Continuous Improvement Leader- Operational Excellence Leader

North American Stamping Group; Kentucky; On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

North American Stamping Group (NASG) is seeking a Continuous Improvement Leader to drive Operational Excellence using TQPS principles across facilities. You will lead lean deployment, mentor teams, and ensure sustainable improvement through data-driven problem solving.

You will coordinate training, track KPI progress, and advance standardized work, PDCA cycles, and cost-saving initiatives in an automotive manufacturing setting.

Qualifications

• Associates or bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 3 years related manufacturing experience.
• Working knowledge of lean principles and problem-solving.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to coach teams.

Responsibilities

• Support facility with TQPS deployment per plan.
• Develop and direct divisional TQPS strategy with management.
• Lead training and development in coordination with HR.
• Coach TQPS leaders and promote continuous improvement.
• Ensure EH&S, Quality, and TQPS guidelines in all activities.
• Document and maintain TQPS principles and KPI boards.
• Coordinate data collection for PDCA implementation plans.
• Identify and reduce waste; improve process efficiency.

Skills

Lean principles

PDCA

Kaizen

5S

SMED

Kanban

Data analysis

Education

Associates or Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

ERP / MRP software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Continuous Improvement Leader- Operational Excellence Leader

Paulding, OH 45879, USA

Job Description

An Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of North American Stamping Group to provide employment, training, promotion, and other conditions of Employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age or status as a qualified individual with a disability or other status protected by law.

General Summary

Supports implementation of TQPS principles and knowledge within NASG, enabling facilities to achieve significant business results by implementing the lean tools to remove waste. In addition to the utilization of the four capabilities of the operationally outstanding with respect to leadership in excellent process design, effective problem solving, knowledge sharing, and mentoring.

Leads events and workshops to deploy and transfer knowledge of the lean tools to move process performance closer to the ideal state (True North). Through coaching and mentoring, the division Operational Excellence Leader works with leadership to teach & mentor TQPS principles in their subordinates, ensuring sustainability and continuous improvement. This position is responsible to lead and support deployment activities for their facility or function.

Essential Job Functions

• Support assigned facility(s) while executing the TQPS deployment plan.
• Support the development, implementation, and direction of the divisional or functional TQPS strategy together with manager(s).
• Leads and facilitates relevant team member training and development in coordination with HR.
• Assist in the facilitation of TQPS activities & training on an ongoing basis while coaching & mentoring TQPS Group Leaders, TQPS Team Leaders, and leadership.
• Ensures compliance with EH&S, Quality, and TQPS guidelines during all training, workshops, and events.
• Application, implementation, and promotion of ALL the TQPS principles & methodologies.
• Support & promote engagement of all Team Members relating to all aspects of the TQPS principles & methodologies and other areas as delegated.
• Gather data as needed to assist in the development of P-D-C-A implementation plans.
• Identify & make recommendations for reducing waste and improving efficiency.
• Coordinate & participate in maintaining the TQPS principles for NASG.
• Promote team building through consensus while improving Team Member morale and relationships.
• Assist in developing standardized work, to include data gathering and implementation to streamline all tasks in conjunction with TQPS / NASG standard operating procedures.
• Participate on the safety committee as requested.
• Ensure proper documentation of all activities relating to maintaining & implementing TQPS.
• Updates of duties and tasks/responsibilities will be reported out as requested.
• Coach and develop the A.I. team’s mentor and leader to support TQPS principles & methodologies.
• Ensure all pre-specified documents are posted at Work centers and/or Key Process Indicators (KPI) on 2 Sided boards as requested (e.g. A.I. Story Board).
• Maintain TQPS training material, Kanbans, training records, and supplies (e.g. 5S Cart).
• Assist in TQPS training classes.
• Assist team leaders & facilitators in A.I. meetings.
• A.I. suggestions tracking for submitted and implemented ideas.
• Data collection and reporting for suggestions.
• Assist in development of before & after’s for implemented suggestions.
• Execute & assist with Tangible Cost Savings (TCS).
• Mentoring the TCS process and review cost savings to ensure they are correct and precise containing supporting evidence in alignment with the swimlane process map.
• Assist and mentor in data collection.
• Coach and mentor 5S audits.

Minimum Qualifications/Requirements

Education

• Associates or bachelor’s degree preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 3 years related manufacturing experience.
• Working knowledge and experience in the application of lean principles.
• Strong leadership skills.

Personal / Technical Skills

• Will have the ability to work a schedule that allows completion of the job on a daily basis.
• Organizational skills necessary to manage multiple tasks.
• Knowledge to “find the problem - fix the problem” & facilitate the problem-solving process.
• Ability to promote engagement in a team environment.
• Organizational skills necessary to maintain company records in compliance with all of the NASG / TQPS systems and procedures.
• Demonstrate & promote a “hands-on” approach toward continuous improvement.
• Must be data-driven and possess a high level of attention to detail, accuracy, and data analysis.
• Thorough understanding and application of TQPS methodologies and processes including PDCA, Kaizen, 5s, SMED, Standardized Work, 5-Why, Problem Solving, and Kanban.
• Demonstrate & promote a “Must Go See” environment with a “Want To” attitude for improvement.
• Maintain an open mind to team members suggestions and encourage use of the NASG suggestion program.

Language Skills

• Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand the primary language (English used in U.S. and Canada) used in the workplace.
• Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups and Executive team.

Computer/Software

• Solid working knowledge and demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office and other computer-based applications (MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, Outlook, Internet, etc.).
• Working knowledge and experience with ERP / MRP software.

Training

• TQPS for New Hires (Orientation)
• IATF 16949/ISO 14001
• Quality Basics
• TQPS for Team Members – Stop, Call, Swarm
• Associate Involvement
• Quick Changeover – (e.g. SMED, OTED)
• 5S and Visual Management
• Basic Equipment Care (BEC and TPM)
• TQPS for Leadership / TL and GL
• TWI / SWD Boot Camp (Standard Work Development)

Work Environment/Conditions

Office

Open office environment, moderate noise level.

Plant

• Standard automotive plant environment with a moderate noise level.
• PPE such as safety glasses, safety shoes, arm protection, hand protection, hearing protection, etc. may be required in designated engineering, manufacturing, or industrial areas. Personal attire standards may apply.
• Involves moderate or occasional presence of some slightly disagreeable conditions, i.e., cold, dust, heat, odor, etc.

Travel

• Must be willing to travel up to 15% of the time, or as needed.