Director, Continuous Improvement

Director, Continuous Improvement

FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability, and operational excellence. Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, FirstEnergy includes one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, more than 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions, and a regulated generating fleet with a total capacity of more than 3,500 megawatts.

This is a full-time, on-site position located in FEHQ- Akron OH (preferred), NJ, PA, WV/MD.

FirstEnergy takes a market-based approach to pay, which may vary depending on your location. In addition, your actual base salary will depend on various factors such as your skills, qualifications, and experience. The estimated pay range for this role is $147,050 - $177,500. The pay range for certain locations, including the state of New Jersey, includes a 20% differential to account for an increased cost of living, making the pay ranges $177,500 - $213,00.

FirstEnergy is dedicated to safety, reliability, and operational excellence. We are seeking a dynamic and results-oriented leader to drive enterprise-wide transformation and continuous improvement.

The Continuous Improvement (CI) Director reports to the VP, Continuous Improvement and can be located at our FirstEnergy Headquarters in Akron, OH. Travel to various work locations across the territory will be required on an as needed basis.

The Continuous Improvement (CI) Director is a strategic leader responsible for helping the business achieve their annual operational and financial targets by steering initiatives that will optimize processes, enhance efficiency, and reduce costs. This role involves analyzing current operations, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing solutions by leveraging automation, artificial intelligence, and data analytics. This position is also responsible for developing and maintaining metrics to track progress and ensure sustainable change. The Director will work across various departments to foster a culture of innovation and efficiency within the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute continuous improvement strategies aligned with the organization's goals.
• Establish and maintain healthy relationships with business unit leaders, gaining an understanding of their operational and financial targets and pain points in achieving those targets.
• Steer cross-functional teams that will identify and analyze improvement opportunities and then conduct root cause analysis to develop targeted solutions.
• Oversee data analysis to assess current and future processes and measure performance.
• Direct improvement projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
• Support the team by helping identify and overcome technical and organizational obstacles to leading change management.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment, successful implementation, and sustainability of improvements.
• Monitor and report on the progress of improvement projects, highlighting achievements and areas for further development.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to track the impact of improvement initiatives.
• Function as a change agent, promoting a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization.
• Provide strategic oversight of workshops and training sessions on continuous improvement methodologies.
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and support to teams on improvement tools and techniques.
• Mentor and lead CI team members to grow their technical and analytical skills in areas surrounding root cause analysis, automation, custom applications, and artificial intelligence.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards.

Qualifications include:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, engineering, or a related field required.
• A minimum of 10 years' related work experience is required. Related work experience includes continuous improvement, process optimization, engineering, financial analysis, project management, business management or operations.
• Demonstrated success in driving continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency.
• Proven leadership experience with the ability to motivate, develop, and manage high-performing teams.
• Certification in Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt, Black Belt, or equivalent) preferred OR strong knowledge and practical application of Lean principles and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Proven expertise in electric utility operations and ability to drive operational excellence and innovation.
• Ability to analyze data, identify inefficiencies, and develop data-driven solutions.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Experience leading large scale continuous improvement efforts through strategic enablement, execution, operational excellence, financial management and risk and compliance oversight.
• Strong organizational skills in planning and coordinating multiple activities and projects.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and produce excellent work products under time pressure or other constraints.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to build relationships through collaboration and teamwork, across all levels and departments of the company.
• Acts in an ethical and professional manner, with the highest level of integrity, and in compliance with the code of business conduct and all relevant policies and procedures.
• Experience in working within a matrix environment reporting to Continuous Improvement organization and engaging with business units.
• Knowledge and use of Improvement tools, data analysis, and project management tools.
• Strong ability to influence team members to shift to continuous improvement methods.
• Able to perform supervisory responsibilities, maintain an efficient working organization and create and maintain favorable and productive relationships within the group and across the organization.

Benefits, Compensation & Workforce Diversity

At FirstEnergy, employees are key to our success. We depend on their talents to meet the challenges of our changing business environment. We are committed to rewarding individual and team efforts through our total rewards philosophy which includes competitive pay plus incentive compensation, a company-sponsored pension plan, 401(k) savings plan with matching employer contribution, a choice of medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and life insurance programs, as well as skills development training with tuition reimbursement. Please visit our website at to learn more about all of our employee rewards programs. FirstEnergy proudly supports workforce diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. No recruiters or agencies without a previously signed contract. Unable to sponsor or transfer H-1B visas at this time.

Safety

Safety is a core value for FirstEnergy and is essential to all of our business activities. We ensure employees have the tools, information, and processes to perform their duties in a manner that assures safety for themselves, their co-workers, our customers and the public. Our goals are to provide a safe work environment, to maintain an accident-free, injury-free workplace, and to promote and maintain public safety. To meet these goals, we dedicate ourselves to achieving world-class safety standards.

Position Classification

Exempt