What are the responsibilities and job description for the Continuous Improvement Manager position at CIRCOR International, Inc.?
Senior Manager, Continuous Improvement
Business: CIRCOR Aerospace & Defense
Location: Corona, CA (On-site)
Reports To: Sr. Director, Site Leader
Functional Reporting: Corporate CI Organization
The Senior Manager, Continuous Improvement is responsible for leading and executing site improvement initiatives, utilizing Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to achieve strategic business objectives. This role requires a deep understanding of risk assessment processes and the ability to drive a culture of operational excellence. Partnering with site and group leadership, this leader will facilitate Lean transformations, train employees, and implement tools to eliminate waste across administrative, manufacturing, and support functions. Progress is measured and reported regularly at the group level.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the site’s CIRCOR Operating System (COS) program to meet business goals.
- Conduct regular COS assessments, identify gaps, develop solutions, and manage the Resolution and Action Item List (RAIL).
- Communicate COS progress effectively with executive leadership, senior leadership, and associates.
- Train and implement problem-solving methodologies and critical thinking tools.
- Drive problem-solving compliance across all administrative, manufacturing, and support functions.
- Facilitate and lead Enterprise and Manufacturing Kaizen events at the Corona site and other locations as needed.
- Lead advanced improvement events such as Value Stream Mapping, Kaizens, and complex improvement projects.
- Mentor CI Managers and provide support to other sites as required.
- Perform other duties as assigned to enhance continuous improvement initiatives.
Qualifications & Requirements
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Strong experience in developing and implementing structured problem-solving processes.
- Hands-on expertise in coaching, mentoring, and leading problem-solving teams and projects.
- Proven ability to drive a problem-solving culture.
- Demonstrated success in Lean manufacturing and improvement strategy execution.
- Experience with Mixed-Model Cells and High-Mix, Low-Volume Manufacturing.
- Proficiency in Business Process Kaizens and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Strong data analysis skills with the ability to identify improvement opportunities.
- Excellent team-building, facilitation, and communication skills.
- Advanced project management capabilities.
- Expertise in manufacturing operations processes and tools.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Teaching and coaching mentality with the ability to foster a culture of learning.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Industrial, or related field) OR equivalent experience of 5 years in continuous improvement roles.
- 5 years of experience leading cross-functional teams in a matrixed organization.
- Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification is a plus.
Compensation
Pay Range: $130,000 – $160,000 per year
Compensation may vary based on market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
About CIRCOR Aerospace & Defense
CIRCOR Aerospace & Defense specializes in the design, development, and manufacturing of fluid and motion control products for aerospace and defense applications. Our products are used across commercial and military aircraft, including single and twin-aisle air transport, business jets, regional jets, military transports, fighters, rotorcraft, unmanned aircraft, naval vessels, and military ground vehicles.
We have business units in Corona, CA; Warren, MA; Hauppauge, NY; Paris, France; Uxbridge, UK; and Tangier, Morocco.
Our parent company, CIRCOR International, is headquartered in Burlington, MA, while CIRCOR Aerospace & Defense is based in Corona, CA.
Salary : $130,000 - $160,000
