Continuous Improvement Manager

Responsibilities

Position is the focal point of the Continuous Improvement function for Gestamp North America relative to the development and implementation of the Gestamp Production System (GPS). Develops, leads, and trains in the GPS manufacturing system, working with management and other C.I. Leaders to implement lean strategies and deploy corporate objectives.

• Lead in developing and implementing the Continuous Improvement and Lean Manufacturing infrastructure supporting change at the plant location using GPS.
• Assist in identifying and implementing strategies for improvements in safety, quality, cost and productivity.
• Teach the principles of the GPS, kaizen activities, and strategy deployment.
• Assist in the development of the Productivity Roadmap process, and verify its accuracy at all locations.
• Track and publish accurate open capacity analysis for all key manufacturing equipment within North America.
• Develop and propose plant layout models using sound industrial engineering and flow concepts.
• Facilitate and evaluate all Continuous Improvement programs and activities at each plant, ensuring that events, milestones and deliverables are met on time and on budget.
• Assists with cost/benefit analysis of continuous improvement proposals and prioritizes activities.
• Strives to eliminate waste in our manufacturing, launch, and related processes.
• Meet annual goals and objectives as agreed to with the Director of Operations.
• Must be responsive to customer needs and expectations.
• Function within established corporate procedures.
• Follow up to determine the effectiveness of any new methods introduced.
• Adhere to Quality, Safety, and Environmental Policies.
• Understand and follow all required GPS standards.
• Any task deemed necessary by Management.
• TS/EMS
• Participates in the creation and support of systems, documentation, and actions to assure conformance to Quality Systems (TS) and Environmental Management Systems (ISO).

• 3-5 years manufacturing engineering experience, with emphasis on metal stamping and assembly. Preferably automotive related.
• Metal stamping and assembly process design and build experience (preferred).
• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Industrial Engineering.
• Must have experience with the development of technology for manufacturing, and the application of technology on the shop floor.

• Expert knowledge and understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, oral and written.
• Dedicated to teamwork, management by consensus, and proactive in finding win-win solutions.
• Computer Literate.
• Work under pressure.
• Ability to travel to manufacturing sites.
• Ability to teach and coach the principles developed.
• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Working knowledge of MS Office.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and seek to hire the best candidate regardless of age, beliefs, disability, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation.