Senior Manager Continuous Improvement

Lightera•Norcross, GA

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

Responsible for building and leading Lightera’s RTF Lean Six Sigma Manufacturing program and Operational Excellence journey for operations in the North American Region (NAR). The role drives implementation of Lean Six Sigma initiatives and improvement projects to enhance safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity performance. This position is hybrid, with time split between Carrollton, Georgia; Norcross, Georgia; and remote work. Employees are expected to model safe work practices, follow health and safety procedures, maintain an orderly work area, and properly wear and store personal protective equipment (PPE).

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent experience.
At least 7 years of experience in manufacturing, operations, or continuous improvement.
At least 3 years of experience in a Continuous Improvement leadership role.
Significant demonstrated experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and Value Stream Mapping.
Legally authorized to work in the United States now and in the future; visa sponsorship and immigration support are not available.

Nice To Haves

Engineering degree.
MBA or advanced engineering degree.
Master Black Belt certification.

Responsibilities

Build a high-performing Continuous Improvement team by recruiting, hiring, and training RTF Black Belts as direct reports located in Carrollton and Norcross; lead Black Belts in completing four projects per year.
Develop a Green Belt training and certification program through Learning to Lean, including creating a plan and budget and identifying, proposing, and promoting top talent for certification.
Partner with the Director and plant managers to prioritize and assign projects, monitor KPIs, and drive improvement projects toward business targets.
Coordinate and, as needed, conduct Kaizen events and Value Stream Mapping workshops.
Partner with plant leadership to establish a culture of operational excellence and identify and execute productivity and cost optimization opportunities.
Personally lead two high-impact, high-visibility improvement projects sponsored by the SVP of the NAR region each year.
Lead the NAR project portfolio, including brainstorming and planning sessions; lead leadership review cadences and develop report-out templates; manage approval of new projects and project closures; and drive use of Planview, leveraging Black Belts as experts and coaches.
Manage SGA, the hourly continuous improvement program; partner with plant managers to identify opportunities, coach supervisors, train teams, and ensure teams progress toward targets.
Model safe work practices and behaviors, follow established health and safety policies and procedures, maintain a clean and organized work area, properly wear and store PPE, and prioritize personal safety and wellness.