Senior Engagement Manager - Transformation & Process Optimization

Achieving our goals starts with supporting yours. Grow your career, access top‑tier health and wellness benefits, build lasting connections with your team and our customers, and travel the world using our extensive route network. Come join us to create what’s next. Let’s define tomorrow, together. Description United's Digital Technology team is comprised of many talented individuals all working together with cutting‑edge technology to build the best airline in the history of aviation. Our team designs, develops and maintains massively scaling technology solutions brought to life with innovative architectures, data analytics, and digital solutions. Job overview and responsibilities The Analytics and Innovation (AI) team at United Airlines works to innovate, transform, and solve complex business problems resulting in significant and measurable enterprise impact through the application of deep cross‑functional business expertise and advanced analytics. We work with business and technology partners across the enterprise to influence strategic decisions, enterprise strategy, business process, and help connect the dots. The Senior Engagement Manager, Transformation & Process Optimization leads the scoping, prioritization, and resourcing of large‑scale initiatives that strengthen operational performance, customer experience, and enterprise value across the airline. This role provides people leadership, strategic thought partnership, and disciplined execution while ensuring alignment with enterprise priorities, driving cross‑functional alignment and sustainable change. The Senior Engagement Manager builds continuous improvement capability by coaching and developing talent within the team and across the organization, fostering a culture grounded in accountability, problem‑solving, and operational excellence. They oversee a team that applies Lean Six Sigma and other process methodologies, program management, change management, time‑and‑motion studies, statistical analysis, and model development and validation to deliver measurable, sustainable results. Through strong executive presence and close collaboration with senior leaders, business‑owner thinking, and disciplined prioritization, the role ensures the organization delivers measurable, long‑term improvements for the company. Strategic Leadership & Transformation Partner with Director to define and execute strategy for the Transformation & Process Optimization organization Serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner to senior leaders across operational, commercial, and customer‑facing functions Lead cross‑functional transformation programs that drive service, quality, efficiency, and cost improvements Apply structured problem‑solving and Lean Six Sigma methodologies to deliver sustainable results Partner with Digital Technology and AI teams to integrate process improvement, data, and technology solutions People Leadership & Capability Building Mentor team members on leadership, communication, stakeholder management, and technical CI skills Provide timely, actionable performance feedback and support career development plans Lead the change management in delivery of key initiatives This role has the potential to become a people leader in the future Conflict Resolution & Relationship Management Navigate complex environments, managing conflict, competing priorities, and cross‑functional dependencies Build strong, trust‑based relationships with leaders and teams at all levels Influence without authority to drive alignment, adoption, and change across diverse business functions Business Ownership & Resource Management Manage team resource planning, workload allocation, and project prioritization to ensure delivery excellence Recommend staffing strategies and manage resource constraints in alignment with enterprise priorities Monitor performance metrics and ensure initiatives deliver clear, quantifiable business outcomes Demonstrate a business‑owner mindset – balancing strategic thinking with value creation Operational Excellence & Governance Apply analytical rigor and process optimization to solve critical business problems Ensure consistent application of CI and project management standards, tools, and governance practices Establish routines for project tracking, risk mitigation, and executive reporting Support the Director in preparing executive‑level updates, portfolio reviews, and strategic communications Continuous Improvement Mindset & Culture Champion the adoption of Continuous Improvement principles across the airline Identify organizational capability gaps and develop training, tools, and frameworks to build enterprise‑wide CI maturity Foster a culture that embraces innovation, using data to solve problems, experimentation, and pursuit of operational excellence Qualifications What’s needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications) Bachelor’s degree 4+ years of experience in Industrial Engineering or a related business vertical Demonstrated success leading complex cross‑functional initiatives with measurable results Strong executive presence with outstanding communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills Experience coaching and developing teams Ability to influence senior leaders and navigate conflict with diplomacy and professionalism Advanced problem‑solving, analytical, and strategic‑thinking skills Proven ability to lead effectively through ambiguity, organizational change, and shifting business priorities Skilled at building strong, trust‑based relationships and collaborating across all levels of the organization, from frontline teams to senior executives Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and compellingly to diverse audiences Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship or future sponsorship for a full or part‑time position Successful completion of interview required to meet job qualification Reliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the position What will help you propel from the pack (Preferred Qualifications) Master’s degree in Engineering, Technology, or Business Administration 1+ years GB and BB training experience 5 years of experience in industry with Lean or Six Sigma 3+ years of work experience using statistical analysis 3+ years of diverse CI portfolio implementation Previous airline business experience 1+ years of people management experience The base pay range for this role is $140,600.00 to $183,108.00. The base salary range/hourly rate listed is dependent on job‑related factors such as experience, education, and skills. This position is also eligible for bonus and/or long‑term incentive compensation awards. You may be eligible for the following competitive benefits: medical, dental, vision, life, accident & disability, parental leave, employee assistance program, commuter, paid holidays, paid time off, 401(k) and flight privileges. United Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law. We provide reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation, contact View email address on click.appcast.io #J-18808-Ljbffr United Airlines