Continuous Improvement Manager Jobs in California

Howmet Fastening Systems is seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager for our Fullerton, CA site. 

Summary 

The Continuous Improvement Manager will lead operational excellence initiatives across manufacturing operations within the FUL Fullerton site, driving improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost. This role is responsible for deploying Lean methodologies, optimizing processes, and building a strong culture of continuous improvement aligned with business objectives.

The position partners closely with cross-functional teams to implement sustainable solutions, enhance performance through data-driven insights, and develop internal capabilities by coaching leaders and teams.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and execute continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations, focusing on safety, quality, delivery, and cost (SQDC) performance.

• Improvement agent--provides expertise and guidance while contributing substantively to implementation and solutions; serves with both strategic and tactical implementation assistance; listens well to ensure the right interventions occur; maintains focus as an internal partner versus outside observer
• Sustainability support--understands plant and enterprise level strategy and prioritize; creates follow up plans, support and accountability to ensure adoption and independent implementation
• Educational implementer--conducts planned events and responds to operational needs to create efficiencies that support strategies; enables next steps for the business and creates virtuous cycles of feedback and performance at a local level; manages projects and events efficiently and maximizes allocation of resources under time pressure

• Partner with Operations, Engineering, and Quality teams to identify improvement opportunities and implement sustainable solutions

• Champion and embed a culture of continuous improvement across the organization by enabling teams through training, structured methodologies, and cross-functional initiatives that drive sustainable performance

• Develop and track KPIs, dashboards, and performance metrics to measure operational efficiency and improvement impact.

• Facilitate root cause analysis and problem-solving methodologies (e.g., A3, 8D) to resolve complex operational issues.

• Coach and mentor leaders and frontline teams to build internal continuous improvement capabilities and accountability

• Lead cross-functional projects, ensuring alignment with business objectives, timelines, and financial targets.

• Drive Lean Manufacturing methodologies (Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Standard Work) to optimize processes and eliminate waste.

• Promote a strong culture of safety, compliance, and operational discipline across all levels of the organization

Supervisory Responsibilities                                           

• Lead and influence cross-functional team across Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and others business unit to drive continuous improvement initiatives

• Operate effectively within a Matrix Organization, partnering with site and functional leaders without direct reporting authority to achieve aligned business outcomes.

• Drive alignment across multiple stakeholders, balancing priorities and ensuring consistent implementation of improvement strategies

• Collaborate with leadership to identify talent, support development plans, and strengthen organizational capability in continuous improvement practices

• Facilitate project teams and improvement workshops, ensuring engagement, accountability, and timely execution.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations, industrial engineering, or related field from an accredited institution.

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, with strong focus on continuous improvement or operational excellence.

• Proven experience applying Lean Manufacturing tools and methodologies in a production environment.

• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional projects and deliver measurable business results

• Experience leading cultural transformation initiatives and driving employee engagement in continuous improvement

• Minimum 3 years of people leadership or indirect leadership experience 

Preferred Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma certification (Black Belt or Green Belt) preferred

• Experience in fastening, aerospace, automotive, or precision manufacturing industries preferred

• Minimum 3 years of people leadership or indirect leadership experience 

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus

Physical Demands 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. 

• Frequently required to stand and sit. 

• Occasionally required to walk and talk or hear. 

• Occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 30 pounds. 

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate; however, it may be occasionally loud enough where hearing protection is required

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. 

• Work hours – typically 5 days per week, 8 hours per day. Additional hours may be required based on business needs and operational demands. 

Benefits/Salary:

The position includes competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package available day one of hire, including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), excellent 401k matching program, paid holidays and vacation. Howmet Aerospace curates a strong working environment through opportunities for career progression, community engagement activities, and flexible schedules contingent upon role and location. The salary range for this position is $110,000 to $160,000.