Helen Owens
About Helen Owens
Helen Owens is a Senior Cost Analyst at Harley-Davidson Motor Company, where she has worked since 2017. She has extensive experience in Lean methodologies and has held various engineering and improvement roles within the company and at Delphi Automotive Systems.
Work at Harley-Davidson
Helen Owens has been serving as a Senior Cost Analyst at Harley-Davidson Motor Company since 2017. In this role, she focuses on cost analysis and financial assessments to support the company's operational efficiency. Prior to her current position, she worked as a Continuous Improvement Specialist Sr. in Product Development Operations from 2014 to 2016 and as an Industrial Engineer II from 2007 to 2009. Additionally, she held the position of Supplier Development Engineer Sr. from 2009 to 2014. Throughout her tenure at Harley-Davidson, Owens has contributed to various initiatives aimed at enhancing productivity and reducing costs.
Education and Expertise
Helen Owens earned her MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management, completing her studies between 1984 and 1989. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering (BSIE) from General Motors Institute, which she attended from 1979 to 1984. Owens possesses extensive expertise in Lean methodologies, including 5S/Visual Management, Standard Work, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Kaizen, A3 problem solving, Single-Minute Exchange of Die (SMED), and Continuous Improvement Assessments. Her educational background and professional experience have equipped her with the skills necessary to mentor Six Sigma Yellow and Green belt projects.
Background
Before joining Harley-Davidson, Helen Owens worked at Delphi Automotive Systems as a Senior Industrial Engineer from 1991 to 2007. During her time at Delphi, she implemented the Delphi Manufacturing System, which is based on the Toyota Production System, to facilitate process improvements. This background in the automotive industry has provided her with a strong foundation in engineering and operational excellence, which she has carried into her roles at Harley-Davidson.
Achievements in Continuous Improvement
In her current role at Harley-Davidson, Helen Owens mentors Six Sigma Yellow and Green belt projects, leveraging her knowledge of Lean/Six Sigma tools. She collaborates with suppliers to develop solutions that enhance quality, delivery, and cost, ensuring measurable results. Her ability to influence teams without direct authority has helped her develop strong leadership skills, which are essential in driving continuous improvement initiatives within the organization.