Snr. CI Manager

Tenneco•Northville, MI

About The Position

At Tenneco, we don’t follow industry standards; we set them, and we don’t settle for being best-in-class because we hustle to be better than best-in-class. Whether it’s our Core Values – radical candor, simplify, organizational velocity, tenacious execution and win – or our Get Stuff Done (GSD) mindset, we’re determined to become the most trusted partner and best manufacturer and distributor to the transportation industry. With a product portfolio as expansive as it is innovative, an obsessive commitment to quality and excellence, and a global presence, we’re all about getting stuff done, so we can win. How do we make it happen? Through the Tenneco Way. Fueled by our Core Values, a winning mindset and a relentless commitment to excellence, the Tenneco Way is how we win. It’s what keeps Team Tenneco bold, driven, and unapologetically focused on pushing past limits and redefining success. Here, you’ll work alongside a team of relentless problem-solvers who are committed to making a tangible impact. If you’re ready to break boundaries, deliver results, and enjoy the ride along the way, you’ll thrive here. Want to learn more about who we are? Check out our website to discover the Tenneco WayThe Sr. Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager is a strategic leader responsible for driving enterprise‑level operational excellence. This role partners with the Sr. Operations Director and site leadership to define improvement strategies that enhance efficiency, reduce waste, improve process capability, and strengthen operational performance. Operating with broad influence, the Sr. CI Manager leads complex cross-functional initiatives, coaches’ leaders at all levels, and develops systems and routines that embed continuous improvement into the culture and daily operations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or related field (Master’s preferred).
7–10+ years of experience in operations, continuous improvement, or manufacturing leadership.
Proven success leading large, complex Lean/Six Sigma initiatives; Six Sigma Black Belt preferred.
Strong financial acumen with the ability to interpret P&L statements, cost drivers, and operational KPIs.
Exceptional leadership, change management, and communication skills.
Proficiency in data analysis tools and project management methodologies.
Deep expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem‑solving methodologies.
Advanced analytical skills with the ability to translate data into strategic action.
Strong influencing skills with the ability to challenge assumptions and align leaders.
High accountability and disciplined follow‑through on initiative execution.
Skilled facilitator of cross-functional workshops and Kaizen events.
Comfortable operating in ambiguity and leading changes across multiple levels of the organization.

Responsibilities

Shape and deploy the long‑term CI strategy in alignment with business priorities and operational goals.
Develop and institutionalize site-wide CI methodologies, operating systems, and standards that scale across departments.
Lead a portfolio of high‑impact CI programs spanning throughput, cost reduction, quality performance, downtime reduction, labor efficiency, and safety.
Drive governance, prioritization, and execution quality for all improvement initiatives within the operation.
Mentor project leaders, engineers, and managers to elevate the strategic impact and rigor of CI initiatives.
Analyze operational and financial data to uncover systemic gaps and opportunities for structural improvement.
Lead advanced workshops such as Clean Sheet, value engineering, and Kaizen events to identify major cost and process optimization opportunities.
Establish sustainable daily management systems, performance routines, and audit mechanisms to ensure improvements are embedded and measurable.
Build organizational CI capability through structured training programs, leadership coaching, and hands-on mentoring.
Influence leaders to adopt Lean behaviors, data‑driven decision-making, and disciplined prioritization.
Serve as a cultural change leader, modeling continuous improvement behaviors and fostering an environment of learning and innovation.
Develop site-level KPI frameworks, dashboards, and scorecards to drive visibility and accountability.
Deliver clear, executive‑level communication on CI progress, risks, ROI, and long-term improvement roadmaps.
-Ensure standardized documentation, sustainment tools, and recurring review mechanisms are maintained across all CI initiatives.