Continuous Improvement Program Manager

Overview

Latitude Corp offers challenging and rewarding career opportunities in precision metal manufacturing where we make the impossible possible. We embrace problem solvers, creativity and innovation. With clean, climate-controlled facilities, we offer comfortable working environments. Our customers span a variety of industries, including US military and defense. We are proud of the work we do and we believe that our employees are the key to our success.

That's why we're committed to providing our team with the support, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed.

We are looking for a Continuous Improvement Program Manager to join our 100% EMPLOYEE-OWNED team.

Latitude Corp. offers challenging and rewarding career opportunities in precision metal manufacturing where we make the impossible possible. We embrace problem solvers, creativity and innovation. With clean, climate-controlled facilities, we offer comfortable working environments. Our customers span a variety of industries, including US military and defense. We are proud of the work we do and we believe that our employees are the key to our success.

That's why we're committed to providing our team with the support, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed.

• Ability to work regularly on the manufacturing floor observing processes and engaging with operators.
• Working Hours- full-time (40+ hours/week) employment.
• Experience driving measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity.
• Ability to manage multiple improvement projects simultaneously in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Understanding manufacturing controls, work instructions, routings, and process documentation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with ERP/MRP systems, Epicor preferred.
• Ability to support shift-based operations, as needed.

• Responsible for optimizing production processes, minimizing waste, and implementing lean methodologies to enhance operations efficiency.
• Responsible for developing and executing continuous improvement strategies for manufacturing operations across multiple locations.
• Authority to lead and facilitate cross-functional Lean/Continuous Improvement teams, Kaizen events, and improvement workshops on the production floor.
• Authority to recommend and implement process, layout, and workflow changes to improve manufacturing performance.
• Accountable for tracking Lean/Continuous Improvement project results, including cost savings, efficiency gains, and quality improvements.
• Acts as a change agent to promote a culture of continuous improvement and employee engagement within manufacturing.
• Develop and establish a robust Lean/Continuous Improvement program including metrics (financial and non-financial) to track impact of improvements.
• Develop and apply lean manufacturing principles to streamline operations and enhance productivity.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on manufacturing efficiency, quality, safety, and cost reduction.
• Facilitate shop-floor Kaizen events, 5S activities, and process improvement workshops.
• Evaluate current manufacturing processes to identify areas for improvements and waste reduction.
• Analyze production data to identify trends, losses, and improvement opportunities.
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the effectiveness of Lean/Continuous Improvement initiatives and make necessary adjustments.
• Partner with Operations, Quality, and Finance to eliminate waste and improve flow.
• Support corrective and preventive actions related to manufacturing nonconformances and recurring issues.
• Train and coach managers, supervisors, engineers and operators on Lean principles, tools and problem-solving techniques.
• Support layout optimization, line balancing, setup reduction, and throughput improvement initiatives.
• Ensure improvements are standardized, documented, and sustained through procedures, training, and audits.

• Strong working knowledge of Lean manufacturing tools:
  Kaizen, 5S, standard work, value stream mapping, and waste elimination.
• Proficiency in root cause analysis methodologies (5 Whys, Fishbone, A3).
• Ability to analyze manufacturing data related to scrap, rework, downtime, OEE, throughput, and labor efficiency.
• Strong facilitation and collaboration skills for shop-floor Kaizen events and cross-functional teams.
• Leadership and influence skills.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and project management skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for all levels of the organization.

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, Quality, or a related field required.
• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment, with direct involvement in continuous improvement, operations, or quality.
• Demonstrated experience leading Lean manufacturing initiatives in a production setting.
• Lean or Lean Six Sigma…