Continuous Improvement Manager

Autokiniton•Auburn, IN

14d•Onsite

About The Position

The Continuous Improvement Manager is a member of the plant Leadership Team and provides direction and leadership aligned with plant business goals. The role leads efforts to meet plant productivity goals by identifying, prioritizing, and delivering continuous improvement initiatives based on financial impact, resources, and timing. It leads standard work and Kaizen events focused on cost reduction and efficiency, and trains plant staff to identify improvement opportunities. The position reviews manufacturing methods, technology applications, and workflow processes, applying lean and continuous improvement techniques. It works with the leadership team to plan, execute, monitor, and improve plant and corporate objectives; supports departments in applying lean manufacturing techniques; and drives problem-solving for plant and customer issues. The manager also supports customer cost-reduction goals, gathers improvement ideas from associates, shares plant performance metrics through town halls, and leads direct reports through feedback, mentoring, coaching, counseling, and corrective action as needed. This is an on-site role requiring daily plant support and the ability to travel. Duties involve standing, walking, twisting, bending, lifting, seeing, talking, and hearing. Occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts, vibration, and hazardous materials is noted.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree preferred in manufacturing, engineering, or quality specialties, or equivalent of six years of manufacturing experience; metals-environment experience preferred, with two years of management experience.
Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
Knowledge of plant department functions and corresponding roles and interactions to facilitate overall plant synergy.
Ability to translate progressive operating techniques into applications and results.
Specialized knowledge and ability to train and mentor others in formal problem-solving techniques such as Kaizen, value stream mapping, JIT synchronous, and SMED quick die change.
Demonstrated experience applying lean manufacturing concepts.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Proven leadership ability and excellent interpersonal skills.
Ability to interpret financial and performance data.
Ability to work well with others in a team environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office software.
Experience with quality and environmental measurables such as IATF and ISO 14001.
Ability to read and write in English and perform mathematical calculations.
Ability to travel.
Ability to perform duties involving standing, walking, twisting, bending, lifting, seeing, talking, and hearing.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, engineering, or quality specialties.
Experience in a metals environment.
Six Sigma black or green belt.

Responsibilities

Provide direction and leadership consistent with plant business goals as a member of the plant Leadership Team.
Support the Company’s mission, vision, values, and goals in daily activities.
Evaluate continuous improvement initiatives with regard to capital, rate of return, and operating-income impact.
Own delivery of the assigned plant productivity task, working with other plant leaders to achieve established goals.
Identify continuous improvement initiatives to meet plant productivity goals.
Prioritize continuous improvement activities based on financial impact, resource availability, and timing.
Lead Continuous Improvement Standard Work and Kaizen events focused on cost reductions and efficiency improvements, and train peer staff to recognize opportunities through workshops.
Review manufacturing methods, technology applications, and workflow processes and apply lean and continuous improvement skills.
Work with the leadership team to plan, execute, monitor, and continuously improve plant and corporate objectives.
Provide support and guidance to departments applying lean and continuous improvement manufacturing techniques.
Drive problem-solving methods for related plant and customer issues.
Assist with plant activities to achieve customer cost-reduction goals as required.
Serve as a focal person for local plant associates to share improvement opportunities.
Conduct town hall meetings to share plant performance metrics and local sessions to identify new improvement opportunities.
Provide active leadership in meeting or exceeding customer expectations in related areas.
Provide performance feedback and lead direct reports, including mentoring, coaching, counseling, and corrective action when needed.