SMS Area Lead- Support Functions

Role Summary

SMS Area Lead - Support Functions: Continuous Improvement Specialist (Quality, Supply Chain, Support areas) based in Swiftwater, PA. Focuses on deploying SMS 2.0 operating standards, leading CI initiatives, and coaching teams to deliver performance improvements within SMS 2.0 framework.

Responsibilities

• Being the OPEX representative for 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 defined.
• 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 ensure CI loop delivers the desired performance and aligns with the SMS 2.0 CI pillar standard.
• Participate in 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 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.
• 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.

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 9+ years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
• Strong knowledge and practical application of continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, CI, Manufacturing Excellence, SMS).
• Bachelor‚Äôs degree with 10+ years of experience in manufacturing operations or operational excellence roles (Preferred).
• SMS Intermediate certification or equivalent Lean/Six Sigma certification from a recognized organization (e.g., AME, ASQ, LEI, LSSI) (Preferred).

Skills

• Proven experience applying continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean, CI, Manufacturing Excellence, SMS, or similar framework.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and experience leading GPS3-style investigations.
• Effective coaching and training capabilities for CI teams and frontline operations.
• Excellent collaboration and stakeholder management across departments and PCUs.

Education

• As listed in Qualifications (Bachelor‚Äôs degree in Engineering, Science, Business, or related field) or equivalent experience as specified above.

Additional Requirements

• Location: Swiftwater, PA (on-site) with potential for travel as required by program needs.