Director of Continuous Improvement

POWERED BY TEAMWORK. Are you ready to be part of a team that drives big ideas and even bigger wins? At Safran, we believe in the power of both collaboration and individual contributions. We understand that it takes diverse perspectives, problem-solving skills, dependability, and trust to push each other forward and achieve great success. For us, working here is more than just a job; it's a passion. There's the unique opportunity to lead the way in aerospace and defense and contribute to creating a safer and more sustainable world.

Objective:
Under limited supervision, this position directs continuous and breakthrough improvement activities in all areas of the business unit, including production, logistics, engineering, program management, and office environments such as HR, Finance, IT and Sales/Marketing. Works under general supervision of Seats USA CEO, collaborates with members of Seats USA Leadership team and with Seats Safran + Director and group Safran + organizations

Authorities:
This position has the authority withing a CI project or inititive to implement process flows and layout changes, visual management standards and Lean Sigma practices and routines upon validation of improvement projects sponsor and/or improvement project steering committee. Position has the authority to grant Safran Leand Sigma Certification to Green and Black Belt candidates.

Main Function Responsibilities:
A) Support Strategy deployment trhu Balance Score Card initiatives flow down and Performace reviews
B) Along with SSUSA leadership, drive Continuous Improvement including Lean Sigma ownership throughout the organization through metrics, training and Balance Score Card flow down
C) In conjunction with SSUSA senior management team and SAFRAN Seats SAFRAN+ Director, coordinates and defines the vision and strategy of continuous improvement as well as progress plans and financial goals for project savings in EBIT and Working Capital for SSUSA
D) Coordinates, collects, organizes and distributes financial and project information to SSUSA senior management and corporate with the support of the Continuous Improvement Managers
E) Reports progress of the Continuous improvement strategy to SAFRAN Seats top management at least quarterly.
F) Ensures benchmarking and best practice sharing with other SAFRAN sites

G) Support Lean Sigma team on the Lean Sigma training activities including the development of the training materials and facilitation of workshops and classes
H) Represents SSUSA in the SAFRAN Lean Sigma network
I) Organizes and coordinates external consulting support
J) Supports the deployment of One SAFRAN Operation excellence in SSUSA
K) Ensures the training, development and mentoring of the Lean Sigma team
L) Ensures the effectiveness Lean sigma Green Belt and Black Belt program
M) Maintain highest safety in all areas.
N) Optimization of overall product flow and Layouts
O) Perform other duties as assigned

Qualification Requirements:

Education & Qualification:
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or business administration; OR an Associate's plus 3 years relevant work experience; OR 6 years directly related work experience required. MBA degree preferred.

Work Experience - Technical knowledge:
• 10+ years' experience and/or training in a Lean Sigma manufacturing environment required.
• Practical application of Lean Sigma tools and techniques.
• Master Black Belt certification required.
• If MBB external certified must pursue Safran certification
• Must pursue One Safran referent accreditation

Professional Skills:
• Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of all Continuous Improvement including Lean Sigma activities in these areas.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and procedures and applicable laws.
• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Must have proven expertise in teaching and implementing Continuous improvement methodologies including Lean Sigma principles and tools.
• Proficiency in Change Management methodologies in order to overcome people resistance to change
• Require complete knowledge of all phases of manufacturing preferably in an aerospace industry.
• Require knowledge of production control methods
• Thorough understanding of Lean Sigma manufacturing techniques/cells concept. Must have the ability to generate written communication and to operate required office equipment.
• Ability to read and review written communication.
• Speech and hearing abilities that allow individual to communicate clearly and distinctly in English.

Behavioral Skills:
• Must be an effective communicator, motivator and a leader.
• Must be able to train managers/cell leaders to be effective leaders by using Lean Sigma concepts.
• Purpose driven thinking. Operates as a business owner, not a player.

Desirable Aspects:
• Multilingual (English plus French and/or Spanish).
• Experience in the implementation of APQP, D&PFMEA and Control Plans

International and/or Domestic travel required; Up to 20%

赛峰集团（Safran）是一家国际高科技集团公司，业务范围涵盖航空（推进、设备和内装）、防务和航天领域。其核心宗旨是致力于构建更安全且可持续发展的世界，让航空运输更加环保、舒适和便利。赛峰集团业务遍及全球，拥有100000名员工，2024年营业额为273亿欧元。单独或是通过合作，赛峰集团在其核心市场占据全球或地区领导地位。赛峰集团在其技术创新路线图中承诺将大力开展以环境为主导的研发项目。
赛峰集团（Safran）作为航空与防务领域的佼佼者，是行业中入选《时代》杂志“2024年度全球最佳公司”（World's Best Companies 2024）榜单的首家公司。

赛峰航空座椅公司（Safran Seats）是飞机机组人员及乘客座椅的全球主要制造商之一。在全球范围内，超过100万个在用飞机座位为赛峰航空座椅公司生产。