Associate Director Continuous Improvement

Job Description Summary The Associate Director, Continuous Improvement sets the multi-year Continuous Improvement and Lean strategy for JMCRS Operations in partnership with the VP of Operations and leads a team of Continuous Improvement Specialists and Senior Specialists who deploy Lean methodologies across all JMCRS operational sites. This role owns the Operations Kaizen and Lean deployment roadmap, represents Continuous Improvement in leadership forums, and is accountable for the program's budget and its measurable impact on safety, quality, delivery, and cost across the organization. This position builds and scales a mature Lean management system and develops the next generation of Operational Excellence leaders. This is a remote role managing an on-site team tied to production in our US-based sites, Bar Harbor, ME Ellsworth, ME, Sacramento, CA and Gainesville, FL. As a result, up to 50% domestic travel may be required for this manager to work with their team, particularly in the beginning. The compensation range for this position is $121,924 - $176,790 based on an assessment of related work experience, geographic location, and internal equity.   What You'll Do Develop operational excellence team members and drive continuous improvement of our continuous improvement program. Coach team members on Kaizen and core Lean tools, including Value Stream Mapping, Standard Work, Daily Management, and Problem Solving. Manage the Kaizen funnel and the completed-Kaizen sustainment bowler to ensure improvements are institutionalized. Lead the team to identify, facilitate, and track operational improvement initiatives that lift safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost performance across JMCRS Operations. Partner with managers across JMCRS Operations to define project scope, uncover innovative opportunities, and set goals, objectives, timelines, strategy, and project plans. Provide leadership, coaching, performance management, and development for a distributed team of Operational Excellence professionals supporting domestic U.S. operations. Model organizational change management practices for operational excellence initiatives across sites. Prepare analyses, flow charts, presentations, and reports per project specifications, and deliver scheduled status reports to the leadership team. Collaborate with management to collect, validate, and organize financial, statistical, and operational data to evaluate and communicate operational processes.   Qualifications Education & Experience Bachelor's degree in engineering or a scientific field required; Master's degree preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered. 10 years of relevant experience required; 12+ years preferred. 6 years of supervisory experience required; 8+ years preferred. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Extensive experience in operational excellence and process improvement, including leadership driving operational improvements…