aerospace (propulsion, equipment and interiors), space and defense. Its mission is to contribute sustainably to a safer world, where air transport becomes ever more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Present on every continent, the Group employs 110,000 people and generated €31.3 billion in revenue in 2025. Safran holds, either independently or through partnerships, leading global or European positions in its markets.

Safran was ranked second in the Aerospace & Defense sector in TIME magazine's ""World's Best Companies 2025"" ranking.

Join Safran Aerosystems: an international leader in aviation safety, fluid management and fuel systems. Our strength? Innovating to enhance flight safety (oxygen systems, evacuation systems, flotation systems) and driving the transition toward decarbonized aviation through sustainable fuels. 6,200 employees, operations in 7 countries, and one shared objective: a safer sky.

The Operational Excellence Facility Specialist is responsible for identifying, proposing, leading and managing Lean and Lean Six Sigma projects for their designated facility.

1. Responsible for creating a culture of Lean and Lean Six Sigma at their designed facility.
2. Responsible for implementing Safran Corporate Operational Excellence requirements at their designated facility.
3. Metrics
   • a. Monitors the metrics listed below for each product line within their designated facility and identifies opportunities for continuous improvement.
     • i. Rate per Day (Current and Maximum)
     • ii. Performance to Labor Standard
     • iii. Lead Time
     • iv. Cycle Time
     • v. Work in Process (WIP)
     • vi. Travel Distance
     • vii. Floor Space Utilization
     • viii. Leak Test Yield
     • ix. Quality Yield
   • b. Manage facility Gemba Walks.
4. Projects
   • a. Identifies potential Lean and Lean Six Sigma projects.
   • b. Proposes Lean and Lean Six Sigma projects to the Operational Excellence Steering Committee.
   • c. Leads Lean projects.
   • d. Leads Lean Six Sigma projects when required.
   • e. Completes Lean Kaizen projects each fiscal year.
   • f. Completes Lean Six Sigma projects when required.
5. Facility Layouts
   • a. Proposes facility layout improvements to the Operational Excellence Steering Committee.
   • b. Facilitate facility layout changes that are approved by the Operational Excellence Steering Committee.
   • c. Manages and updates facility layout files using AutoCAD software.
6. Training
   • a. Provides Operational Excellence training when required.
7. Miscellaneous Tasks
   • a. Conducts Lean simulations when required.
   • b. Manages local 5S+1 Program
   • c. Manages local Participative Innovation Program
   • d. Provide support to ANDON system users
   • e. Support QRQC implementation and maturity level improvement plans
8. Expertise
   • a. Functions as a business unit expert in the areas of Lean, Lean Six Sigma and problem solving.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Must be fluent in English.
2. Must be able to clearly and effectively present information to others in English.

Education and Experience

1. Must be formally trained in Lean Kaizen, Visual Factory Management, Lean Pull Systems, One Piece Flow and 5S+1.
2. Must be formally trained as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.
3. Must have project management experience.
4. Must have experience in the areas of Lean, Lean Six Sigma, Operational Excellence and problem solving.
5. One Safran Referent and QRQC Coach Accreditation desirable

Reasoning Ability

1. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
2. Ability to analyze business processes and identify best practices and areas requiring improvement.
3. Ability to make decisions based on facts.
4. Ability to identify key variables within complex processes.
5. Ability to determine the root cause of an issue

Mathematical Skills

• Must be able to perform mathematical calculations.

Computer Skills

• Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Project, AutoCAD and data analysis software such as Minitab.