Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement Leader

Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement Leader

Charter Casting is currently searching for an Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement Leader to join our team in a high-visibility role where you’ll roll up your sleeves to apply Lean principles and Toyota Production System derived tools and methodologies, driving tangible improvements in safety, quality, productivity, and cost across our multi-site metals manufacturing operation, known for its one-of-a-kind capabilities. This is your opportunity to leverage your deep expertise to implement and own the change that will guide our business transformation.

In this people leader role you will report directly to the Vice President of Operations and will have a clear path for a broader and growing set of leadership responsibilities within the organization.

• Location:
  
  Our Casting business has two primary locations, Woodstock, IL & Shawano, WI, providing the ideal candidate with two different options for an onsite working location. This leadership role covers both locations and will require time at both locations on a continual basis. Alternatively, this role can be based out of our corporate office in Mequon, WI (Greater Milwaukee area) but would then require heavier travel to our Casting locations
• Relocation:
  Assistance may be provided
• Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. Charter Manufacturing is unable to sponsor for employment visas at this time

• As the leader of our transformation, you won’t just delegate—you’ll do. You will design, embed, and coach a sustainable culture of improvement.
• Design and Implement the Lean
  
  Roadmap:
  
  Develop and execute a division-wide lean transformation strategy, facilitating the Lean Transformation Road map with advanced digital technologies and seamless automation across manufacturing, supply chain, quality, safety, and administrative functions.
• Directly Lead the CI Function:
  Run the division-wide CI office, mentoring cross-functional teams to identify and eliminate waste, streamline processes, and drive measurable efficiency gains.
• Drive Strategy Through Execution:
  Leverage the Strategy Deployment Process and use Hoshin Kanri methodologies to prioritize and accelerate high-impact changes.
• Embed Performance Metrics:
  Establish, track, and interpret KPIs to measure CI efforts and report progress to senior management.
• Shop Floor Expertise:
  Conduct analyses of current manufacturing processes and develop actionable plans to address deficiencies and implement solutions.
• Grow and Strengthen the CI Culture:
  Collaborate with department heads and frontline employees to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Teach and Train:
  Provide training and coaching on Lean principles at all levels.
• Standardize the Wins:
  Implement standardized work processes and visual management systems across sites.
• Strategic Alignment:
  Partner with senior leadership to ensure CI initiatives are aligned and resourced to achieve business objectives.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in a leadership role within a manufacturing environment, with a track record of leading an enterprise-wide or division-wide lean transformation and CI office
• 10 years of progressive responsibilities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• In-depth knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and Toyota Production System concepts, with practical application; certification preferred
• Proven experience leading Lean transformations in large manufacturing organizations with multiple locations, achieving measurable improvements
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data to drive decisions
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire cross-functional teams and influence change
• Excellent project management capabilities, including prioritization and on-time, on-budget delivery
• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written, for diverse audiences

This is more than a continuous improvement role—it's an opportunity to architect and drive a major…