How You'll Help Us Keep Climbing (Overview & Key Responsibilities)
The Continuous Improvement Coach serves as a dedicated Lean transformation practitioner within an assigned TechOps Value Stream and is responsible for leading Kaizen activities, coaching leaders and frontline employees, and supporting deployment of the TechOps Lean operating system ("Flight Path"). This role partners with operational leaders to improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance through Structured Problem Solving, Daily Management, standard work, and sustainable process improvements. The position plays a critical role in building organizational capability and accelerating adoption of Lean principles throughout the Value Stream.
The Continuous Improvement Coach works directly with operational teams at Gemba to facilitate transformational improvement activities, develop Lean capabilities, and ensure sustainment of improvement gains. This position serves as a key change agent within the Value Stream and helps leaders embed Flight Path principles into daily operations.
Roles And Responsibilities
- Lead Kaizen preparation, execution, and sustainment activities to improve value stream performance and achieve safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.
- Coach leaders and teams on Daily Management, Standard Work, and Structured Problem Solving methodologies to improve operational performance and develop organizational capability.
- Facilitate Mission Control (i.e., weekly Value Stream leadership) reviews, operational improvement activities, and performance management discussions to identify issues, track progress, and drive accountability.
- Partner with Continuous Improvement Specialists and operational teams to identify process abnormalities, eliminate waste, and implement sustainable countermeasures.
- Support deployment and sustainment of the Flight Path operating system through coaching, training, facilitation, and change management activities.
- Facilitate value stream assessments, Kaizen workshops, problem-solving sessions, and team-based improvement events to improve operational effectiveness.
- Analyze operational performance data and observations from the Gemba to identify root causes, improvement opportunities, and performance trends.
- Develop and monitor sustainment plans to ensure improvements are maintained and embedded into daily operations.
- Conduct Gemba walks and coaching activities to reinforce Lean behaviors, identify barriers to performance, and support continuous improvement efforts.
- Practice safety-conscious behaviors in all operational processes and procedures and promote a culture of safety throughout the organization.
What You Need To Succeed (Minimum Qualifications)
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, Aviation Management, or related field preferred; equivalent operational and continuous improvement experience considered.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in operations, maintenance, engineering, manufacturing, continuous improvement, or operational excellence.
- Demonstrated experience facilitating Lean initiatives, Kaizen events, Structured Problem Solving, or process improvement activities and driving sustainable operational improvements.
- Experience coaching leaders and employees through organizational change preferred.
- Working knowledge of Lean, Daily Management, standard work, visual management, and problem-solving methodologies.
- Demonstrated ability to coach leaders and frontline employees through behavioral, process, and cultural change.
- Strong facilitation skills with experience leading Kaizen events, problem-solving workshops, operational reviews, and team-based improvement activities.
- Ability to influence stakeholders and drive adoption of new operating methods without direct authority.
- Strong communication, presentation, facilitation, and relationship-building skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to use operational performance data to identify opportunities and guide decision-making.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and other business productivity tools.
- Ability to work effectively with all organizational levels, from frontline employees to senior leaders.
- Some travel may be required.
- Consistently prioritizes safety and security of self, others, and personal data.
- Embraces diverse people, thinking, and styles.
- Possesses a high school diploma, GED, or high school equivalency.
- Is at least 18 years of age and has authorization to work in the United States.
What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)
- Airline, aviation maintenance, MRO, manufacturing, or other highly regulated operational industry experience.
- Formal Lean, Lean Six Sigma, Operational Excellence, Continuous Improvement, or Change Management certification.
- Experience facilitating multiple Kaizen events and leading sustained operational improvement initiatives.
- Experience implementing Daily Management systems, visual management, leader standard work, and performance management routines.
- Experience coaching frontline leaders and operational teams in Lean leadership behaviors and structured problem solving.
- Experience working at Gemba and driving improvements in complex operational environments.
- Proven track record of improving safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and employee engagement through Lean principles and continuous improvement practices.
- Experience influencing cultural change and sustaining improvements after implementation.
- Experience supporting Mission Control reviews, operational performance reviews, and value stream transformation activities.
Benefits And Perks To Help You Keep Climbing
Our culture is rooted in a shared dedication to living our values – Honesty, Integrity, Respect, Perseverance, and Servant Leadership – every day, in everything we do. Exploring a career at Delta gives you a chance to see the world while providing great benefits to help you keep climbing along the way:
- Competitive salary, performance incentives, industry-leading profit sharing, and 401(k) with generous direct contribution and company match.
- Paid time off including vacation, holidays, and paid personal time.
- Comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, vision, short/long term disability and life benefits.
- Wellbeing programs to support physical, emotional, social, and financial health, including access to an employee assistance program offering support for you and anyone in your household, free financial coaching, and extensive resources supporting mental health counseling.
- Domestic and International (standby) Flight privileges for employees and eligible family members.
- Career development programs to achieve your long-term career goals.
- Access to over 500 discounts, specialty savings and voluntary benefits through Deltaperks such as car and hotel rentals and auto/homeowners/pet insurances.
