Continuous Improvement

Thai Summit America Corporation; Bardstown (KY); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Thai Summit America Corporation is opening a new manufacturing facility in Bardstown, Kentucky. We seek a Continuous Improvement lead to champion Lean thinking and TPS-based methods that maximize OEE, quality, and throughput across the plant.

The role requires 3+ years in automotive manufacturing and proficiency with data tools like Minitab, Excel, and Power BI. You will mentor teams, facilitate kaizen events, and develop training materials to sustain gains.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, or related field.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred.
• 3+ years’ experience in a high-volume automotive manufacturing facility (Tier-1 background preferred).
• Deep understanding of high-tonnage mechanical/servo presses (progressive and transfer stamping).
• Direct experience tracking automotive scorecards and adhering to IATF 16949 quality protocols.
• Proficiency in data analysis software (Minitab, Excel, or Power BI).

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute CI strategies that align with plant KPIs (OEE, scrap, throughput, downtime, yield).
• Facilitate kaizen events, RCA, and cross-functional workshops to solve challenges.
• Coach and mentor employees to embed Lean thinking and CI tools (Kanban, 5S, Poka-yoke).
• Partner with production, engineering, quality, and supply chain to implement CI projects and CIP.
• Use data analysis and visual management tools to uncover opportunities and track improvements.
• Develop training materials and lead CI capability-building programs across the facility.

Skills

Lean thinking

Continuous Improvement

Kanban

Heijunka

Poka-yoke

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification

Tools

Minitab

Excel

Power BI

AutoCAD

Job description

Experience you use to get ahead

Are you a hard working individual with a positive attitude? We’d love to meet you. Let’s talk!!

Since 1987, Thai Summit America has built a strong stamping and assembly operation in the United States. Our success is attributable to our talented Associates who are committed to a tradition of excellence and craftsmanship.

Our Mission

The mission of the Human Resources Department is to provide Associate services and programs aimed at attracting and retaining satisfied, quality Associates to continuously improve Thai Summit America Corporation’s competitive edge. These efforts are guided by equity and fairness for the benefit of all Associates and the company. We value diversity. Our workforce is comprised of many cultures, lifestyles, backgrounds and abilities.

Thai Summit America Corporation’s careers include Sales, Administration, Engineering, Production, Skilled Trades, Finance, Quality Assurance, Purchasing, Information Technology and Human Resources. Associate development and career ambitions are important to Thai Summit Group, and developing employees in the context of changing business needs will help us stay competitive into the future.

We are opening a new manufacturing facility in Bardstown, Kentucky and we’re seeking qualification candidates who have manufacturing experience to be part of our team.

At Will Employer. EEOC. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. NO agencies please.

Location: Bardstown, KY

Job Id:195

# of Openings:1

Primary Job Function:

Continuous Improvement (CI) to lead transformational initiatives across our manufacturing facility. Champion a culture of operational excellence and drive efficiency, productivity, and quality through Lean and data-driven improvement methods. Primarily responsible for implementing the Toyota Production System (TPS) based on Just-in-Time (JIT), Jidoka (Autonomation), Lean Manufacturing principles, techniques, and methodologies for the most efficient utilization of labor, material, and capital at TSK.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

• Lead and execute CI strategies that align with plant and company-level KPIs (e.g., OEE, scrap, throughput, downtime, yield).
• Facilitate kaizen events, root cause analysis (RCA), and cross-functional workshops to solve operational challenges.
• Coach and mentor employees at all levels to embed Lean thinking and continuous improvement tools (Kanban, Heijunka ,Poka-Yoke, Andon, SMED ,5S).
• Partner with production, engineering, quality, and supply chain teams to identify, prioritize, and implement CI projects (Kaizen, Muda) and multiyear savings plans / CIP (Cost Improvement Plans).
• Use data analysis and visual management tools (takt time, standardized work, dashboards, value stream maps, process maps) to uncover opportunities and track improvements.
• Working with team members to develop training materials and lead CI capability-building programs across the facility.
• Promote a hands-on, floor-focused presence to drive daily engagement and sustainment of improvements.

Basic Education, Experience and Training Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, or a highly related technical field.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification is preferred.
• 3+ years’ experience in a high-volume automotive manufacturing facility (Tier-1 background preferred).
• Have deep understanding of high-tonnage mechanical/servo presses (progressive and transfer stamping).
• Direct experience tracking automotive scorecards and adhering to IATF 16949 quality protocols.
• Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., Minitab, Excel, or Power BI) to track process capabilities.

Internal Training Requirements:

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Leadership Training
• KPI
• Finance and Accounting for Nonfinancial Managers
• TS 16949
• AutoCad

Health, Safety and Physical Demand Requirements:

• None

Risks Associated with Job Function/Working Conditions:

Have you Served? Or are you currently serving?

Thai Summit has employment programs specially designed for veterans.