Continuous Improvement Manager - Walton
Job details
General information
Entity
Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the fields of aerospace (propulsion, equipment and interiors), space and defense. Its mission is to contribute sustainably to a safer world, where air transport becomes ever more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Present on every continent, the Group employs 110,000 people and generated 31.3 billion in revenue in 2025. Safran holds, either independently or through partnerships, leading global or European positions in its markets.
Safran was ranked second in the Aerospace & Defense sector in TIME magazine's ""World's Best Companies 2025"" ranking.
Safran Landing Systems is the world leader in landing gear, wheels & brakes, and associated systems for civil and military aircraft and helicopters. We master the entire lifecycle of our products, from design and manufacturing through to maintenance. Did you know that every second, somewhere in the world, an aircraft lands using one of our systems?
Would you like to grow in an international, stimulating and supportive environment within a human-sized company? Join us! Become one of our 8,000 passionate employees worldwide.
Don't meet 100% of the requirements? That's not a barrier for us. Above all, we're looking for creative and committed people!
Reference number
2026-184674
Job details
Domain
Performance and Support
Job field / Job profile
Continuous improvement - Performance improvment management
Job title
Continuous Improvement Manager - Walton
Employment @type
Permanent
Professional category
Professional, Engineer & Manager
Part time / Full time
Full-time
Job description
HERE, WE CRAFT EXCELLENCE TOGETHER. At Safran, we believe in sustainable career journeys, collaboration as a cornerstone of innovation, and the freedom to explore diverse career paths. As a Continuous Improvement Manager, you'll contribute to meaningful projects that shape the future of aerospace.
This position requires access to technologies and hardware subject to US national security based export control requirements. All applicants must be US Citizens, or otherwise authorized by the U.S. Government. No company sponsorship will be offered.
What we offer:
Competitive salaries
Paid holidays
Recognition programs
Comprehensive benefits
Retirement (401K) plans with employer match
Professional development opportunities
Tuition assistance
Over 300 career paths across global sites
Work Culture:
At Safran, we foster a respectful and inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued. We support sustainable career journeys and encourage employees to explore multiple paths for growth. Collaboration is essential to our success, and we are committed to helping every team member thrive. We engage with our communities through educational programs, outreach initiatives, and career events, inspiring future talent to join our mission.
Join Safran Landing Systems, where you can look to the skies and say "we did that."
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, Manufacturing, or a related field.
8+ years of experience leading Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, Lean Manufacturing, or Six Sigma initiatives within a manufacturing environment.
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification required.
Proven success implementing Lean and Continuous Improvement programs that drive measurable business results.
Experience leading organizational change and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Demonstrated ability to coach and develop Green Belt and Black Belt candidates through successful project completion and certification.
Advanced knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, problem-solving methodologies, and change management principles.
Strong leadership, communication, project management, and stakeholder influence skills.
Experience working in a multi-site or global manufacturing environment is preferred.
Preferred Qualifications
Master Black Belt certification.
Aerospace or other highly regulated manufacturing industry experience.
Experience supporting digital transformation, Lean 4.0, or process automation initiatives.
But what else? (advantages, specificities, etc.)
Safran Landing Systems is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. For verification or accommodation requests, please email Jeremy.dees@safrangroup.com or call 859-817-2910. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.
Candidates for positions with Safran Landing Systems must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Employment eligibility verification will be required at the time of hire.
Relocation assistance is not offered for this position.
Candidate skills & requirements
Lead Transformation. Drive Operational Excellence. Make an Impact.
Safran Landing Systems is seeking a strategic and results-oriented Continuous Improvement Manager to lead operational excellence initiatives across our Walton, Kentucky operations. This leadership role is responsible for driving Lean transformation, developing site capabilities, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement that delivers measurable business results.
Key Responsibilities
Lead Continuous Improvement activities across both the Carbon and Wheel & Brake facilities.
Deploy and sustain Lean methodologies and best practices, including QRQC, 5S, FOD prevention, Poka-Yoke, and Ergonomics.
Manage the site's Balanced Scorecard (BSC) process, ensuring effective implementation, tracking, and closure of improvement actions.
Support deployment of the Industrial Performance Program and One Safran initiatives.
Build and strengthen the site's Lean Six Sigma culture by coordinating training, identifying Green Belt, Black Belt, and Master Black Belt candidates, and coaching project leaders through certification.
Lead departmental and cross-functional projects that improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and employee engagement.
Drive site transformation initiatives, including Lean 4.0, digital tools, automation, and process improvement technologies.
Manage the Walton Continuous Improvement Department, including staffing, resource planning, employee development, and budget management.
Serve as the Site Business Process Manager (BPM) for the IMP process.
Establish strong partnerships with site leadership, corporate teams, and external stakeholders to support enterprise-wide improvement efforts.
Develop and maintain CI performance metrics, dashboards, communications, and reporting to ensure visibility of results and progress.
Key Success Factors include:
Successfully coordinate Lean Sigma training for targeted employees.
Complete and sustain One Safran deployment waves.
Assess team capabilities and implement development plans through skills matrix management and resource planning.
Drive Green Belt projects to successful completion and certification.
Create and implement a site-wide Continuous Improvement dashboard with meaningful performance indicators.
Establish effective communication pathways and reporting processes between the Walton site, Wheel & Brake, and Safran Landing Systems organizations.
Strengthen the site's Continuous Improvement culture through coaching, engagement, and measurable results.
Qualifications
Proven experience leading Continuous Improvement, Lean, or Six Sigma initiatives in a manufacturing environment.
Strong leadership, coaching, project management, and change management skills.
Demonstrated ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of an organization.
Passion for operational excellence, employee development, and continuous learning.
Annual salary
TBD
Job location
Job location
North America, United States, Kentucky, Walton
City (-ies)
WALTON
Applicant criteria
Minimum education level achieved
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum experience level required
More than 5 years
ITAR Controlled Position: Select "Yes" if role requires U.S. citizenship/permanent residency
Yes
