Continuous Improvement Manager

Eaton's IS AER FMC division is currently seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager. This position is based at our Jackson, MS facility. Relocation assistance is provided.

The Jackson facility has approximately 550 employees and is a leader in the design, development, and manufacture of Aerospace hydraulic components, systems, and services to the global aftermarket and OEM markets.

The expected annual salary range for this role is $113000 - $165000 a year.

Please note the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

What you'll do:

Position Summary:

The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for leading and driving operational excellence, business process improvement, and lean transformation initiatives across a 550-employee aerospace manufacturing facility. Reporting directly to the Plant Manager, this position serves as a key member of the site leadership team and partners with Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Engineering, Supply Chain, Program Management, Maintenance, Finance, Human Resources, and other support functions to improve performance across all business processes.

The role is accountable for establishing and sustaining a culture of continuous improvement through the deployment of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and problem-solving methodologies. The Continuous Improvement Manager will identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, inventory, productivity, and employee engagement while ensuring compliance with aerospace industry requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Continuous Improvement Leadership

• Develop and execute the site''s continuous improvement strategy aligned with business objectives and customer requirements.
• Serve as the primary change agent for operational excellence initiatives across all functions.
• Partner with the Plant Manager and leadership team to establish annual improvement priorities and measurable targets.
• Build a culture that embraces data-driven decision-making, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Lean Manufacturing and Operational Excellence

• Lead deployment and sustainment of Lean Manufacturing principles throughout the facility.
• Facilitate value stream mapping and identify waste reduction opportunities across manufacturing and administrative processes.
• Drive implementation of Lean tools including:

o 5S

o Standard Work

o Visual Management

o Daily Management Systems

o Kaizen Events

o Error-Proofing (Poka-Yoke)

o TPM (Total Productive Maintenance)

o Pull Systems and Flow Improvements

• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure improvement effectiveness.

Business Process Improvement

• Lead cross-functional efforts to streamline and optimize processes across:

o Operations

o Manufacturing Engineering

o Quality Engineering

o Supply Chain

o Materials Management

o Program Management

o Maintenance

o Finance

o Human Resources

o Administrative Functions

• Identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and systemic issues impacting business performance.
• Develop sustainable solutions that improve cycle times, productivity, quality, and customer satisfaction.

Problem Solving and Data Analytics

• Facilitate structured problem-solving activities using methodologies such as:

o DMAIC

o PDCA

o A3

o Root Cause Analysis

o 8D

o Fishbone Diagrams

o Statistical Analysis

• Analyze operational data and trends to identify improvement opportunities.
• Utilize data visualization and reporting tools to communicate performance and progress.

Workforce Development and Culture

• Develop and deliver training programs on Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Mentor leaders, supervisors, engineers, and frontline employees on improvement practices.
• Facilitate Kaizen workshops and continuous improvement events.
• Lead employee engagement efforts that encourage idea generation and ownership of improvement activities.

Project Management

• Manage a portfolio of continuous improvement projects from identification through implementation and sustainment.
• Establish clear project charters, timelines, deliverables, and financial impact measurements.
• Ensure project benefits are validated and sustained through appropriate controls and monitoring.

Qualifications:

Required (Basic) Qualifications:

• Minimum five (5) years of experience in Lean Six Sigma, Continuous Improvement, and/or Operational Excellence
• Minimum two (2) years of supervisory or manager of people experience in a manufacturing environment
• Must be able to work in the United States without corporate sponsorship now and within the future
• This position requires access to export-controlled information. To conform to U.S. Government export regulations applicable to that information, applicant must be a U.S. person, defined as a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (green card holder), (iii) refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Seven (7) years of experience in Lean Six Sigma and/or Operational Excellence

Additional Information:

Key Performance Indicators:

The Continuous Improvement Manager will be measured through improvements in:

• Safety performance
• Cost of poor quality
• Manufacturing lead time
• Labor productivity
• Inventory turns
• Scrap and rework reduction
• Overall equipment effectiveness (OEE)
• Working capital improvements
• Employee engagement in continuous improvement activities
• Annual cost savings and productivity improvements

We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant''s race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

Eaton considers qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with local laws. To request a disability-related reasonable accommodation to assist you in your job search, application or interview process, please call us at 1-800-836-6345 to discuss your specific need. Only accommodation requests will be accepted by this phone number.

We know that good benefit programs are important to employees and their families. Eaton provides various Health and Welfare benefits as well as Retirement benefits, and several programs that provide for paid and unpaid time away from work. Click here for more detail: Eaton Benefits Overview. Please note that specific programs and options available to an employee may depend on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.