Continuous Improvement Manager

Shape Your World

At Alcoa, you will become an essential part of our purpose: to turn raw potential into real progress. The way we see it, every Alcoan is a work‑shaper, team‑shaper, idea‑shaper & world‑shaper.

Alcoa Massena Operations is seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager to lead the advancement of operational excellence and continuous improvement initiatives across the site. This role serves as a key partner to leaders and employees throughout the organization, helping drive sustainable business improvements through the Alcoa Business System (ABS), Lean Manufacturing principles, and structured problem‑solving methodologies. This professional will work cross‑functionally with operations, maintenance, support functions, and leadership teams to identify opportunities, improve processes, build internal capability, and deliver measurable business results.

This is a highly visible role that combines strategic thinking, change leadership, coaching, and hands‑on execution to strengthen performance across the operation.

• Lead the deployment and sustainability of Lean Manufacturing systems and continuous improvement initiatives across multiple functional areas, including Production, Maintenance, EHS, Procurement, Human Resources, and other support organizations.
• Partner with leaders and employees to identify opportunities that improve safety, quality, productivity, reliability, and cost performance across the operation.
• Facilitate improvement projects from concept through implementation, ensuring actions are aligned with site objectives and deliver measurable business value.
• Lead initiatives focused on process optimization, cost reduction, operational effectiveness, industrial engineering studies, and business planning activities.
• Develop, coach, and mentor employees and leaders in continuous improvement tools and methodologies, fostering a culture of accountability, ownership, and problem‑solving.
• Facilitate structured problem‑solving efforts using A3 methodology, standardized work, root cause analysis, and other Lean principles.
• Drive organizational change initiatives that improve customer‑supplier connections, eliminate waste, and increase operational efficiency.
• Track, validate, and document business improvements and savings through established reporting systems and performance metrics.
• Support the development of annual operating plans, performance targets, and departmental budgets in partnership with site leadership
• Serve as a trusted advisor and change agent, helping teams adopt and sustain best practices across the organization.

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 4-6+ years of experience leading process improvement, operational excellence, continuous improvement, Lean Manufacturing, or related initiatives.
• Strong understanding of budget development, implementation, and performance management processes.
• Demonstrated experience implementing Lean Manufacturing principles and driving measurable operational improvements.
• Excellent facilitation, coaching, and change management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities with the ability to translate data into actionable improvements.
• Ability to influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization without direct authority.
• Proven success leading cross‑functional teams and driving results in complex environments.

• Previous leadership experience within a manufacturing, industrial, metals, mining, chemicals, or heavy industrial environment.
• Formal training or certification in Lean, Six Sigma, Operational Excellence, or Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Experience leading large‑scale organizational change initiatives.
• Knowledge of industrial production processes and value stream optimization.

• Competitive compensation packages, including pay‑for‑performance variable pay as well as recognition and rewards programs
• Flexible spending accounts and generous employer contribution to the HSA
• 401(k), employer match up to 6%, additional employer retirement income contribution (no vesting period), and a non‑qualified deferred compensation plan
• 15 vacation days prorated in the…