Sr Manager, Continuous Improvement

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness: multiple plans

Paid Time Off: 120 hours PTO + holiday

Life Insurance: employer-paid

Health Savings Account (HSA)

401(k) with match

Paid holidays

Job summary

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero) in San Luis Obispo, CA is seeking a Senior Continuous Improvement Manager to lead cross-functional improvement initiatives and champion Lean principles across operations, engineering, quality, and supply chain. You will guide performance management, standard work, and change management to achieve strategic objectives.

The role requires strong leadership, coaching capabilities, and a track record of delivering productivity, quality, and cost improvements

Qualifications

• Requires 10 years’ direct experience with 3 years of management experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field; engineering preferred.
• Strong analytical and communication skills; able to lead cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional continuous improvement initiatives.
• Champion Lean principles and leader standard work.
• Develop and manage improvement portfolios and performance metrics.
• Drive culture change and align CI efforts with company goals.
• Coach leaders and build organizational capability.

Skills

Analytical skills

Leadership

Change management

Interpersonal communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree (Engineering preferable)

Master's degree in a relevant field (plus)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Sr.Manager, Continuous Improvement

Position Summary

The Senior Continuous Improvement Manageris responsible forleading, driving, and sustaining a culture of continuous improvement across the organization. This role partners with business leaders, operations teams, engineering, quality, and supply chain functions toidentifyandeliminatewaste, improve operational performance, and enhance organizational effectiveness. The position serves as a change agent, championing Lean principles, best practices, leader standard work, and performance management processes to achieve strategic businessobjectives.

The individual will lead cross-functional improvement initiatives, develop organizational capabilities, and ensure alignment of continuous improvement efforts with company goals. Through coaching, mentoring, and influencing leaders at all levels, the Senior Continuous Improvement Manager will foster a culture of accountability, operational excellence, and continuous learning while delivering measurable improvements in productivity, quality, cost, delivery, and customer satisfaction. The roleis responsible formanaging improvement portfolios, supporting change management efforts, and driving sustainable results that contribute to the company's long-term growth and competitiveness.

Position Responsibilities

• Ensure understanding & alignment of best practices.
• Championthe advancement of Best Practices.
• Consult,coachandfacilitateappropriate useof standard metrics within standard performance management processes.
• Culture Change and Leader Standard Work
• Influence and advance the models for Leader Standard Work (LSW).
• Support PLM’s and overall site for rituals and Performance Management.
• Drive behavioral transformation through Mindset & Behavior strategic commitment.

Continuous Improvement

• Create and foster the continuous improvement culture throughout the organization.
• Ensure processes exist and are functioning to fill and execute the improvement project portfolio plan pipeline for reduction of waste and constraints inPlan/Source/Make/Deliver/Returnprocesses.
• Break down barriers to drive continuous improvements.
• Ensure an effective Decision Board process is in place which securesappropriate staffing, clarity on project goals, milestones, and deliverables.
• Ensure the integration of cross-functional improvement teams efforts (across Plan, Source, Make, Deliver, and Return; inclusive of integrated Operations: Quality, Engineering).
• Integrate work with corporate improvement initiatives.
• Drive improvement through external and internal BIC {best in class) benchmarks.
• Financial Impact of Operations
• Drive and manage operations best practices to assure business productivity improvements are met. This includes championing the business productivity improvement tracking process, championing resourcing of key Cl projects aligned with supply chain and operations strategies / CSFs and business strategy / CSFs.

Individual & Organization Capability Development

• Provide leadership, coaching and counseling for competency and capability building to enhance continuous improvement in the organization.
• Responsibleto fosterBest Practice capabilities of the organization.
• Encourage best practice sharing and foster creation and continuity of networks I peer learning opportunities.
• Consult / support Operations Directors, Business Leaders, and Steering Committees.
• Pursue personal journey to refine personal Mindsets & Behaviors capability (M&B).

Communication, Networks & Forums

• Participate in Best Practice Networks and Roundtable events.
• CommunicateandmarketBest Practices.
• Communicate continuous improvement approaches (technology, strategy, etc.)

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• 10years of direct experience, including 3yearsmanagement experience
• Bachelors –directly relateddegree (Engineering Preferable)
• Strong computer skills area must, as is the ability to quickly pick upnew programsand techniques as technology evolves
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to evaluate and interpret trends andimportant information
• Work with different departments and as part of ateam, soexcellent interpersonal and communication skills arerequired
• Being able toidentifyissues or ways to improve systems that are already in place is a key job function, so this position requires critical thinkers who can successfully troubleshoot and solve problems
• Experience with Foundational Best Practices (5S, Visual Performance Management, Focused Improvement, Teamwork)
• Uses vision to think beyond the immediate situation, explore multiple potential paths, and adapt decision-making style based on the situational circumstances
• Inspires, motivates, and empowers people to deliver organizational goals, while also delivering value back to employees
• Brings organizational values to life using personality, uniqueness, and the creation of a shared vision
• Champions the process of change and promotes a culture of quick adaptation while helping others deal with the effects of change
• Demonstrates the ability to develop andmaintaininternal and externaltrusting, professional relationships
• Assesses the degree of risk and opportunity in plans or actions and takesappropriate actionto mitigate them or makes plans to build on the opportunity

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Master's degree in a relevant field is a plus.
• Certification in Lean Six Sigma (e.g., Green Belt, Black Belt) is highly desirable.
• Program management experience preferred
• Previousexperience in the aerospace or defense industry isadvantageous.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change management initiatives and overcome resistance to change.
• Proactive and self-motivated with a continuous improvement mindset.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in an office or warehouse environment (Constant)
• Required to sit and stand forlong periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers tooperatea computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)

Comprehensive Benefits & Perks:

• Health & Wellness:Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans - including a 100% employer-paid option covering both employees and their families.
• Paid Time Off:Enjoy 120 hours of PTO, 80 hoursaccruedplus anadditional40 hours of holiday break pay in addition to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day off.
• Life Insurance:$25,000 employer-paid life insurance policy, with theoptiontopurchaseadditionalcoverage for employees and their families.
• Supplemental Coverage:Access optional benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage.
• Health Savings Account (HSA):Take advantage of a tax-advantaged HSA to manage medical expenses.
• Retirement Savings:401(k) with a company match to support your financial future.
• Paid Holidays:Enjoy 9 paid holidays throughout the year.
• Work Environment:A casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and a welcoming company culture.
• Ideal Location:Work in an area that offers an outstanding quality of life - a perfect place to live, work, and play!

Company Overview

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero) is a leader in aerospace engineering, product development, and manufacturing, dedicated to delivering high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective solutions to the industry. We specialize incutting-edgesystem design, rapid product development, precision manufacturing, comprehensive testing, and technology demonstrations to support the evolving needs of the aerospace community. Committed to excellence, on-time delivery, and continuous growth, we invest in infrastructure to expand our manufacturing and aftermarket capabilities whilemaintainingthe highest standards of engineering services.

At ESAero, wedon’tjust build products, we engineer solutions that propel

the aerospace industry forward.

This position is fully on-site at ESAero in San Luis Obispo, CA

ESAero is an equal opportunity employer.
E-Verify participationrequiredfor employment.
Must present proof of authorization to work in the United States.
Must be able to pass background check and drug test.
Pay Range: $160-200k Salary/Exempt