Continuous Improvement Manager

About EQI

EQI is fluent in doing business around the world, so our customers do not have to be. EQI provides line ready metal components to large manufacturers around the globe utilizing a global supply chain. EQI manages every aspect of the product life‑cycle -- from Product Development to Production Qualification to Logistics and Vendor Managed Inventory Services - letting its customers choose specific services and locations to meet their specific needs.

By diversifying our supply base across the globe and offering redundant tooling locations, EQI mitigates risks and maximizes the flexibility to shift production from one location to another. EQI ships to and from multiple ports around the world, supporting our customers with full vendor‑managed inventory services at the end location.

EQI is headquartered in Spring Lake, Michigan with offices in Canada, China, Vietnam, India, and Northern Ireland.

The Continuous Improvement Manager is an influential leader responsible for driving a culture of sustainable change using continuous improvement methodologies. This position reports to the VP of Machining.

• Operational Excellence Processes:
• Develop and drive execution of an Operational Excellence Road map to support organizational 1-Year Goals and 3-Year Picture across all functions
• Lead key operational initiatives
• Value Added Service (“VAS”) facility growth via additional / new processes
• New VAS facilities – feasibility and business plan
• Contribute to an environment where all employees have increased opportunities to contribute to the success of the business through Continuous Improvement Efforts
• Develop and implement a standardized operating system (EQI Business System) across all EQI locations
• Operational policies, processes, and rhythms to manage each location effectively and efficiently
• Consistent approach to Safety, Quality, Focus, Branding and Resource Planning
• Develop and deliver training modules for all levels of the organization such as Intro to Lean, A3 Problem Solving, Kaizen, 5S Workplace Organization, Root Cause Analysis, etc.
• Responsible for identifying, planning, and leading the execution of Lean transformation events targeted at improving the organization’s performance on safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people (SQDCP)
• Acts as a change agent by communicating the organization‑wide changes to the employees and helping them to learn, understand, adjust, and grow within the continuous improvement culture
• Develop, monitor, and analyze full suite of functional metrics (KPI’s) to identify trends or opportunities where cost savings, cost avoidance and/or quality improvements can be realized
• Interface with customers and suppliers to adopt best practices where possible
• Organize GEMBA walks/Go See Engage for Senior Leaders
• Oversee global the execution of the IDEA Program, an EQI program that rewards employees for identifying cost reduction opportunities
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Science or Business from a four‑year accredited college or university or equivalent work experience
• 7+ years of relevant work experience in manufacturing preferred
• Proficient in the use of lean tools such as Continuous Flow, 5S, Kanban, SMED, TPM, Daily Management
• Demonstrated ability to investigate problems and to apply sound technical judgment to develop possible solutions
• Must be a hands‑on problem solver not afraid to go deep to determine the true root cause. Must also be tenacious in ensuring that all corrective actions are not only implemented but verified to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Knowledge of and working experience in metal castings of various processes preferred
• Proficient in engineering print reading, interpretation, and…