Continuous Improvement Manager

AUTOKINITON delivers operational excellence, high-quality execution, and customer service. We offer 100% vertical integration capabilities such as end-to-end engineering, manufacturing, and in-house logistics. We’re proud of our Tier 1 supplier legacy for manufacturing propulsion-agnostic, structural automotive components, and assemblies around the globe.

The Continuous Improvement Manager will provide leadership, training, and resources for Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives to achieve optimal levels of safety, quality, profitability, productivity, and delivery to assure internal and external customer satisfaction.

• Lead CI programs and processes including the development, coordination, implementation, maintenance, processes and services including policy development and compliance.
• Accountable for knowing and providing guidance on production processes including workforce planning, engineering standards, performance metrics, capacity planning and analysis, and new model launch consideration.
• Direct and drive the utilization of problem-solving methods for related Plant and customer issues.
• Promote Plant CI Kaizen Events schedule, Six Sigma Green Belt, and other CI Programs with expectations, tracking, reporting while maintaining continuous communication with Plant Manager Team.
• Provide coaching and mentoring to leadership and functional management teams on a variety of issues including CI standard work initiatives, Kaizen, performance metrics, capacity planning, and analysis, SMED, 6S and other CI tools.
• Review and measure manufacturing methods, technology application and workflow processes and apply lean/continuous improvement application skills.
• Possess knowledge of financial considerations when evaluating CI initiatives including capital, rate of return, availability of resources, timing concerns, and operating income impact.
• Develop and implement best practices to maximize cost savings through proactive and innovative CI programs.
• Monitor the effectiveness of the Autokiniton Operating System (AOS), anticipate problems, implement corrective action, and develop adjustments to the system.
• Interface with customers and suppliers as appropriate.
• Provide support and guidance to all departments in the application of lean/CI manufacturing techniques.
• Assess training needs and develop tools to effectively address Associates’ development and collaborate with Plant Mgt Team to create training plans.
• Accountable for following all internal and OSHA required procedures in performing daily activities and hold direct reports accountable for enforcement.
• Maintain model behavior which demonstrates Corporate Values and a positive working relationship with all levels of the organization.

SUCCESS FACTORS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business or related field, prefer Manufacturing, Engineering or Quality, or a combination of degree and automotive manufacturing experience.
• 10+ years’ experience in an automotive manufacturing environment utilizing lean manufacturing concepts; prefer metal tubing.
• 6+ years of management experience in Manufacturing, Engineering, or Quality in automotive manufacturing strongly preferred.
• Certified Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt preferred and other standard CI tools.
• Possess knowledge of Plant department functions, corresponding roles, and interactions to facilitate overall CI Programs.
• Experience in Quality and environmental measurables (e.g., IATF 16949).
• Excellent organizational, analytical and communication skills with all internal and external stakeholders.
• Advance proficiency with MS Office, ERP (e.g., QAD), and other business software.

If this position aligns with your current/next career goals, apply, continue to build your career, and make valuable contributions to our Milan Management Team!