Continuous Improvement Manager

Dana; Gordonsville (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Dana in Gordonsville, TN seeks an experienced manufacturing leader to drive safety, Lean initiatives, and a DOS-based transformation. You will lead Kaizen projects, manage production improvements, and ensure cost control while maintaining high-quality output.

The role emphasizes TPS mastery, team leadership, and strong communication to deliver on-time customer service and continuous process enhancements across the plant.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field with business experience in Supply Chain/Operations.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing leadership/management.
• Knowledge of Toyota Production System.
• Self-starter, organized, and results-oriented with attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and proactively work to improve plant safety and maintain a safe work environment
• Support and deploy Dana Henderson’s Operating System initiatives through 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’s program to achieve and maintain world class housekeeping
• Track and improve in process buffer quantities

Skills

Leadership

Lean / process improvement

Communication skills

Team management

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related field

5+ years of manufacturing leadership/management

Knowledge of Toyota Production System

Strong report-writing and presentation skills

Interpersonal skills

Tools

MS Office

Lotus Notes

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

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 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’s 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 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.

Unsolicited Resumes from Third-Party Recruiters

Please note that as per Dana policy, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters unless such recruiters were engaged to provide candidates for a specified opening. Any employment agency, person or entity that submits an unsolicited resume does so with the understanding that Dana will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person or entity.

Join our team of 28,000 problem solvers who are fostering a culture of innovation by leveraging the diverse perspectives of our global team. We believe in facing challenges head-on by finding opportunity and uncovering possibility, where roadblocks and barriers become targets instead of obstacles. We are One Dana with limitless opportunity.