Continuous Improvement Director – Multi-Site Operations

Arconic is currently in search of a Continuous Improvement Director to join our Kawneer Business. This role could be based in Cranberry (Pittsburgh), Pennsylvania; Springdale, Arkansas; or Norcross (Atlanta), Georgia.

At Arconic, we take pride in our work and our innovative products and technologies that advance sustainable solutions for a better world. We strive to create a safe, inclusive, and collaborative workplace with competitive benefits, development opportunities and a culture that values and rewards employees on all levels of the organization.

Job Summary:

Reporting into the VP Operations, the Continuous Improvement (CI) Director will serve as the go-to expert for driving operational excellence across multiple manufacturing facilities within Kawneer, which will require approximately 50% travel in North America (primarily U.S.).

As a Continuous Improvement Manager, you will play a pivotal role in driving operational excellence by systematically identifying inefficiencies and implementing process driven solutions that enhance productivity, quality, and cost-effectiveness. As a strategic leader across multiple sites, you will foster a culture of innovation and accountability, ensure that best practices are standardized and sustained.

Utilizing your expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and change management you will also empower teams to solve problems proactively, continuously evolve processes, and be a catalyst for long-term growth and competitive advantage in manufacturing operations.

In this role, you will:

• Lead the design and execution of CI strategies aligned with corporate goals in productivity, safety, quality, and sustainability.
• Conduct operational assessments to identify opportunities for process optimization and cost reduction.
• Responsible for developing, leading, and implementing CI initiatives that enhance productivity, reduce waste, improve quality, and standardize best practices
• Facilitate Lean events (Kaizen workshops, value stream mapping, 5S, SMED, root cause analysis).
• Partner with plant leadership and cross-functional teams to foster a culture of continuous improvement and sustainable performance.
• Standardize CI tools, metrics, and practices across all facilities.
• Establish and monitor KPIs and scorecards to measure CI impact.
• Coach and mentor CI leaders and operations personnel at each site.
• Share best practices across sites to accelerate results and foster a knowledge-sharing culture.
• Support automation, layout improvements, and digital transformation initiatives.
• Travel regularly to manufacturing sites to guide and support local CI efforts.

Also note:

• Excellent Lean Manufacturing & Six Sigma expertise, including proficiency in DMAIC, value stream mapping, and waste elimination to drive process efficiency and operational excellence.
• Strong project management capabilities, with a proven ability to plan, execute, and engage stakeholders across complex, multi-site initiatives.
• Effective change management leadership, skilled in driving adoption of new processes and overcoming resistance to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Advanced data-driven decision-making skills, leveraging root cause analysis and statistical process control to identify and solve operational challenges.
• Exceptional leadership and coaching abilities, focused on mentoring teams and building CI capabilities across all levels of the organization.
• Outstanding communication and collaboration skills, enabling seamless cross-functional teamwork and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Creative and structured problem-solving mindset, combining innovative thinking with proven methodologies to deliver sustainable solutions.

You have:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain or Business field.
• 7+ years of lean and continuous improvement experience in manufacturing, with at least 3 years in a CI leadership role across multiple sites, implementing CI tools, and delivering measurable improvements.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Lean Sig Sigma Green or Black Belt