What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Analyst Continuous Improvement position at PPI Quality & Engineering, LLC?
The Lead Analyst, Continuous Improvement is a high-impact functional leader responsible for directing performance improvement initiatives across procurement, engineering, construction, commissioning, and operations. This role serves as the central authority for Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Lean application to enhance safety, quality, reliability, and cost efficiency.
The Lead Analyst does not manage a direct-report team but functions as a functional leader for complex projects, gathering and directing cross-functional personnel to drive operational excellence. Reporting to the Senior Director of Continuous Improvement, this role ensures corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) are not just identified, but rigorously executed across the organization.
Key Responsibilities
RCA & Functional Leadership
• Direct and facilitate high-consequence RCA workshops, serving as the lead investigator to drive defect elimination and reliability improvements.
• Mobilize and direct cross-functional teams (Quality, HSSE, Operations, Supply Chain) to address systemic issues, acting with the authority of a "Lead Auditor" for the CI process.
• Standardize CI and RCA tools, templates, and reporting mechanisms to ensure organizational consistency.
• Validate the effectiveness of CAPA actions, ensuring sustainable resolution of root causes.
Defect, Waste, and Risk Reduction
• Analyze complex data sets to identify systemic trends impacting quality, cost, and safety.
• Partner with functional leaders to implement sustainable improvements that reduce the Cost of Quality (COQ).
• Drive programs that enhance process reliability and environmental/safety performance.
Capability Building & Knowledge Management
• Coach and influence teams at all levels on Lean methods and structured problem-solving (e.g., 5-Why, Fishbone, A3).
• Capture and document lessons learned into a central knowledge repository to prevent recurrence across business units.
• Integrate CI outcomes into design standards, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and training materials.
Performance Management
• Track and report on KPIs, quantifying the financial and operational benefits of CI initiatives.
• Provide executive-level visibility through dashboards, metrics, and progress updates to leadership.
Qualifications
Education & Certifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Operations, or a related technical field required.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred.
Experience
• 5 years of experience in Continuous Improvement, Quality, or Operations within LNG, Oil & Gas, or heavy industrial manufacturing.
• Significant RCA Leadership: Proven track record of leading complex, high-stakes Root Cause Analyses with measurable results.
• Functional Team Lead Experience: Demonstrated ability to gather, direct, and influence cross-functional groups without formal direct-line authority.
• Strong background in CAPA management and process defect elimination.
Technical & Leadership Skills
• Expert-level proficiency in Lean tools and structured problem-solving frameworks.
• Strategic Facilitation: Ability to manage high-pressure workshops and drive consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Results-oriented mindset with the organizational skills to manage multiple high-priority initiatives simultaneously.