WBS Coach - Engine Systems

Woodward, Inc.; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 74,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k match

Stock contribution

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Holidays

Paid time off

Parental leave

Adoption assistance

EAP

Life insurance

Long-term disability

Referral bonus

Flexible spending

Job summary

Woodward's Industrial Product Segment in Fort Collins, Colorado is seeking a WBS Coach I who supports Lean initiatives by helping teams improve processes, reduce waste, and strengthen daily management practices. This role requires involvement in Kaizen events and basic Lean tools under guidance.

Estimated annual base pay ranges from $74,000 to $118,000 USD with a comprehensive bonus structure. The successful candidate will assist in planning and executing Kaizen events, apply 5S and visual

Qualifications

• Basic understanding of Lean concepts and tools.
• Experience supporting process improvement activities.
• Ability to map processes and collect data.

Responsibilities

• Assist Lean projects under guidance of coaches or leaders.
• Facilitate basic Lean tools and daily management practices.
• Participate in Kaizen events with data collection and process mapping.
• Support daily management systems including huddle boards and visual metrics.
• Assist leaders in applying structured problem‑solving techniques (root cause analysis, PDCA).

Skills

Kaizen

5S

Visual management

Standardized work

PDCA

Data analysis

Problem solving

Facilitation

Communication

Team collaboration

Job description

Woodward is committed to creating a great workplace for all team members. Our company and its members are committed to acting with integrity, being respectful and accountable to one another, and staying humble and driven, while maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards.

We are steadfastly committed to attracting the best talent across our communities, creating a rewarding workplace. Together we are fulfilling our purpose to design and deliver energy control solutions our partners count on to power a clean future.

Woodward supports our members' wellbeing and regularly benchmarks with other companies in our industry to offer an extensive Total Reward package for this position.

Salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

WBS (Woodward Business System) Coach I

Woodward's Industrial Product Segment in Fort Collins, Colorado is seeking a WBS Coach who supports Lean initiatives by helping teams improve processes, reduce waste, and strengthen daily management practices. This role assists with Kaizen events, basic Lean tools, process mapping, and structured problem-solving under the guidance of more experienced coaches or leaders. The position also helps managers and supervisors build improvement habits, communicate effectively, and create a supportive environment for continuous improvement.

Estimated annual base pay: $74,000.00 min - $96,000.00 mid - $118,000.00 max USD Annual

• All members included in annual cash bonus opportunity
  • 401(k) match (4.5%)
  • Annual Woodward stock contribution (5%)
  • Tuition reimbursement and Training/Professional Development opportunities for all members
• 12 paid holidays
• Industry leading medical, dental, and vision Insurance upon date of hire
• Vacation / Sick Time / Vacation Buy-up / Short Term Disability / Bereavement leave.
• Paid parental leave.
• Adoption Assistance
• Employee Assistance Program, including mental health benefits.
• Member Life & AD&D / Long Term Disability / Member Optional Life
• Member referral bonus
• Spouse / Child Optional Life / Optional AD&D / Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending
• Voluntary benefits, including:
  • Home / Auto Insurance discounts
  • Whole Life Insurance / Critical Illness Insurance / Legal Assistance / Military Leave

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in Lean Projects: Provide support for Lean initiatives, workshops, and process improvement activities under the guidance of coaches or leaders.
• Facilitate Basic Lean Tools: Apply foundational Lean tools such as 5S, visual management, Standardized Work, and Daily Management Systems to improve processes and reduce waste.
• Participate in Kaizen Events: Assist in planning and executing Kaizen events, contributing to activities such as data collection, process mapping, and action plan development.
• Support Daily Management Systems: Help teams establish and maintain Daily Management practices, including huddle boards, visual metrics, and performance tracking.
• Assist Leaders in Problem-Solving: Support managers and supervisors in applying structured problem-solving techniques, such as root cause analysis and PDCA cycles.

Key Skills:

• Basic Knowledge of Lean Tools: Familiarity with foundational Lean methodologies such as 5S, Standardized Work, PDCA, visual management, and Kaizen.
• Problem-Solving Foundations: Understanding of basic problem-solving techniques, including root cause analysis and PDCA cycles.
• Process Mapping: Ability to support process mapping exercises and identify inefficiencies in workflows.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Basic skills in collecting and analyzing data to measure performance and identify improvement opportunities.
• Team Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with teams and build rapport with employees at all levels.
• Communication Skills: Clear communication and active listening skills to explain Lean concepts and engage employees in improvement efforts.
• Facilitation Skills: Capability to assist in facilitating small improvement discussions and workshops.
• Attention to Detail: Careful attention to detail when documenting processes, tracking metrics, or supporting improvement activities.
• Empathy and Approachability: Strong interpersonal skills to connect with employees and foster a supportive environment for improvement.
• Eagerness to Learn: Desire to grow and develop knowledge of Lean principles, tools, and coaching skills.

Successful Candidates Will Also Have:

• Basic understanding of scheduling systems such as level loading (Heijunka), kanban, pull, MTO, ATO, and MTS

Application window is anticipated to close 7 days from original posting date.

This information is provided in compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and is the company's good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation range and benefits offered for this position. The compensation offered to the successful applicant may vary based on factors including experience, skills, education, location, and other job-related reasons.

This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). All applicants must be U.S. Persons within the meaning of the ITAR and EAR, or eligible to obtain all required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce. The ITAR defines a U.S. Person as a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident (i.e., 'Green Card holder'), or a protected person (e.g., asylee, or refugee).

Woodward is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local laws.