[Hiring] Change & Continuous Improvement Leader @Howden

Role Description

Howden is seeking a strategic and results-oriented Change & Continuous Improvement Leader to drive enterprise-wide transformation initiatives, process optimization, and organizational change management efforts across our U.S. operations. This role will partner closely with executive leadership and business stakeholders to identify opportunities for operational excellence, improve business performance, and ensure successful adoption of strategic initiatives.

The ideal candidate combines strong change management expertise with hands-on continuous improvement experience and has a proven ability to influence stakeholders, lead cross-functional initiatives, and deliver measurable business outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Change Management & Transformation
  • Lead the planning, execution, and sustainment of organizational change initiatives across multiple business functions.
  • Develop comprehensive change management strategies, stakeholder engagement plans, communication plans, and adoption frameworks.
  • Partner with leadership teams to assess organizational readiness and mitigate resistance to change.
  • Facilitate workshops, leadership sessions, and stakeholder meetings to align teams around transformation objectives.
  • Establish metrics to measure change adoption, engagement, and overall program effectiveness.
• Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence
  • Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, productivity, quality, and customer experience.
  • Lead process improvement initiatives utilizing Lean, Six Sigma, Agile, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
  • Analyze business processes, workflows, and operating models to eliminate inefficiencies and enhance performance.
  • Facilitate process mapping, root cause analysis, and problem-solving sessions.
  • Develop and maintain an enterprise continuous improvement framework that fosters a culture of accountability and innovation.
• Strategic Partnership
  • Collaborate with executive leaders to align improvement initiatives with organizational priorities and growth objectives.
  • Support large-scale strategic projects, integrations, systems implementations, and business transformation efforts.
  • Establish governance structures, project reporting, and executive-level performance dashboards.
  • Provide data-driven insights and recommendations to leadership teams.
• Performance Measurement
  • Define key performance indicators (KPIs) and success metrics for transformation and improvement initiatives.
  • Monitor progress against established goals and provide regular updates to leadership.
  • Quantify operational and financial benefits resulting from improvement efforts.
  • Drive a culture of continuous measurement and accountability.
• Leadership & Influence
  • Build strong partnerships across business units and functional teams.
  • Mentor leaders and employees on change management principles and continuous improvement practices.
  • Champion a culture of innovation, adaptability, and operational excellence.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on organizational effectiveness and transformation initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Organizational Development, Industrial Engineering, Operations, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience leading organizational change, business transformation, operational excellence, or continuous improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrated success leading enterprise-wide projects with significant organizational impact.
• Experience working in complex, matrixed environments with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Experience within financial services, professional services, insurance, brokerage, consulting, or related industries is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, or equivalent certification.
• PROSCI Change Management Certification or comparable change management credential.
• Experience supporting mergers, acquisitions, integrations, or large-scale business transformations.

Skills

• Strong change management and organizational development expertise.
• Exceptional project and program management capabilities.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels, including executive leadership.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to drive measurable business outcomes.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office and business intelligence/reporting tools.

Benefits

• The expected base salary range for this role is $175,000 to $250,000, depending on experience and location.
• In addition to a competitive base salary, employees are eligible to receive a discretionary bonus.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, including healthcare savings and reimbursement accounts.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Flexible Paid Time Off and paid parental leave.
• Life and Disability insurance.