Continuous Improvement Manager

Location: Wauseon

Description

Core Responsibilities:

• Lead and execute enterprise-wide Lean transformation initiatives across machining, fabrication, and support functions to drive measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity.

• Serve as the strategic driver of Policy Deployment / Strategy Deployment (Hoshin Kanri), ensuring alignment between company KPIs, growth objectives, and daily execution.

• Facilitate value stream mapping (VSM), Kaizen events, 3P workshops, and structured problem-solving initiatives to improve flow, reduce waste, and increase throughput.

• Establish, strengthen, and sustain Tiered Daily Management systems (Tier 1-4) and visual management practices across operations.

• Improve operational performance related to on-time delivery (OTD), earned hours, setup reduction (SMED), capacity utilization, and overall production efficiency.

• Implement and standardize A3 problem-solving methodology and disciplined root cause analysis across departments.

• Develop, coach, and mentor leaders and frontline associates in Lean principles, standard work, and accountability.

• Identify and eliminate waste using 80/20 analysis to improve productivity, reduce lead times, and optimize resource utilization.

• Track, measure, and report improvement results, including cost savings, lead time reduction, margin improvement, and working capital gains.

• Ensure sustainability of improvements through audit cadence, follow-up routines, and accountability systems.

• Collaborate closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Executive Leadership to drive alignment and execution of continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.

• Minimum of 5+ years of Lean transformation experience in a machining or discrete manufacturing environment.

• Demonstrated experience leading Policy Deployment / Hoshin Kanri / Strategy Deployment initiatives.

• Proven success driving measurable operational improvements (OTD, productivity, scrap reduction, lead time, margin expansion).

• Strong understanding of precision machining workflows, setup reduction, routing, and spindle utilization.

• Experience facilitating cross-functional Kaizen events and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Data-driven mindset with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

• Ability to influence and communicate effectively from the shop floor to executive leadership.