Lean Six Sigma & Strategic Improvement Manager

DESCRIPTION

We are looking for a talented Lean Six Sigma & Strategic Improvement Manager to join our team specializing in Operations Excellence for our Cummins location in Asheville, NC.

In this role, you will make an impact in the following ways:   

• Continuous Improvement Leadership: Lead enterprise improvement projects under advanced Master Black Belt (MBB) coaching when needed.
• Driving Results: Ensure accountability and deliver sustainable outcomes that positively impact organizational performance.
• Talent Development: Coach and support Green Belt talent both within projects and across the enterprise.
• Data Analytics Application: Apply advanced tools, practices, and principles to analyze data and improve key metrics.
• Innovation Deployment: Develop, introduce, and implement new innovation tools alongside IQTM methods to enhance processes.
• Enterprise Impact: Use improvement methodologies to drive measurable gains across multiple business functions.
• Capability Building: Strengthen organizational problem‑solving skills by embedding structured approaches and mentoring others.
• Sustained Excellence: Create a culture of continuous improvement that ensures long‑term efficiency and effectiveness.

RESPONSIBILITIES

To be successful in this role you will need the following:  

Cross-Functional Project Execution

• Lead large, complex Six Sigma projects within and across manufacturing plants and functional areas.
• Deliver significant improvements in scrap, rework, throughput, FPY, and cost reduction through structured DMAIC/DMADV.
• Build and manage a project pipeline aligned to priorities set by the Director.
• Support multi-plant collaboration and facilitate information sharing across sites.

2. Six Sigma Technical Leadership

• Serve as a high-skill Black Belt/Master Black Belt practitioner applying advanced statistical tools to diagnose and validate improvements.
• Conduct DOE, regression analysis, MSA, capability modeling, and root-cause analytics for project teams.
• Ensure project tollgate reviews maintain strong rigor and meet methodological standards.
• Provide technical reviews and challenge project assumptions and data quality.

3. Operational Excellence Method Integration

• Apply OE tools (standard work, flow mapping, waste identification) within project scope.
• Use CDBS Production System elements to support project sustainment—but not manage or govern the system.
• Collaborate with Operational Excellence partners to ensure alignment and avoid duplication of work.
• Integrate 5S, visual management, and problem-solving methods into project execution.

4. Financial Impact Delivery

• Validate project savings with Finance using approved methods.
• Track and report project performance using standardized metrics and dashboards.
• Develop sustainment plans and monitor results after project handoff to operations.
• Identify additional savings opportunities within project boundaries.

5. Coaching, Development & Team Leadership

• Coach Green Belts and Black Belts through projects, tools, and analytical methods.
• Deliver training on Six Sigma tools, data analysis, and structured problem solving.
• Build Belt capability through mentoring, project reviews, and hands-on technical support.
• Serve as a role model for disciplined project execution and analytical thinking.

6. Problem Solving & Issue Resolution

• Lead cross-functional problem-solving sessions (A3, Fishbone, 5 Why, Fault Tree).
• Support urgent or chronic issue resolution using advanced analytics to identify systemic causes.
• Escalate issues to the Director when cross-business alignment or executive support is needed.
• Develop data-driven corrective actions and verify effectiveness.

7. Data & Insights Support

• Build statistical models and data visualizations for project teams and leadership reviews.
• Develop dashboards or monitoring tools to enable ongoing performance tracking.
• Ensure data integrity, appropriate sampling, and correct analytical application.
• Translate technical findings into clear, actionable recommendations for leadership.

8. Collaboration & Leadership Influence

• Influence cross-functional managers and supervisors to support project goals.
• Help prioritize local improvement initiatives based on data and impact potential.
• Communicate project outcomes to operational and functional leaders.
• Serve as the Director’s representative in cross-functional working groups.

9. Risk Management & Sustainment

• Identify risks within project scopes and develop mitigation plans.
• Ensure changes are embedded through process documentation, control plans, and updated standards.
• Conduct follow-up reviews to verify sustainment of improvements.
• Partner with plant leadership to maintain gains after project completion.

Education, Licenses, Certifications:

Bachelors degree or equivalent experience required

This position may require licensing for compliance with export controls or sanctions regulations.

Experience:

Minimum of 6 years professional experience; 2 years minimum internal Cummins experience strongly preferred; Advanced/well developed skills and knowledge within specific professional disciplines, such as Quality, marketing, Engineering; Yellow Belt and Green Belt Certified

QUALIFICATIONS

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Job Quality

Organization Cummins Inc.

Role Category On-site with Flexibility

Job Type Exempt - Experienced

ReqID 2423035

Relocation Package Yes

100% On-Site Yes

Due to the operational nature and specific job duties of this role, work is required to be completed 100% in person/On-site.

Cummins and E-Verify

At Cummins, we are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer dedicated to diversity in the workplace. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, gender, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity and/or expression, or other status protected by law. Cummins validates the right to work using E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. Visit http://EEOC.gov to know your rights on workplace discrimination.