Program Manager Continuous Improvement at Kratos Industries LLC – Arvada, Colorado

ROLE DESCRIPTION

The Continuous Improvement (CI) Project / Program Manager is responsible for leading and managing cross-functional programs and initiatives that improve operational efficiency, quality, cost performance, and overall business productivity. This role drives a culture of continuous improvement by applying Lean and other process improvement methodologies to identify opportunities, implement solutions, and sustain measurable results.

The CI Project / Program Manager partners with leadership, operations teams, and stakeholders to prioritize improvement initiatives, manage strategic projects and programs, and ensure successful execution of strategic business improvements. The ideal candidate is a highly responsive, proactive communicator and structured planner who drives internal accountability, communication, and documentation to ensure projects are complete on time and within scope.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Project Planning & Tracking

• Drive and own collaboration with Sales, Eng, and Ops to align on scope, deliverables, and timeline expectations

• Deploy a stage gate process within the business to manage pipeline of opportunities

• Implement standard documentation and templates to enable efficient work – charters, action item/trackers, roadmaps, dashboarding, etc.

• Drive cross functional transparency of upstream & downstream decision impacts for cross functional decision making and change management

• Sort through ambiguity and complexity to break complex problems and opportunities into actionable initiatives that progressively build upon each other to drive the organization forward

Cross-Functional Coordination & Execution

• Develop partnerships with cross functional stakeholders (Sales, ENG, Purchasing, Fab, Assembly, Quality, Shipping) to identify, prioritize, and execute initiatives

• Lead by example leveraging fundamental program/project management principles using data, documentation, and communication practices

• Track and escalate risks to schedule, cost, or scope; drive resolution through clear action plans

• Be the catalyst required to drive root cause problem solving principles

Communication & Reporting

• Facilitate healthy debate while driving the organization to gain high quality alignment to drive action

• Publish clear and frequent communication to bring teams back into alignment as progress occurs, scopes creep, or new information is uncovered that requires alignment

• Act as an example providing frequent, clear, and concise summaries to key stakeholders including both project teams and leadership to maintain momentum

• Use KPI dashboarding techniques to manage the CI pipeline

• Maintain up to date information in ERP and / project management databases when applicable

Budget Tracking and Profitability

• Work with cross functional stakeholders to develop overall program budgets and track progress against

• Work with cross functional leadership and key stakeholders to ensure improvements are sustained through standardization and process documentation.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations management, business, or related technical field

• 5+ years minimum project / program management experience

• 3+ years experience managing continuous improvement processes and projects

• Strong command of ERP systems, data analytics, and planning tools

• Solid comprehension of project / program management principles, tools, and processes

• Excellent written and verbal communication

PREFERRED SKILLS

• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing, construction, heavy industrial, or a similar environment

• Familiarity / experience with switchgear or electro-mechanical equipment a strong plus

• Familiarity / experience with sheet metal forming / manufacturing a plus

• Strong organizational and time management skills

• Able to read and understand technical drawings and project specifications

BENEFITS

Kratos Industries provides employees with legally mandated benefits, such as Workers Compensation and Unemployment Insurance. The Company offers health insurance benefits, vision, dental, and life insurance benefits.

Kratos currently has a 4% matching 401(k). You will be eligible for regular full-time employee benefits when offered, subject to the eligibility requirements and other terms and conditions for each benefit. Until you are eligible for Company-sponsored health insurance benefits, you will receive a Benefits Reimbursement in the exact amount of your monthly COBRA or private health insurance premium (for coverage for yourself and family) in your first paycheck each month. Proof of payment of your premium is required on request. The Benefits Reimbursement is considered taxable wages by the IRS and will be grossed up to cover applicable employment taxes as determined by Paylocity.

PERFORMANCE BONUS

You will be eligible to receive a discretionary (i.e., non-guaranteed) annual bonus based on personal and company performance and goals achieved.

PAID TIME OFF (PTO)

You will receive PTO effective on your Start Date. That can be utilized after 60 days of continuous employment. PTO may be used for holidays, vacation, personal leave, or sick leave and requires manager approval in advance.