Continuous Improvement Leader

About the role

Axalta is looking for a Continuous Improvement Leader to join its Front Royal, Virginia facility. The role leads improvement initiatives that eliminate waste and non-value-added work using Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen and logical problem solving, and supports the development and validation of new capacity and processes.

Key responsibilities

• Lead improvement initiatives to eliminate waste and non-value-added work using Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen and logical problem solving.
• Support the development and validation of new capacity and processes.
• Develop proposals for special projects that include ROI, benefits and alternatives.
• Facilitate cross-functional expert teams to drive breakthrough or Best-in-Class performance in People, Quality, Material Flow, Inventory and Cost, identifying team members and securing their approval.
• Provide basic Six Sigma training to project team members and apply Six Sigma tools to measure, analyze, improve and control processes.
• Report project progress to the Champion and other leadership at least monthly, and prepare plans to track performance and ensure quality and savings goals are met.
• Analyze processes to identify strategies that improve safety, quality, capacity and productivity, and recommend solutions through a lean lens.
• Work directly at the shop floor (Gemba) and partner with organizational leaders to drive process improvements.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, chemistry or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• 10 years of experience in progressive operations leadership roles focused on operational excellence.
• Experience applying or implementing lean manufacturing, Kaizen methodology and production systems.
• Strong financial and analytical skills, with experience gathering and analyzing business data and KPIs for senior leadership.
• Change agent with a record of transformational change, able to work across the network without direct reporting lines.
• Flexible and adaptable to a demanding, fast-paced environment.

Required skills

• Lean, Six Sigma and Kaizen tools and methods
• Operations, quality systems and EHS&S knowledge
• Project management and data analysis

What we offer

• Expected compensation of $140,000 - $160,000 USD annually; final offer depends on qualifications, experience and location.
• Eligibility for benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.