Quality - Continuous Improvement Manager
About The Position
AstenJohnson is seeking a Continuous Improvement Team Leader for our Clinton, South Carolina manufacturing facility. This is a highly visible leadership role for someone who wants to make a meaningful impact on product quality, process capability, efficiency, customer satisfaction and overall site performance. You won't simply manage improvement projects. You'll lead the Continuous Improvement function, develop your team, partner closely with Manufacturing and help shape how our Clinton operation performs and improves. AstenJohnson has a history in the paper industry dating back to 1790, and today our products support pulp and paper manufacturers around the world. Papermakers in more than 56 countries rely on AstenJohnson products and technical expertise. We combine the resources and opportunities of a global organization with the teamwork and hands-on environment of a manufacturing site. At our Clinton facility, you'll join a team focused on Safety, Quality, On-Time Delivery, Productivity and Innovation. Safety is a core value, supported by our Zero Accident Culture built around accountability, commitment and trust.
Requirements
- Strong Paper Machine Clothing (PMC) manufacturing experience preferred; significant industrial textile manufacturing experience may also be considered.
- Demonstrated leadership experience in a manufacturing environment with a record of improving quality, processes and measurable business results.
- Strong analytical skills and experience using manufacturing and quality data to identify problems and determine root causes.
- Experience implementing corrective actions that deliver sustainable results.
- Lean/Continuous Improvement knowledge and structured problem-solving experience.
- Mechanical aptitude and a strong understanding of manufacturing processes.
- The ability to adapt and lead effectively in a changing manufacturing environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- The ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining focus on results.
- A self-reliant, goal-driven approach and the confidence to exercise sound independent judgment.
- Bachelor's degree in Textile, Engineering or a related engineering field
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification or higher
Responsibilities
- Lead, coach and develop the Continuous Improvement Team, creating accountability for execution and measurable results.
- Own the site's Lean/Continuous Improvement program, establishing a strong cadence for projects, reviews, follow-up and sustained improvement.
- Use manufacturing and quality data to identify opportunities to reduce waste, process variation and product variation.
- Lead root-cause investigations into off-spec product and process issues and drive sustainable corrective actions.
- Partner closely with Manufacturing to improve product quality, repeatability, efficiency and customer satisfaction.
- Serve as a knowledgeable connection between field Associates and the Clinton Continuous Improvement team regarding product issues and improvement opportunities.
- Provide technical support to site operations and product management.
- Maintain and continuously improve the site's ISO Quality System.
- Support capital planning related to equipment, process and quality improvements.
- Participate as a member of the site's Operations Business Team (OBT).
- Help manage materials, supplier relationships, obsolescence planning and variant control.
- Strengthen SOPs and workforce development efforts to improve process and product repeatability.
- Coordinate key trials, product and process modifications, and new product launches with product managers and designers.
- Provide meaningful reports, statistics and analysis that help leadership understand improvement performance and make informed decisions.
- Encourage Associate involvement and create an environment where ideas, problem-solving and continuous improvement are part of how we work every day.
- Actively support AstenJohnson's safety culture and demonstrate safe leadership in everything you do.
Benefits
- Medical, dental and vision coverage
- Company-paid basic life and AD&D insurance
- Company-paid short-term and long-term disability coverage
- 401(k) with a 100% company match on Associate contributions up to 6%
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Health and wellness programs
- Employee Assistance Program
- Additional voluntary benefit options and wellness incentives
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
