Continuous Improvement and Training Manager

Primary Function:

The Continuous Improvement & Training Manager leads operational excellence and capability development in commercial aviation by driving improvement initiatives, delivering training programs, and fostering a safety, learning, and performance-driven culture aligned with business and regulatory requirements.

The role will sit at the intersection of Operations & Business Excellence, digital transformation, and culture change.

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive a culture of continuous improvement, learning, and accountability
• Embed improvement practices into daily operations with department managers
• Develop and execute improvement and capability strategies aligned with business goals
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, waste reduction, and digital transformation
• Assess training needs based on performance gaps and future skill requirements
• Develop and manage structured training and competency programs
• Create and maintain training materials, SOPs, and learning resources
• Train and coach teams on Continuous Improvement tools and methodologies (e.g. Lean, Six Sigma)
• Provide advisory support to managers on improvement and training strategies
• Ensure compliance with internal standards, quality systems, and regulations
• Represent the organization in external operational excellence forums
• Support additional tasks or projects as assigned by management

Requirements:

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong people orientation with excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Change agent mindset; proactive, self-driven, and able to manage resistance constructively
• Strong analytical thinking with attention to detail (e.g. process mapping)
• Experienced in Continuous Improvement tools and methodologies (Lean Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S, RCA, VSM)
• Solid project/program management and planning capabilities
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft 365 and familiarity with ERP, SCM, CRM systems
• Strong stakeholder management and interpersonal skills
• Resourceful, proactive, and able to work independently
• High integrity, accountability, and professionalism

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or related field
• 10–15 years of experience in commercial aviation (Airline, OEM, or MRO)
• Working knowledge of Part 21 and/or Part 145 regulations (training, compliance, recurrent programs)
• Experience in program management, continuous improvement, operational excellence, and training development/delivery
• Proven track record in leading medium to large-scale cross-functional improvement projects
• Train-the-Trainer or Adult Learning certification preferred