Continuous Improvement Manager - Walton

General information Entity Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the fields of aerospace (propulsion, equipment and interiors), space and defense. Its mission is to contribute sustainably to a safer world, where air transport becomes ever more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Present on every continent, the Group employs 110,000 people and generated 31.3 billion in revenue in 2025. Safran holds, either independently or through partnerships, leading global or European positions in its markets.Safran was ranked second in the Aerospace & Defense sector in TIME magazine's ""World's Best Companies 2025"" ranking.Safran Landing Systems is the world leader in landing gear, wheels & brakes, and associated systems for civil and military aircraft and helicopters. We master the entire lifecycle of our products, from design and manufacturing through to maintenance. Did you know that every second, somewhere in the world, an aircraft lands using one of our systems?Would you like to grow in an international, stimulating and supportive environment within a human-sized company? Join us! Become one of our 8,000 passionate employees worldwide.Don't meet 100% of the requirements? That's not a barrier for us. Above all, we're looking for creative and committed people! Reference number View phone number on click.appcast.io Job detailsDomainPerformance and SupportJob field / Job profileContinuous improvement - Performance improvment managementJob titleContinuous Improvement Manager - WaltonEmployment typePermanentProfessional categoryProfessional, Engineer & ManagerPart time / Full timeFull-timeJob descriptionHERE, WE CRAFT EXCELLENCE TOGETHER. At Safran, we believe in sustainable career journeys, collaboration as a cornerstone of innovation, and the freedom to explore diverse career paths. As a Continuous Improvement Manager, you'll contribute to meaningful projects that shape the future of aerospace.This position requires access to technologies and hardware subject to US national security based export control requirements. All applicants must be US Citizens, or otherwise authorized by the U.S. Government. No company sponsorship will be offered.What we offer:• Competitive salaries• Paid holidays• Recognition programs• Comprehensive benefits• Retirement (401K) plans with employer match• Professional development opportunities• Tuition assistance• Over 300 career paths across global sitesWork Culture:At Safran, we foster a respectful and inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued. We support sustainable career journeys and encourage employees to explore multiple paths for growth. Collaboration is essential to our success, and we are committed to helping every team member thrive. We engage with our communities through educational programs, outreach initiatives, and career events, inspiring future talent to join our mission.Join Safran Landing Systems, where you can look to the skies and say “we did that.”Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, Manufacturing, or a related field.8+ years of experience leading Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, Lean Manufacturing, or Six Sigma initiatives within a manufacturing environment.Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification required.Proven success implementing Lean and Continuous Improvement programs that drive measurable business results.Experience leading organizational change and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.Demonstrated ability to coach and develop Green Belt and Black Belt candidates through successful project completion and certification.Advanced knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, problem-solving methodologies, and change management principles.Strong leadership, communication, project management, and stakeholder influence skills.Experience working in a multi-site or global manufacturing environment is preferred.Preferred QualificationsMaster Black Belt certification.Aerospace or other highly regulated manufacturing industry experience.Experience supporting digital transformation, Lean 4.0, or process automation initiatives.But what else? (advantages, specificities, etc.)Safran Landing Systems is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. For verification or accommodation requests, please email View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.Candidates for positions with Safran Landing Systems must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Employment eligibility verification will be required at the time of hire.Relocation assistance is not offered for this position.Candidate skills & requirementsLead Transformation. Drive Operational Excellence. Make an Impact.Safran Landing Systems is seeking a strategic and results-oriented Continuous Improvement Manager to lead operational excellence initiatives across our Walton, Kentucky operations. This leadership role is responsible for driving Lean transformation, developing site capabilities, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement that delivers measurable business results.Key ResponsibilitiesLead Continuous Improvement activities across both the Carbon and Wheel & Brake facilities.Deploy and sustain Lean methodologies and best practices, including QRQC, 5S, FOD prevention, Poka-Yoke, and Ergonomics.Manage the site's Balanced Scorecard (BSC) process, ensuring effective implementation, tracking, and closure of improvement actions.Support deployment of the Industrial Performance Program and One Safran initiatives.Build and strengthen the site's Lean Six Sigma culture by coordinating training, identifying Green Belt, Black Belt, and Master Black Belt candidates, and coaching project leaders through certification.Lead departmental and cross-functional projects that improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and employee engagement.Drive site transformation initiatives, including Lean 4.0, digital tools, automation, and process improvement technologies.Manage the Walton Continuous Improvement Department, including staffing, resource planning, employee development, and budget management.Serve as the Site Business Process Manager (BPM) for the IMP process.Establish strong partnerships with site leadership, corporate teams, and external stakeholders to support enterprise-wide improvement efforts.Develop and maintain CI performance metrics, dashboards, communications, and reporting to ensure visibility of results and progress.Key Success Factors include:Successfully coordinate Lean Sigma training for targeted employees.Complete and sustain One Safran deployment waves.Assess team capabilities and implement development plans through skills matrix management and resource planning.Drive Green Belt projects to successful completion and certification.Create and implement a site-wide Continuous Improvement dashboard with meaningful performance indicators.Establish effective communication pathways and reporting processes between the Walton site, Wheel & Brake, and Safran Landing Systems organizations.Strengthen the site's Continuous Improvement culture through coaching, engagement, and measurable results.QualificationsProven experience leading Continuous Improvement, Lean, or Six Sigma initiatives in a manufacturing environment.Strong leadership, coaching, project management, and change management skills.Demonstrated ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of an organization.Passion for operational excellence, employee development, and continuous learning.Annual salaryTBDJob locationJob locationNorth America, United States, Kentucky, WaltonCity (-ies)WALTONApplicant criteriaMinimum education level achievedBachelor's DegreeMinimum experience level requiredMore than 5 yearsITAR Controlled Position: Select "Yes" if role requires U.S. citizenship/permanent residencyYes