Continuous Improvement Manager

Dana Corp; Gordonsville (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Dana Corp in Gordonsville, TN, seeks a results-driven manufacturing leader to drive operational efficiency and safety across the plant. You will lead Lean initiatives, implement the Dana Operating System, and coordinate Kaizen teams to reduce waste and improve throughput.

Ideal candidates have TPS knowledge, a Green Belt, and a proven track record in continuous improvement, safety, and cost control within a manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field and several years of business experience in Supply Chain and/or Operations.
• 5+ years of leadership/management experience in manufacturing.
• Knowledge of Toyota Production System (TPS).
• Self-starter, organized, detail-oriented, and capable of handling multiple tasks.
• Strong report writing and technical presentation skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; strong interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and proactively improve plant safety and maintain a safe work environment.
• Lead and deploy Dana Operating System initiatives through programs including Kaizen and EIM.
• Maintain metrics on team performance and continuous improvement for on-time deliveries.
• Lead cost-reduction and efficiency-improvement efforts to meet objectives.
• Learn and implement all elements of the DOS; lead Kaizen and Zero Defect Teams.
• Implement DOS across the plant and support new program projects.
• Coordinate Kaizen projects and implementations.
• Implement poke-yoke designs to meet <15 ppm customer expectations.
• Support, implement, and teach Dana Henderson's Lean initiatives.
• Proactively address unplanned downtime; manage cost estimation and savings.
• Maintain facility and production capacity; lead production activities.
• Support production line improvements and 5S housekeeping.
• Track and improve in-process buffer quantities.

Skills

Safety mindset

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Toyota Production System

Manufacturing experience

MIG welding

Training

Team member involvement

Equipment setup

Process setup

MS Office

Lotus Notes

Leadership

Communication

Time management

Report writing

Presentation

Interpersonal skills

Self-motivation

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

5+ years manufacturing leadership experience

Knowledge of Toyota Production System

Detail-oriented and results-driven

Strong communication skills

Tools

MS Office

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

Responsible for driving and overseeing initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall performance within an organization.

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
• 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
• Implement poke‑yoke designs and implementations for customer expectations of less than 15 ppm
• Support, implement, and teach Dana Henderson's Lean initiatives
• Take a proactive approach to unplanned downtime
• Cost estimating, cost control and cost savings
• Maintain 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, frameworks, 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 skills
• Positive 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.