Continuous Improvement Manager

AUTOKINITON; Auburn (IN); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) match

15 paid holidays

Job summary

AUTOKINITON is seeking a senior operations leader to drive plant productivity and continuous improvement at our Auburn, Indiana site. The role is on-site and collaborates with the leadership team to align with company goals, improve processes, and reduce costs while mentoring staff.

Ideal candidates have a Bachelor's degree in a manufacturing or quality field, strong analytical and communication skills, and experience applying lean methods such as Kaizen and value stream mapping in a metals

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in manufacturing, engineering or quality specialties.
• Proven leadership ability and communication skills.
• Lean manufacturing knowledge and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in a metals manufacturing environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead plant leadership team to meet productivity goals.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives with financial focus.
• Guide kaizen events and standard work for cost reductions.
• Support plant and corporate objectives and cross-functional teams.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, engineering or quality

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

DRIVING SUCCESS FOR THE WORLD'S TOP AUTO MANUFACTURERS.

At AUTOKINITON, we are more than just an automotive supplier — we are the backbone of vehicle performance and safety. Specializing in high-strength structural components and precision stamping assemblies, the world’s leading automakers trust our parts.

Our dedicated teams proudly deliver quality parts and assemblies that contribute to vehicle durability and safety. With decades of experience, a passion for continuous improvement, and a forward-thinking approach, we play a critical role in shaping the future of mobility.

CAREERS WITH AUTOKINITON

Building the Future—Together.

Autokiniton is a trusted partner to the world’s leading automotive manufacturers, known for our operational excellence and culture of continuous improvement.

Our core value, “We, not I,” reflects our commitment to collaboration, integrity, and shared success. We cultivate a workplace where independent thinking is encouraged, and every associate plays a vital role in our progress.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide direction and leadership consistent with plant business goals as a member of the plant Leadership Team.
• Support the Company’s mission, vision, values and goals in the performance of daily activities.
• Possesses knowledge of financial considerations when evaluating Continuous Improvement initiatives including capital, rate of return and operating income impact.
• Primary owner for meeting the assignable plant productivity task utilizing other members of plant leadership team in the attainment of established goal.
• Champion the identification of Continuous Improvement initiatives as a primary job function to meet plant task.
• Prioritize Continuous Improvement activities based upon financial impact, availability of resources and timing concerns.
• Lead Continuous Improvement Standard Work and Kaizen events focusing on cost reductions and efficiency improvements while training peer staff to recognize Continuous Improvement opportunities in plant through the usage of workshops.
• Review and measure manufacturing methods, technology application and workflow processes and apply lean/continuous improvement application skills.
• Responsible for working with the leadership team to plan, execute, monitor and continuously improve plant and corporate objectives.
• Provide support and guidance to all departments in the application of lean/continuous improvement manufacturing techniques.
• Direct and drive the utilization of problem-solving methods for related plant and customer issues.
• Assist, as required, plant activities to achieve customer cost reductions goals.
• Focal person for local plant associates to share improvement opportunities.
• Conduct town hall meetings to share plant performance metrics and conduct local sessions to seek out new opportunities for improvement.
• Provide active leadership role in meeting / exceeding customer expectations in all related areas.
• Responsible for performance feedback and leadership of all direct reports including mentoring, coaching, counseling and corrective action when situations dictate.

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred in manufacturing, engineering or quality specialties or equivalent of six (6) years experience in a manufacturing environment with experience in a metals environment preferred with two (2) years of management experience.
• Excellent organizational, analytical and communication skills.
• Possess knowledge of plant department functions and corresponding roles and interactions to facilitate overall plant synergy.
• Vision and ability to translate progressive operating techniques into applications and results.
• Specialized knowledge and the ability to train and mentor others in formal problem solving techniques such as Kaizen, value stream mapping, JIT synchronous, SMED quick die change, etc.
• Demonstrated experience in applying lean manufacturing concepts.
• Excellent organizational, analytical and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment.
• Proven leadership ability and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to interpret financial and performance data.
• Ability to work well with others in a team environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office software.
• Experience in quality and environmental measurables such as IATF and ISO 14001.
• Ability to read and write in English and perform mathematical calculations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS, WORK ENVIRONMENT, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

This is an on-site role that will require daily plant support. Duties include but are not limited to: stand, walk, twist, bend, lift, see, talk and hear. Ability to travel. Occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, vibration and hazardous materials.

WHY YOU WILL ENJOY WORKING HERE:

Competitive Wages and Comprehensive Benefits:

Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with Company contribution match, and up to 15 paid holidays annually, thanks to our generous holiday and holiday bridge schedule.

Work-Life Balance:

Many of our Associates have stayed with us for 25+ years! It takes a good work-life balance to make it that far. We support your personal and professional priorities as they impact your well-being.

Growth Opportunities:

Take your career to the next level through tuition reimbursement programs, on-the-job training, learning management systems, and advancement opportunities from within our organization.

Learning and Development:

We empower all our Associates – from entry-level to senior-level – with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their current roles and beyond at AUTOKINITON.

AUTOKINITON is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. AUTOKINITON makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.