Continuous Improvement Manager

Dana Canada Corp.; Gordonsville (TN); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Dana Canada Corp. seeks a manufacturing leader at its Gordonsville, TN site to drive Lean initiatives, safety, and production efficiency. You will lead teams, coordinate Kaizen projects, and implement Dana Operating System (DOS) principles to meet customer and internal goals.

The role requires a strong background in lean manufacturing, Toyota Production System knowledge, and the ability to train and guide cross-functional teams toward continuous improvement and on-time delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field and several years in supply chain/operations.
• 5+ years of manufacturing leadership experience with a track record of continuous improvement.
• Knowledge of Toyota Production System and lean manufacturing principles.
• Strong communication, organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Green Belt certification preferred; capable of leading teams and training others.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and improve plant safety and maintain a safe work environment.
• Lead and support production activities to meet objectives.
• Coordinate Kaizen projects and implement lean initiatives.
• Support DOS concepts, 5S housekeeping, and continuous improvement.
• Drive cost reductions and efficiency improvements; track performance metrics.

Skills

Safety leadership

Quality improvement

Green Belt

Toyota Production System

MIG welding

Team leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related field

5+ years manufacturing leadership experience

Tools

MS Office

Lotus Notes

Job description

Dana is a global leader in the supply of highly engineered driveline, sealing, and thermal-management technologies that improve the efficiency and performance of vehicles with both conventional and alternative-energy powertrains. Serving two primary markets – passenger vehicle and commercial truck – Dana provides the world's original-equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket with local product and service support through a network of nearly 100 engineering, manufacturing, and distribution facilities.

Job Purpose

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitor and proactively work to improve plant safety and maintain a safe work environment
• Support and deploy Dana Henderson’s Operating System system initiatives through various programs including; Black Belt and EIM
• Maintain Measurables on team performance and continuous improvement activities to supply customers with on-time deliveries
• Lead efforts to reduce cost and improve efficiency to meet Dana and customer objectives
• Ability to learn and implement all elements of The Dana Operating System (DOS), Lead Kaizen & Zero Defect Teams
• Implement DOS throughout the plant
• Support New Program Projects
• Coordinate Kaizen Projects and Implementations
• Poke-yoke designs and implementations for customer expectations of less than 15 ppm.
• Ability to support, implement, and teach Dana Henderson’s Lean initiatives
• Proactive approach to unplanned downtime
• Cost estimating, cost control and cost savings
• Maintaining facility and production capacity
• Lead and support production activities
• Support Production line improvements as needed
• Continuously support 5S program to achieve and maintain world class housekeeping
• Track and improve in process buffer quantities

Requirements

• Safety and Quality oriented
• Green Belt Certification preferred
• Experience with the Toyota Production System and the ability to implement
• Experience in Manufacturing, MIG welding, training and team member involvement teams
• Experience in equipment and process set up
• Excellent computer skills (MS Office, frame works, lotus notes)
• Ability to travel, overnight, for one or more weeks at a time
• Ability to effectively lead and direct teams
• Good communication skills, verbal and written
• Good organizational and time management skills
• Good interpersonal skillsPositive attitude
• Ability to establish and reach work goals
• Prior leadership experience
• Knowledge of prototype management
• Proven track record of continuous improvement initiatives

Education and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or a related technical or scientific field and several years business experience in Supply Chain and/or Operations function.
• 5 or more years of experience in manufacturing leadership/ management
• Knowledge of Toyota Production System
• Self-starter, organized, and driven to deliver on key tasks and accountabilities. Attentive to detail and results-oriented and capable of handling multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong report-writing, technical presentation and communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, capable of working both independently and in a team environment.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.