Six Sigma Program Manager

Six Sigma Program Manager

Location: Whitehall, MI

Commutable From: Whitehall, Montague, Muskegon, Norton Shores, Roosevelt Park, Grand Haven, Hart, Fremont, Ludington, Allendale, and Grand Rapids.

Travel Required: 30%–50%

Salary Range: $110,000 – $135,000 USD

About Our Client

Cruise Control Recruitment is partnering with a global tier-1 manufacturer of advanced structural and precision components for the aerospace, defense, and commercial transportation sectors. A recognized leader in high-performance materials and complex manufacturing, our client develops mission-critical solutions that enhance fuel efficiency, reduce weight, and improve performance across modern flight and transportation platforms.

Role Summary

The Six Sigma Program Manager is responsible for the strategic deployment, governance, and continuous evolution of the Six Sigma program across our client's Engine Products facilities. This role partners with manufacturing, engineering, quality, finance, and operations leadership to develop Lean Six Sigma capability, drive measurable operational improvements, and cultivate a culture of data-driven problem-solving.

The Program Manager will lead Green Belt training and certification, continuously enhance the training curriculum, manage the enterprise-wide project portfolio, and ensure projects deliver meaningful financial and operational results across investment casting, ceramic core manufacturing, ring forging, alloy production, tool manufacturing, coatings, and machining operations.

Essential Functions

• Program Deployment: Lead the strategy, execution, and continuous growth of the Six Sigma program across multiple manufacturing locations.
• Curriculum & Training: Design, develop, and update Six Sigma Green Belt training materials and certification requirements. Deliver engaging classroom, virtual, and hands-on training to engineers, operations leaders, and technical professionals.
• Coaching & Mentorship: Coach and mentor Green Belt candidates through the successful execution and completion of DMAIC projects.
• Methodological Expertise: Serve as the subject matter expert for Lean Six Sigma methodologies, statistical analysis, and structured problem-solving tools.
• Portfolio & Pipeline Management: Oversee the enterprise pipeline of Six Sigma projects to ensure balanced selection, prioritization, execution, and timely completion across all sites.
• Strategic Alignment: Partner with plant leadership to identify high-value operational improvement opportunities aligned with business objectives.
• Governance & Standards: Establish governance processes for project reviews, tollgate approvals, certification standards, and standardized documentation and templates.
• Metrics & Financial Validation: Develop dashboards and executive reporting to monitor project status, financial impact, and program health. Collaborate with finance to validate cost savings and business metrics.
• Innovation & Digital Integration: Identify opportunities to integrate digital tools, automation, AI, and advanced analytics into Six Sigma training and project execution.
• Operational Excellence Support: Support broader strategic initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, productivity, yield, and cost reduction.

Basic Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Statistics, Industrial Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience: Minimum 10 years in manufacturing, engineering, quality, operational excellence, or continuous improvement; minimum 5 years leading Lean Six Sigma initiatives or enterprise continuous improvement programs.
• Certifications: Certified Six Sigma Black Belt from a recognized organization (or equivalent demonstrated expertise).
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in DMAIC methodology, statistical analysis, process capability, root cause analysis, design of experiments (DOE), and Lean manufacturing principles. Strong proficiency with statistical software (e.g., Minitab, JMP).
• Leadership Skills: Proven track record of delivering measurable financial results through cross-functional projects, with strong facilitation, presentation, and influence skills.
• Travel: Willingness to travel 30%–50% to other manufacturing locations as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace, metals manufacturing, investment casting, forging, machining, coatings, or other highly regulated environments.
• ASQ Certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt or equivalent advanced certification.
• Experience developing enterprise-wide training curricula and multi-site project portfolio management.
• Experience with Power BI, ERP, MES, or business intelligence and digital manufacturing platforms.
• Experience integrating AI, automation, or advanced analytics into CI initiatives.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

How to Apply

Click Apply Now with your latest resume for immediate, confidential consideration.

Cruise Control Recruitment | Global Partners in Engineering Talent

Looking to Hire?

Get in touch to learn why we are the premier choice for technical, engineering, and manufacturing recruitment solutions.

INDCC