Sr. Operations Improvement Manager - Aerospace (Contract)

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Job Description:

Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility in Mobile, AL is seeking a highly experienced and results-driven Senior Operations Improvement Manager (Contract) to lead continuous improvement initiatives to support the Ramp Up of the A320 Family in our Final Assembly & Completions Business.

Meet the Team:

On ‘Airbus Way’ you will find the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility for commercial aircraft. Opened at the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley in 2015, the facility produces A320 Family aircraft and added a second product line for the A220 in 2019. The facility, which strengthens the U.S. aerospace industry, is part of Airbus’ strategy to enhance its global competitiveness by meeting the growing needs of its customers in the United States and beyond.

Your Working Environment:

The successful candidate will be a strategic leader, responsible for driving operational excellence, implementing lean manufacturing principles, and optimizing processes to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve quality. This role requires a deep understanding of the aerospace industry, a strong background in operational leadership, and a proven track record of successfully implementing large-scale improvement projects.

Your Boarding Pass:

• Process Optimization: Identify, analyze, and implement opportunities for process improvements. Utilize a wide range of Lean tools and methodologies such as Value Stream Mapping, the 5S System, Kaizen events, Kanban, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), and Single-Minute Exchange of Die (SMED).

• Coaching and Development: Act as a coach and mentor for team members and a change agent for the organization. Foster a culture of continuous improvement by training and empowering employees at all levels to identify and solve problems.

• Data Analysis & Reporting: Use data-driven approaches to diagnose root causes of operational inefficiencies. Develop and maintain metrics to track the effectiveness of improvement initiatives and report progress to senior leadership.

• Project Management: Oversee and manage multiple improvement projects simultaneously, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and deliver the intended results.

• Cost & Quality Improvement: Drive significant reductions in operational costs, lead times, and waste, while simultaneously improving product quality, on-time delivery, and customer satisfaction.

• Safety & Compliance: Ensure all improvement projects and new processes adhere to strict aerospace industry regulations (e.g., AS9100, FAA) and company safety protocols.

Education Required: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Aerospace, Industrial), Business Administration, or a related field.

Preferred Education - Masters degree preferred.

Required Experience:

• Minimum of 15 years of experience in an operations management or continuous improvement role within the aerospace or a highly regulated, complex manufacturing industry.

• Demonstrated expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies. Six Sigma Black Belt preferred.

• Excellent project management skills with a history of managing complex, large-scale projects from conception to completion.

• In-depth knowledge of aerospace quality standards (e.g., AS9100) and regulatory requirements (e.g., FAA).

• Proficiency in relevant software (e.g., ERP systems, project management tools, statistical software).

• Experience with a variety of manufacturing processes, including composite manufacturing, machining, and precision assembly.

Physical Requirements:

• Onsite 100% of the time

• Vision: able to see and read computer screen and other electronic equipment with screens, able to read documents, reports and engineering drawings on a daily basis

• Hearing: able to hear to participate in conversations in person and via teleconference or phone and to hear sounds on production floor including safety warnings or alarms on a daily basis

• Speaking: able to speak in conversations and meetings, deliver information and participate in communications on a daily basis

• Equipment Operation (personal computer, telephone, copies, fax machine, and related office equipment and using electronic identification card to enter building floors and internal doors): able to operate most office and personal electronic equipment and some tools including production tools such as hydraulic lifts on a daily basis

• Carrying: able to carry documents, tools, drawings, electronic equipment up to 30lbs/14kgs on a daily basis

• Lifting: able to lift documents, tools, drawings, electronic equipment up to 30lbs/14kgs irregularly

• Pushing / Pulling: able to push and pull small office furniture and some equipment and tools irregularly

• Sitting: able to sit for long periods of time in meetings, working on computer on a daily basis

• Squatting / Kneeling: able to squat or kneel to retrieve or replace items stored on low shelving irregularly

• Standing: able to stand for discussions in offices or on production floor on a daily basis

• Travel: able to travel independently and at short notice 10% of the time

• Walking (include routine walking such as to a shared printer to retrieve documents): able to walk through office and production areas including uneven surfaces on a daily basis

• Personal Protective Equipment required: Required PPE includes, but is not limited to, Safety Shoes, Safety Glasses, Hearing Protection, Respirators/Masks, and/or Protective Gloves as required by site and/or customer site

• Administrative position only PPE required: Steel-toed shoes are required for all shop floor visit, appropriate hearing/eye protection may also be required when visiting the shop floor.

This position is a temporary (contract) position with no specific time period but could be extended or shortened as needed. Contractors are employed by a 3rd party vendor and placed on assignment to Airbus in America.

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

Company:

Airbus Americas, Inc.

Employment Type:

Agency / Temporary

Experience Level:

Professional

Remote Type:

On-site

Job Family:

Leadership <JF-FA-EM>

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Job Posting End Date: 09.21.2025Airbus provides equal opportunities to all individuals seeking assignment with Airbus without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status or other legally protected status. In addition to federal law requirements, Airbus complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in every location in which the company has facilities. Airbus expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status or other legally protected status. This assignment description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

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