Continuous Improvement Manager

Alcoa Massena Operations is seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager to lead the advancement of operational excellence and continuous improvement initiatives across the site. This role serves as a key partner to leaders and employees throughout the organization, helping drive sustainable business improvements through the Alcoa Business System (ABS), Lean Manufacturing principles, and structured problem-solving methodologies.

This professional will work cross-functionally with operations, maintenance, support functions, and leadership teams to identify opportunities, improve processes, build internal capability, and deliver measurable business results. This is a highly visible role that combines strategic thinking, change leadership, coaching, and hands-on execution to strengthen performance across the operation.

About the Role

• Lead the deployment and sustainability of Lean Manufacturing systems and continuous improvement initiatives across multiple functional areas, including Production, Maintenance, EHS, Procurement, Human Resources, and other support organizations.

• Partner with leaders and employees to identify opportunities that improve safety, quality, productivity, reliability, and cost performance across the operation.

• Facilitate improvement projects from concept through implementation, ensuring actions are aligned with site objectives and deliver measurable business value.

• Lead initiatives focused on process optimization, cost reduction, operational effectiveness, industrial engineering studies, and business planning activities.

• Develop, coach, and mentor employees and leaders in continuous improvement tools and methodologies, fostering a culture of accountability, ownership, and problem-solving.

• Facilitate structured problem-solving efforts using A3 methodology, standardized work, root cause analysis, and other Lean principles.

• Drive organizational change initiatives that improve customer-supplier connections, eliminate waste, and increase operational efficiency.

• Track, validate, and document business improvements and savings through established reporting systems and performance metrics.

• Support the development of annual operating plans, performance targets, and departmental budgets in partnership with site leadership

• Serve as a trusted advisor and change agent, helping teams adopt and sustain best practices across the organization.

What You Bring

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.

• 4-6+ years of experience leading process improvement, operational excellence, continuous improvement, Lean Manufacturing, or related initiatives.

• Strong understanding of budget development, implementation, and performance management processes.

• Demonstrated experience implementing Lean Manufacturing principles and driving measurable operational improvements.

• Excellent facilitation, coaching, and change management skills.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with the ability to translate data into actionable improvements.

• Ability to influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization without direct authority.

• Proven success leading cross-functional teams and driving results in complex environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous leadership experience within a manufacturing, industrial, metals, mining, chemicals, or heavy industrial environment.

• Formal training or certification in Lean, Six Sigma, Operational Excellence, or Continuous Improvement methodologies.

• Experience leading large-scale organizational change initiatives.

• Knowledge of industrial production processes and value stream optimization.

What's on Offer:

• Competitive compensation packages, including pay-for-performance variable pay as well as recognition and rewards programs

• Flexible spending accounts and generous employer contribution to the HSA

• 401(k), employer match up to 6%, additional employer retirement income contribution (no vesting period), and a non-qualified deferred compensation plan

• 15 vacation days prorated in the 1st year based on hire date

• Alcoa has been chosen as one of America's Greatest Workplaces 2023 by Newsweek

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