Director, Continuous Improvement

Director, Continuous Improvement

Full‑time, on‑site position located at First Energy Headquarters in Akron, OH, with preferred locations in NJ, PA, WV, or MD. Travel to various work locations across the territory may be required on an as needed basis.

The Director, Continuous Improvement reports to the VP, Continuous Improvement and is responsible for steering initiatives that optimize processes, enhance efficiency, and reduce costs to help the business achieve annual operational and financial targets. The role involves analyzing current operations, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing solutions leveraging automation, artificial intelligence, and data analytics. The Director will develop and maintain metrics to track progress and ensure sustainable change, fostering a culture of innovation and efficiency across departments.

• Develop and execute continuous improvement strategies aligned with the organization's goals.
• Establish and maintain healthy relationships with business unit leaders, gaining an understanding of their operational and financial targets and pain points in achieving those targets.
• Steer cross‑functional teams that identify and analyze improvement opportunities and then conduct root cause analysis to develop targeted solutions.
• Oversee data analysis to assess current and future processes and measure performance.
• Direct improvement projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
• Support the team by helping identify and overcome technical and organizational obstacles to leading change management.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure alignment, successful implementation, and sustainability of improvements.
• Monitor and report on the progress of improvement projects, highlighting achievements and areas for further development.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to track the impact of improvement initiatives.
• Function as a change agent, promoting a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization.
• Provide strategic oversight of workshops and training sessions on continuous improvement methodologies.
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and support to teams on improvement tools and techniques.
• Mentor and lead CI team members to grow their technical and analytical skills in areas surrounding root cause analysis, automation, custom applications, and artificial intelligence.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards.

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, engineering, or a related field required.
• A minimum of 10 years’ related work experience is required. Related work experience includes continuous improvement, process optimization, engineering, financial analysis, project management, business management or operations.
• Demonstrated success in driving continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency.
• Proven leadership experience with the ability to motivate, develop, and manage high‑performing teams.
• Certification in Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt, Black Belt, or equivalent) preferred or strong knowledge and practical application of Lean principles and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Proven expertise in electric utility operations and ability to drive operational excellence and innovation.
• Ability to analyze data, identify inefficiencies, and develop data‑driven solutions.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Experience leading large‑scale continuous improvement efforts through strategic enablement, execution, operational excellence, financial management and risk and compliance oversight.
• Strong organizational skills in planning and coordinating multiple activities and projects.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and produce excellent work products under time pressure or other constraints.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to build relationships through collaboration and teamwork across all levels and departments of the company.
• Acts in an ethical and professional manner, with the highest level of integrity, and in compliance with the code of business conduct and all relevant policies and procedures.
• Experience working within a matrix…