Continuous Improvement Director

Saab, Inc. is seeking a Director to establish and lead our corporate Continuous Improvement activities across our US business. Saab, Inc. executes a wide range of programs supporting government, commercial, and internal stakeholders with a wide range of services from technology development to production. The Continuous ImprovementDirector will establish best practices including Processes, Methods and Tools, and provide support to our Operations teams across the entire enterprise. The Director will also be responsible for identifying process inefficiencies, implementing process optimization strategies, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The Continuous Improvement Director will ensure adherence to standardized processes and practices that align to corporate Saab's Global Management System.

The ideal candidate has significant and broad operations management experience in an US Aerospace or DoD environment, organizational leadership experience, strong communication skills, and a demonstrated ability to strategically partner with key stakeholders. The candidate should also possess an expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies with the ability to lead cross-functional teams, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and achieve measurable performance outcomes.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Drive employee engagement and involvement in Continuous Improvement initiatives across all levels of the organization.

• Develop, lead and manage quality and continuous improvement activities within and across sites. Must be able to challenge the status quo and be a strong communicator.

• Develop consistent KPI's to track and drive continuous improvement (site and business level).

• Leverage data analytics and digital tools to enhance process improvement decision-making and optimize performance.

• Build a Continuous Improvement culture to provide focus on execution and on-time deliveries.

• Subject matter expert in quality, continuous improvement concepts and tools, and LEAN principles to drive breakthrough performance in people, quality, material flow, and cost.

• Minimum of seven to ten years of hands-on lean kaizen, including VSM, daily management, standard work, cell design, material flow, 3P/layout, 5S and visual management.

• Builds a strong network and relationships with internal stakeholders to gain buy-in.

• Ensure the sustainability of Continuous Improvement efforts by integrating new systems and practices into daily operations.

• Drive the mapping of workflows, removal of waste and non-value-added activities, and recommend/implement solutions. Lead implementation of changes, acting as a Continuous Improvement mentor for the entire organization.

• Establish and drive Continuous Improvement initiatives aligned with organizational strategic goals.

• Partners with sites & functional leadership teams to develop and manage a project portfolio. Identify, prioritize, and execute projects to improve safety, quality, process capability and customer satisfaction. Responsible for working effectively with operations to define process and quality issues, measure current process performance, analyze root cause, and develop/implement targeted process improvement to achieve sustained performance and standard work.

• LEAN experience from a strong, formal lean business system. Excellent Lean tool technical skills, project management experience and decision-making capability.

• Experience leading strategy deployment and goal deployment, as well as developing a site-side lean roadmap with demonstrated results.

• Proven track record leading and coaching Kaizen teams with an emphasis on execution.

• Ability to influence cross-functional site leadership, with excellent written and verbal communication skills, well respected by leadership and associates.

• Other duties as assigned.

Compensation Range: $194,300-$257,500

The compensation range provided is a general guideline. When extending an offer, Saab, Inc. considers factors including (but not limited to) the role and associated responsibilities, location, and market and business considerations, as well as the candidate's work experience, key skills, and education/training.

• Experience in leading continuous improvement initiatives

• Working knowledge of multiple business functions, including operations, quality, logistics, finance, sales, customer service, engineering, IT, and human resources.

• Experience managing or leading cross-functional teams

• Strong analytical and data management skills.

• Experienced in all Microsoft Office applications.

• Strong knowledge of ERP/MRP and PLM functionality. Oracle experience a plus.

• Ability to work independently and cross-functionally in a matrix organization.

• Experience training and coaching a formal problem-solving methodology.

• Ability to effectively lead and manage change

• Excellent communication and organizational skills

• Ability to work independently in a dynamic, complex, operations environment

• Identifies and drives strategic improvements and leads cross-functional team

• Detail oriented and driven

• Bachelor's degree, ideally in a related technical discipline e.g. engineering, operations. Master's Degree preferred.

• LEAN, 6 sigma, or relevant quality certifications preferred.

• Minimum of 10 years manufacturing experience in a manufacturing environment.

• Project management experience strongly desired.

• AS9100 experience preferred.

• Expected travel of 50%-75%

Citizenship Requirements:

Must be a U.S. citizen. Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Drug-Free Workplaces:

Saab is a federal government contractor and adheres to policies and programs necessary for sustaining drug-free workplaces. As a condition of employment, candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Saab provides an excellent working environment offering professional growth opportunities, competitive wages, work-life balance, business-casual atmosphere and comprehensive benefits:

• Medical, vision and dental insurance for employees and dependents

• Paid time off including: minimum of 3 weeks vacation, 5 floating holidays, 8 designated holidays, parental leave, personal illness, bereavement, jury duty, long-term and short-term disability

• 401(k) with immediate vesting on employer match

• Tuition assistance

• Student loan assistance

• Wellness account, Care.com subscription and employee assistance programs

• Employee stock purchase program with employer match

Saab is a leading defense and security company with an enduring mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 19,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer, more sustainable and more equitable world. In the U.S., Saab delivers advanced technology and systems, supporting the U.S. Armed Forces and the Federal Aviation Administration, as well as international and commercial partners. Headquartered in Syracuse, New York, the company has business units and local employees in eight U.S. locations.

Saab is a company where we see diversity as an asset and offer unlimited opportunities for advancing in your career. We are also a company that respects each person's needs and encourage employees to lead a balanced, rewarding life beyond work. Saab values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action employer. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran, disability status, or any other federal, state, or locally protected category.