Continuous Improvement Manager

We are currently looking for a Continuous Improvement Manager to join us at our facility in Troy, MI or Philadelphia, PA.

Role Summary:

The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for driving execution for all aspects of the company’s Operating, Systems & Continuous Improvement Initiatives. The successful candidate will report to the Director Operational Excellence partnering with global manufacturing, logistics and distribution, quality, engineering, supply chain planning, and environmental health and safety to drive AOE across the respective business. This role will focus on driving bottom-line performance and improving service while supporting best practices in manufacturing and continuous improvement. This candidate will Collaborate with senior managers in the development of performance goals and long-term operational plan, maximize efficiency and productivity through extensive process analysis and interdepartmental collaboration. Set strategic goals for operational efficiency and increased productivity & analyze current operational processes and performance, recommending solutions for improvement where necessary.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Uses continuous improvement skills to identify and implement activities aligned with operational excellence strategy. This includes the implementation of programs to standardize processes, reduce costs, and drive continuous improvement initiatives across the network.
• Provides hands-on leadership and facilitation of continuous improvement initiatives across all assigned locations and works directly local plant teams to assess, prioritize, and implement continuous improvement actions.
• Facilitates training and development to build continuous improvement toolkits (i.e., process mapping, root cause analysis, etc.) and drive consistent methodologies across the network.
• Develops and implements uniform standards and reporting processes for all continuous improvement activities.
• Ensures operational excellence methods and activities are adopted and utilized throughout the organization.
• Analyze and institute cost controls for manufacturing activities. Work across the network to ensure we are achieving desired targets and provide support when there is a gap.
• Develop a culture of collaboration and ensure best practices are shared across the network. Common solutions to common problems should be applied as much as possible.
• Coach and develop the Operational Excellence change agents to grow their lean knowledge, coaching and change management capabilities.
• Develop, implement, and monitor day-to-day operational systems and processes to provide visibility into the goals, progress, and obstacles of key initiatives
• Draw on relationships with department heads, external partners, and vendors to make decisions regarding operational activity and strategic goals
• Plan, monitor, and analyze key metrics for day-to-day operations to ensure efficient and timely completion of tasks
• Devise strategies for ensuring the growth of programs enterprise-wide, and implement process improvements to maximize output and minimize costs
• Adhere to the company’s policies and standards, and ensure that laws and regulations are being followed

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree is required.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt is required; Six Sigma Black Belt highly preferred.
• 5 years of Continuous Improvement experience in within manufacturing.
• Working knowledge of multiple operations disciplines (i.e., operations, quality systems, EHS&S, Lean/Six Sigma tools, etc.) amongst products, including experience applying or implementing lean manufacturing, kaizen methodology and productions systems.
• Must be a change agent with record of accomplishments focusing on driving transformational change.
• Demonstrated experience in gathering and analyzing business data and key performance indicators for senior level leadership teams.
• Strong working knowledge of data analysis and performance metrics, using business management software (ex: SAP, ERP, CRM).

Our Company:

Axalta has remained at the forefront of the coatings industry by continually investing in innovative solutions. We engineer technologies that protect customers’ products – whether they are battling heat, light, corrosion, abrasion, moisture, or chemicals – and add dimension and beauty with colorful finishes. We have a vast and ever-evolving portfolio of brands primed to play an important part in everything from modernizing infrastructure around the world to enabling the next generation of electric and autonomous vehicles.

Axalta operates its business in two segments: Performance Coatings and Mobility Coatings, which serve four end markets, including Refinish, Industrial, Light Vehicle and Commercial Vehicle, across North America, EMEA, Latin America and Asia-Pacific. Our diverse global footprint allows us to deliver solutions in over 140 countries and coat 30 million vehicles per year. We’ve recently set an exciting 2040 carbon neutrality goal, in addition to 10 other sustainability initiatives, and we take pride in working with our customers to optimize their businesses and achieve their goals.