Continuous Improvement Manager

POSITION SUMMARY:

Provide leadership, training and resources for continuous improvement activities to achieve optimal levels of safety, quality, profitability, productivity and delivery to assure internal and external customer satisfaction.

JOB TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following job/task functions have been identified as the core functions of this position. However, the supervisor or manager may assign additional duties associated with this position.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

· Support mission, vision and values in performance of daily activities

· Provides leadership, mentoring and coaching to the plant continuous improvement team and the plant leadership team consistent with company, department and plant business goals

· Provide key input into the development of corporate strategic business plan and identify and track key measurables to support plant business plan goals

· Organize minimum of 1 Optimization workshop, monthly reporting with progress and status

· Resurrect the Green Belt program, report with progress and status. Minimum savings per year > $50k annually

· Reconstruct the Plant CI workshops expectations and track accordingly

· Construct plant inventory model that compares to engineered standards

· Develop skill Matrix for Plant CI members and create training plan

· Assess and build leadership bench-strength and organizational capabilities as well as create a collaborative high performance work environment

· Provides guidance and counsel to leadership and functional management teams on a variety of issues including continuous improvement standard work initiatives, Kaizen, performance metrics, capacity planning and analysis, etc.

· Provides leadership in all continuous improvement programs and processes including the development, coordination, implementation, and maintenance of continuous improvement programs, processes and services including policy development and compliance

· Assess training needs and develop tools to effectively address colleague development at all levels of the organization

· Guide the research, development and implementation of programs and best practices to maximize cost savings through implementation of proactive and innovative programs

· Lead all continuous improvement management system functions and activities. Maintain communications with Plant Managers and continuous improvement colleagues

· Guide the plant continuous improvement managers in providing prioritized direction and leadership to ensure continuing improvement goals and objectives are being met

· Guides the design, development, implementation and monitoring of verification methods to ensure team members are gaining knowledge from the training and that the continuous improvement activities are sustainable long term

· Responsible for following all internal and OSHA required procedures in performing daily activities and hold direct reports accountable for enforcement

· Providing leadership is essential to maintaining safety as a fundamental priority in plant-based activities

· Responsible for ensuring the entire team has the necessary training, tools and materials to properly perform their roles safely and efficiently

· Maintain a positive working relationship with all levels of the organization

· Maintain high standards of housekeeping throughout the plant

MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

· Responsible for knowing and providing guidance on production processes including manpower planning, engineering standards, performance metrics, capacity planning and analysis, and new model launch consideration

· Possesses knowledge of financial considerations when evaluating Continuous Improvement initiatives including capital, rate of return and operating income impact

· Prioritize Continuous Improvement activities based upon financial impact, availability of resources and timing concerns

· Review and measure manufacturing methods, technology application and workflow processes and apply lean/continuous improvement application skills

· Responsible for working with the plant continuous improvement managers and the plant leadership team to plan, execute, monitor and continuously improve plant and corporate objectives

· Provide support and guidance to all departments in the application of lean/continuous improvement of manufacturing techniques

· Monitor the effectiveness of the Productivity System, anticipate problems, implement corrective action and develop adjustments to the system

· Track, monitor and implement required improvement activities related to business plan, goals, issues, etc.

· Direct and drive the utilization of problem-solving methods for related plant and customer issues

· Assist, as required, plant activities to achieve customer cost reductions goals

· Provide active leadership role in meeting / exceeding customer expectations in all related areas

· Interface with customers and suppliers as appropriate

· Assure all safety devices are properly in place and utilized, and to verify individual usage of personal protective equipment by the entire work team

LEADERSHIP/SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

· Provides leadership and mentoring to plant continuous improvement managers and analysts

· Ability to identify, select, train and coach management talent

· Provides model behavior to demonstrate corporate values.

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

· Bachelor’s Degree in business related field, prefer manufacturing, engineering or quality, Master’s Degree preferred

· Minimum ten (10) or more years’ experience in a manufacturing environment with experience in a metal environment preferred, or a combination of degree and experience, and six (6) years of management experience

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES

· Six sigma black belt

· Possess knowledge of plant department functions and corresponding roles and interactions to facilitate overall plant synergy

· Excellent organizational, analytical and communication skills

· Ability to interpret financial and performance data

· Proficient in Microsoft Office software

· Experience in quality and environmental measurables such as IATF 16949

· Ability to read and write in English and perform mathematical calculations.

· Demonstrated experience in applying lean manufacturing concepts.

PREFERRED ADDITIONAL SKILLS & ABILITIES

· Vision and ability to translate progressive operating techniques into applications and results

· Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

· Ability to mentor and teach the team effective problem-solving methods

· Proven leadership ability and excellent interpersonal skills

· Ability to work well with others in a team environment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS, WORK ENVIRONMENT AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Duties include but are not limited to stand, walk, twist, bend, lift, see, talk, and hear, with an ability to travel. When visiting plant site locations, employees may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, vibration, or hazardous materials.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

• Elkton, MI 48731 (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Elkton, MI 48731: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $110,000 - $130,000