Continuous Improvement Manager

EQI

41d • Hybrid

About The Position

EQI provides line ready metal components to large manufacturers around the globe utilizing a global supply chain. EQI manages every aspect of the product life-cycle -- from Product Development to Production Qualification to Logistics and Vendor Managed Inventory Services - letting its customers choose specific services and locations to meet their specific needs. By diversifying our supply base across the globe and offering redundant tooling locations, EQI mitigates risks and maximizes the flexibility to shift production from one location to another. EQI ships to and from multiple ports around the world, supporting our customers with full vendor-managed inventory services at the end location. EQI is headquartered in Spring Lake, Michigan with offices in Canada, China, Vietnam, India, and Northern Ireland.

The Operational Excellence Manager is an influential leader responsible for driving a culture of sustainable change through the use of the quality and continuous improvement methodologies. This position reports to the SVP of Operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Science or Business from a four-year accredited college or university or equivalent work experience
• 7+ years of relevant work experience in manufacturing preferred
• Proficient in the use of lean tools such as Continuous Flow, 5S, Kanban, SMED, TPM, Daily Management
• Demonstrated ability to investigate quality problems and to apply sound technical judgment to develop possible solutions
• Must be a hands-on problem solver not afraid to go deep to determine the true root cause. Must also be tenacious in ensuring that all corrective actions are not only implemented but verified to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Demonstrated expertise in management of Quality systems and processes (ISO 9001: 2008, 8D methodology, etc.)
• Knowledge of and working experience in metal castings of various processes preferred
• Processes: Resin / Green / Vacuum Sand Castings, Investment Castings, Die Castings
• Materials: Gray Iron, Steel, Ductile Iron, Aluminum
• Proficient in engineering print reading, interpretation, and part measurement
• Knowledge of AIAG standards (PFD, FMEA, Control Plans, APQP)
• Demonstrated knowledge of geometrical dimensioning and tolerance (GD&T)
• Demonstrated knowledge of probability, statistical quality control and design of experiments
• Familiarity with supplier quality standards, policies, and procedures
• Proficient oral and written communication skills
• Must possess a high level of interpersonal skills to effectively lead, motivate, and facilitate others in group situations. Must be able to deal on a peer-to-peer (team) level with personnel from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• High level of analytical ability to assess and identify appropriate alternative courses of action for definition and resolution of problems that are unique and diverse
• Ability to exercise sound and independent judgment in difficult situations
• Ability to effectively organize and plan
• Ability to travel (US and International) an estimated 20%, as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Six Sigma tools and methodology preferred

Responsibilities

• Develop and drive execution of an Operational Excellence Road map to support organizational 1-Year Goals and 3-Year Picture across all functions
• Lead key operational initiatives
• Value Added Service (“VAS”) facility growth via additional / new processes
• New VAS facilities – feasibility and business plan
• Contribute to an environment where all employees have increased opportunities to contribute to the success of the business through Continuous Improvement Efforts
• Develop and implement a standardized operating system (EQI Business System) across all EQI locations
• Operational policies, processes, and rhythms to manage each location effectively and efficiently
• Consistent approach to Safety, Quality, Focus, Branding and Resource Planning
• Develop and deliver training modules for all levels of the organization such as Intro to Lean, A3 Problem Solving, Kaizen, 5S Workplace Organization, Root Cause Analysis, etc.
• Responsible for identifying, planning, and leading the execution of Lean transformation events targeted towards improving the organization’s performance on safety, quality, delivery, inventory, and productivity (SQDIP)
• Acts as a change agent by communicating the organization-wide changes to the employees and helping them to learn, understand, adjust, and grow within the continuous improvement culture
• Develop, monitor, and analyze full suite of functional metrics (KPI’s) to identify trends or opportunities where cost savings, cost avoidance and/or quality improvements can be realized
• Interface with customers and suppliers to adopt best practices where possible
• Organize GEMBA walks/Go See Engage for Senior Leaders
• Oversee global the execution of the IDEA Program, an EQI program that rewards employees for identifying cost reduction opportunities
• Coordinates the development, implementation, and maintenance of EQI’s Quality Management System to be in compliance with customer, registrar, and company requirements
• Develop standards, metrics, and reporting tools that enable monitoring of progress towards the attainment of quality objectives.
• Determines direction to improve product and process quality from EQI’s global supply base. This will require sustained and hands on problem solving at partner foundries around the world. Close coordination with and efficient management of EQI’s Supplier Quality Engineers globally, Engineering and Quality will be required.
• Supports EQI global staff with the identification of root cause for all internal and external non-conformances.
• Oversees Management of internal EQI and supplier audits, as required by customers and the Company’s Quality Management System.
• Provide direct supervision, coaching and mentoring to the EQI Quality Manager.
• Oversees ISO 9001 (latest version), IATF or equivalent certification of EQI’s global locations
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental / Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short/Long Term Disability Insurance
• Participation in a 401(k) plan that includes a company match and discretionary profit sharing
• Reimbursable health club membership
• Competitive vacation policy with 11 paid holidays each year
• Flexible work hours to accommodate family requirements/travel schedules
• Industry leading base and incentive compensation (bonus) plan for exceptional employees

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager