Continuous Improvement Manager

Autokiniton Global Group; Auburn (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

15 paid holidays

Job summary

AUTOKINITON in Auburn, Indiana, seeks a Plant Lean & Continuous Improvement Leader to drive productivity and process excellence on-site. You will lead CI projects, mentor teams, and align activities with plant goals to improve efficiency and cost performance.

The role requires Six Sigma knowledge and strong financial acumen to evaluate improvements, manage priorities, and deliver measurable results in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred in manufacturing, engineering or quality; or six years in manufacturing with two years in management.
• Six-sigma black or green belt preferred.
• Excellent organizational, analytical and communication skills.
• Knowledge of plant department functions and interactions to enable plant synergy.
• Ability to translate progressive operating techniques into results.
• Specialized knowledge of Kaizen, value stream mapping, JIT, SMED, etc.
• Demonstrated experience applying lean manufacturing concepts.
• Ability to read/write English and perform calculations.

Responsibilities

• Provide direction and leadership aligned with plant goals as a member of the plant Leadership Team.
• Support mission, values and daily activity goals.
• Evaluate financial impact of Continuous Improvement initiatives (capital, ROI, operating income).
• Own meetings for plant productivity with leadership team.
• Champion Continuous Improvement initiatives to meet plant tasks.
• Prioritize CI activities by financial impact and resource availability.
• Lead CI standard work and Kaizen events for cost reductions and efficiency.
• Review methods and workflows; apply lean/CI techniques.
• Plan and drive plant/corporate objectives with leadership.
• Guide departments in applying lean manufacturing techniques.
• Use problem-solving methods for plant/customer issues.
• Assist plant activities to achieve customer cost reduction goals.
• Act as focal point for local associates to share improvements.
• Conduct town halls to share metrics and opportunities.
• Lead to exceed customer expectations; mentor and coach staff.

Skills

Leadership

Continuous Improvement

Lean Manufacturing

Problem Solving

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Six Sigma Belt (Black/Green)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

801 West 15th Street, Auburn, Indiana, United States

Tracking Code

11299

Position Type

Full-Time/Regular

WE AREAUTOKINITON

DRIVING SUCCESS FOR THE WORLD'S TOP AUTOMANUFACTURERS.

AtAUTOKINITON, 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.
• Six-sigma black or green belt preferred.
• 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, andup 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.