Continuous Improvement Leader

The location for this role is Antigo, Wisconsin — relocation candidates considered. This role is also posted in Antigo, Wisconsin. Please only apply to one posting to avoid duplication. Thank you!

Dover Precision Components is hiring a Continuous Improvement Leader for our Waukesha Bearings brand. Waukesha Bearings is a leading designer and manufacturer of hydrodynamic fluid film bearings, active magnetic bearing systems, and seals for high-performing turbo machinery and rotating equipment in oil & gas, power generation, marine, military, and industrial markets. This role is based at our manufacturing facility in Antigo, Wisconsin.

US citizenship is required.

• Deploy a Continuous Improvement (CI) strategy with significant impact on Quality, Cost, Delivery, and Safety (QCDS).
• Provide training, expertise, and direction for improvement activities to support enterprise goals and objectives across the assigned territory.
• Work closely with the Global Operations Leadership Team and cross-functionally to identify, recommend, develop, implement and/or support cost-effective operational/business solutions for all aspects of the manufacturing facility.

• Lead the execution and communication of the site CI strategies and roadmap, focusing on transformation, end-to-end processes, and systems enhancements to improve Gross Margin via the deployment of strategic productivity initiatives (e.g., flow of materials, lead time reduction).
• Act as the primary Lean champion for the site, promoting a culture of continuous improvement across all levels.
• Support the implementation of the Dover Operational Excellence Program.
• Facilitate workshops and target improvement events to help teams quickly achieve strategic objectives.
• Ensure improvements identified and rolled into the plant to capture savings. Track pillar team key performance indicators to ensure improvements are sustained and countermeasures are developed if needed.

• Provide CI training, coaching, and support to frontline leaders to build internal capability.
• Teach problem-solving skills, using problem-solving tools.
• Implement CI best practices.
• Lead GEMBA walks and coach/mentor/train the plant/functional team to deploy a consistent Daily Lean Management System (DLMS) and drive CI culture across the plant/functional areas.
• Serve as subject matter expert on flow lean and problem-solving tools.

• Support data-driven decision making by maintaining KPI dashboards and visual management systems.
• Monitor and analyze operational performance metrics to identify areas of improvement.
• Communicate monthly productivity and CI results to plant/functional management and Global Operations Leadership Team.
• Establish standardized work and audit schedules for sustainment.
• Drive the improvement of the QCDS metrics.

• Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial and/or Quality Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or related field preferred. In lieu of degree, specific related work experience may be considered.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in Lean Transformation driving continuous improvement in a high-performing organization, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience working with functional leaders to establish and execute CI roadmap to deliver baseline results.
• Ability to influence, coach, and engage cross-functionally and at all levels.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to implement sustainable solutions.
• Commitment to safety and fostering a collaborative, high-performing environment.
• Technology skills in MS Word, MS Excel, with ERP system experience, such as Syteline, preferred.
• Our Antigo facility is under ITAR/UNNPI regulations, must be a US Citizen.

• Industry experience in bearings or manufactured components preferred.
• Experience leading / executing Operational Excellence processes and tools and organizational learning and development programs in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated program management skills with ability to deliver results across manufacturing operations.
• High level of…