Director of Operations - Continuous Improvement

Job Description
At BAE Systems, we are committed to operational excellence and continuous improvement in everything we do. At a director level, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our quality strategies and ensuring that our manufacturing processes meet the highest standards, while also contributing to our mission of delivering exceptional products to our soldiers.

The Director of Operations - Continuous Improvement will be responsible for enhancing operational efficiency and product quality within our government contract vehicle manufacturing division. This role will utilize a robust quality assurance background and a proven track record in continuous improvement methodologies. This position supports leadership in decision-making and strategy formulation related to quality and process improvement.

This position may require occasional travel to manufacturing sites and customer locations for audits, inspections, or training purposes. The role may involve on-site assessments and collaboration with teams in diverse environments.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive continuous improvement strategy that aligns with the organizational goals and quality standards.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of improvement initiatives.
• Utilize Lean, Six Sigma, and other methodologies to drive process improvement and eliminate waste within manufacturing operations.
• Facilitate Kaizen events and workshops to engage teams in identifying and implementing improvements.
• Work closely with the quality assurance team to ensure that continuous improvement efforts enhance product quality and comply with government regulations and standards (e.g., ISO, DFARS).
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action planning for quality-related issues.
• Ensure that all processes meet applicable regulatory requirements and standards, preparing the organization for audits and inspections.
• Develop training programs and workshops to promote a culture of continuous improvement and quality awareness among employees.
• Mentor and coach team members on continuous improvement techniques and best practices.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to foster a holistic approach to continuous improvement that encompasses the entire value chain.
• Analyze operational data to identify trends, areas for improvement, and opportunities for cost savings.
• Prepare and present reports on continuous improvement initiatives, outcomes, and overall impact to senior leadership.
• Establish mechanisms for gathering and incorporating feedback from staff, customers, and stakeholders to inform continuous improvement strategies.
• Support senior leadership, providing input on operational strategy and quality management.
• Represent the leadership team in meetings and decision-making processes in the absence of the relevant executives.
• Act as a liaison between departments to facilitate communication and collaboration on continuous improvement projects and quality initiatives.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Quality Management, Business Administration, or a related field and 12 years work experience or equivalent experience
• Experience in Continuous Improvement and Quality Management
• Proven track record of implementing successful continuous improvement projects that resulted in measurable outcomes
• Experience in Program/Project Management
• Experience in People Management/Leadership
• Experience in Cross-functional Leadership
• Ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously and meet deadlines
• Ability to foster a collaborative work environment
• Ability to conveying complex information effectively to diverse audiences
• Strong analytical capabilities with a focus on data-driven decision-making and problem resolution
• Excellent project management skills
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Certification: Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt or Quality Management (e.g., CQE, CQM)
• Experience in Defense/Government Contract Manufacturing

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $154815 - $263185

Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.

Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20 hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.


About BAE Systems Platforms & Services
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it’s what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts – defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team—making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you’ll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.

The Platforms & Services (P&S) sector under BAE Systems, Inc does the big stuff: the armored combat vehicles, naval guns, missile launchers, and naval ship repair…just to name a few. Our employees take pride in the work they do and why they do it. They are on the front lines every day, building our products to protect the lives of those who serve. We may be biased, but we think P&S does some of the coolest work around, and we think you will too.

This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

Salary : $154,815 - $263,185