Manager, Continuous Improvement

Director, Quality Sys & Process

Onsite – Buffalo, NY

Our team in the Military Aircraft Group is looking for a Continuous Improvement Manager to join us.

Reporting to the Director of Quality & Business Excellence , the Continuous Improvement Manager will lead the development and execution of continuous improvement strategies across the site. This role will be responsible for driving operational excellence, improving business performance, embedding lean principles, and developing a culture of problem-solving and continuous improvement.

You will work closely with leaders and teams across operations, engineering, quality, human resources, finance, supply chain, and other functions to identify opportunities, deliver sustainable improvements, and achieve measurable business results.

This is an onsite position based in East Aurora, NY .

To be considered for the Continuous Improvement Manager role, you’ll typically need to bring with you:

• •Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, operations, or another relevant technical discipline, with 5+ years of relevant experience .
• •Demonstrated progressive levels of accountability and responsibility in an operations, manufacturing, or business improvement environment.
• •7+ years of leadership experience , including demonstrated capability in:
• •Leading, developing, and coaching high-performing teams
• •Leading through influence and partnering with cross-functional teams to develop and deliver tactical and strategic improvement plans.
• •Facilitating organizational change and supporting the adoption of new processes and ways of working.
• •A continuous improvement mindset, with a proven track record of:
• •Implementing lean manufacturing and operational excellence strategies.
• •Leading process improvement initiatives that deliver measurable results.
• •Applying Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, value-stream mapping, root-cause analysis, and structured problem-solving techniques.
• •Strong critical-thinking skills, with the ability to analyze complex situations, identify key issues, and develop innovative and practical solutions.
• •Strategic thinking and the ability to develop and execute improvement plans aligned with organizational goals.
• •Ability to coordinate cross-functional teams and manage project timelines, priorities, and budgets.
• •Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• •Legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship.
• •Lean Six Sigma, ASQ, or similar continuous improvement certification preferred.

• •Lead and develop a continuous improvement team while promoting the organization’s culture and values.
• •Partner with site leadership and cross-functional teams to identify, prioritize, and deliver improvement opportunities aligned with business objectives.
• •Develop and deploy a site-wide continuous improvement strategy based on operational performance, business growth, customer requirements, and new product introduction.
• •Lead and facilitate Kaizen events, value-stream mapping exercises, process reviews, and structured problem-solving activities.
• •Establish standard work, performance-management routines, visual-management systems, and improvement governance processes.
• •Identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, cost, and employee engagement.
• •Use data and performance metrics to identify trends, quantify opportunities, monitor progress, and demonstrate the impact of improvement initiatives.
• •Develop and implement tools, processes, training materials, and standard work to embed continuous improvement across the site.
• •Coach leaders and employees in lean principles, root-cause analysis, waste elimination, and sustainable problem-solving.
• •Lead cross-functional reviews to ensure improvement actions are implemented, sustained, and aligned with operational requirements.
• •Support the identification and mitigation of operational risks while improving long-term business resilience.
• •Communicate progress, risks, and results to stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• •Promote a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning across the site.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to make a significant impact across a complex aerospace manufacturing environment. You will help shape the site’s continuous improvement culture, influence strategic and operational performance, and work with talented teams to deliver meaningful, sustainable results.

• •Financial Rewards: great compensation package, bonus opportunities , matching 401k, and the ability to participate in Employee Stock Purchase Plan (select locations), Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
• •Work/Life Balance: Flexible paid time off, holidays and parental leave program, relocation assistance.
• •Health & Welfare: Comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, Employee Assistance Plan (“EAP”) and other supplemental benefit coverages.
• •Professional Skills Development: Tuition Assistance, mentorship and coaching opportunities, leadership development and other personal growth programs
• •Culture: Warm, respectful, family-like environment driven by our 12 core values. Multiple Employee Resource Groups led by our employees, open and welcoming to all.