B-ME Manager

Bridgestone; Puglia; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onboarding experience

Mentorship and training

CSR activities

Global work environment

Work-life balance

Diverse & inclusive team

Job summary

Bridgestone Modugno, IT, is seeking a B-ME Manager to drive manufacturing excellence across production lines. You will lead continuous improvement initiatives, optimize processes, and ensure safety, quality, and efficiency in a full-time on-site role.

The role partners with Plant Manager and site leadership to implement lean practices, advance innovations, and cultivate a culture of continuous improvement. 5–7 years of manufacturing experience and a strong Lean/Six Sigma background are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or related field.
• 5–7 years of experience in a manufacturing environment with manufacturing excellence initiatives.
• Strong background in Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Plant Manager to align B-ME Pillars with plant goals and drive plant-wide initiatives.
• Lead data-driven decisions by monitoring KPIs and reporting to leadership and corporate teams.
• Oversee training and certification of employees in manufacturing techniques and problem-solving methods.
• Manage projects related to manufacturing excellence, ensuring on-time, within-budget delivery.
• Foster safety and compliance, reducing incidents and injuries.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Data analytics

Leadership

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or a related field

Master’s degree or relevant certifications (e.g., Six Sigma Black Belt, Lean)

Tools

Project management tools

Quality systems

Job description

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B-ME Manager

POSITION SNAPSHOT

Type of work: On site

Type of contract: Open-ended/permanent

Full/Part Time: Full time

Location: Modugno (BA), IT

ABOUT US

Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM), headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, and Bridgestone Europe, Middle East and Africa (BSEMEA), headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, operate collectively as a “Bridgestone West” strategic region. This region services the strategic business needs of teams across the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa. BSAM and BSEMEA are subsidiaries of Bridgestone Corporation, globally headquartered in Japan. Bridgestone and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture and market a wide range of Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand products and solutions to address the needs of a broad range of customers and industries.

ABOUT THE ROLE

About the Role

Job Purpose

The B-ME (Bridgestone Manufacturing Excellence) Manager plays a critical role in driving operational excellence in the plant. This position is responsible for leading and executing continuous improvement initiatives, optimizing manufacturing processes, and ensuring the highest levels of safety, quality, and efficiency. The B-ME Manager will be part of B-ME Regional team, collaborating with Plant manager and site leadership team to implement lean manufacturing practices, advance technological innovations, and cultivate a culture of continuous improvement across production lines.

Responsibilities:

• Collaboration with Plant Manager:

Work closely with the Plant Manager to understand local operational challenges, opportunities for improvement, and strategic priorities. Ensure alignment between B-ME Pillars’ activities and the plant’s business goals. Co-lead plant-wide initiatives that drive efficiency, optimize resources, and improve overall plant performance.

• Data-Driven Decision Making:

Leverage data and analytics to monitor production performance, identify trends, and regularly report key performance indicators (KPIs) to Plant leadership team and corporate organization

Lead the development and execution of the continuous improvement methodologies to drive operational efficiency, eliminate waste, and optimize production processes.

Analyze manufacturing processes, identify bottlenecks, and propose improvements to enhance throughput, reduce downtime, and improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).

Champion the adoption of best practices across all production areas through a benchmarking process.

Coordinate and promote Kaizen activities aimed to reduce losses and achieve continuous improvement.

• Training and Development:

Lead and support the training and certification of employees at all levels on manufacturing techniques (Manufacturing Education Center), best practices, and problem-solving methods. Promote a culture of continuous learning and empowerment in the workforce.

• Project Management:

Oversee and lead projects related to manufacturing excellence, ensuring timely execution within budget. Use project management tools and techniques to monitor progress, mitigate risks, and ensure successful project completion.

• Safety and Compliance:

Work to foster a safe working environment and support the company's safety programs to reduce incidents and injuries.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or a related field.

• A Master’s degree or relevant certifications (e.g., Six Sigma Black Belt, Lean certification) is a plus.

Experience

• At least 5-7 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, with a proven track record of implementing manufacturing excellence initiatives.
• Strong background in Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
• Experience in project management, including leading cross-functional teams and driving large-scale process improvement initiatives.

Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and motivate others.
• Deep understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment, and quality systems.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage and present to senior management and operational teams.

Language

WHAT WE OFFER

At Bridgestone, what really matter is to foster co-creation opportunities and empowering you to be creative and curious to make mobility safer, more efficient, and more sustainable for future generations. Whatever role you fill, when you represent Bridgestone, you are a valued teammate, and part of our larger mission to “Serve Society with Superior Quality”, for that, we offer you more than just a competitive payment; we will provide you:

• A supportive and engaging onboarding experience to ensure a smooth transition into our team.
• The opportunity to develop and grow, through training and regular mentorship.
• Corporate Social Responsibility activities.
• A truly global, dynamic and challenging work environment.
• Agility and work/life effectiveness and your long-term well-being.
• A diverse and inclusive team.

We are committed to create an even more inclusive culture that advances equity, embraces individuality, and helps our increasingly diverse teammates, customers, and communities thrive, by providing equal opportunities in employment. This means that all job applicants and members of staff will receive equal treatment and that we will not discriminate on grounds of gender, marital status, race, ethnicity, color, nationality, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, religion or age.