SMS Area Lead- Support Functions

Role Summary

SMS Area Lead- Support Functions (Continuous Improvement Specialist in Quality, Supply Chain, and Support areas) based in Swiftwater, PA. Leads OPEX activities within specific departments or PCUs, drives CI initiatives, and serves as an expert in SMS 2.0 standards and GPS3 problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Being the OPEX representative for a specific department(s) and/or Process Centric Units (PCUs)
• Support the deployment and maturation of SMS 2.0 operating standards as defined in respective ecosystems
• Ensure milestone adherence for SMS area‚Äôs roadmap
• Support the assigned area with performance measurement, analysis, reporting, and corrective/preventive action
• Drive continuous improvement for the assigned SMS 2.0 areas as the Level 2 CI Specialist
• Provide coaching and guidance to Level 1 CI specialists to assure CI loop is delivering the desired performance and is aligned with the SMS 2.0 CI pillar standard
• Participate in the identification and prioritization of performance improvement initiatives on the shop floor
• Lead problem-solving sessions leveraging existing SMS tools as Gemba Problem Solving (GPS3)
• Serve as a GPS3 onsite expert to lead critical investigations
• Provide GPS3 training in support of SMS Upskilling Lead
• Coach departments/PCUs during investigations to establish embedded, self-sufficient GPS3 ways of working within the operational areas
• Be the OPEX method and training referent for the area and support M&S network (e.g., Maturity Assessment execution, SMS Trainer)
• Contribute to the SMS training program by being a certified trainer and by defining and supporting the SMS upskilling plan for the specific area
• Coordinate the preparation and execution of Maturity Assessments with the PCU, SMS Program Lead, and visiting Assessors
• Expert knowledge of SMS Standards to manage performance for the specific area supported

Qualifications

• Bachelor‚Äôs degree in Engineering, Science, Business, or a related field, with 3+ years of experience in continuous improvement, manufacturing operations, or a related area. OR
• In lieu of a degree, 9+ years of relevant experience in continuous improvement, manufacturing operations, or a related field, with a demonstrated track record of career growth and progression.
• Strong knowledge and practical application of continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, CI, Manufacturing Excellence, SMS, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor‚Äôs degree in Engineering, Science, Business, or a related field, with 10+ years of experience in manufacturing operations or operational excellence roles.
• SMS Intermediate certification or an equivalent Lean and/or Six Sigma certification from a recognized organization (e.g., AME, ASQ, LEI, LSSI).
• Proven experience applying continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean, CI, Manufacturing Excellence, SMS, or similar framework