Continuous Improvement Manager

Socket.dev; Hanover (York County); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Bekaert is seeking a seasoned leader to drive continuous improvement and manufacturing excellence across its plants. You will identify bottlenecks, lead OPEX/CI initiatives, and standardize shop-floor processes, collaborating with Plant Managers and central teams.

With a Master’s degree and 5+ years in process improvement or operations, you will coach teams in WOW, develop KPI dashboards, and help roll out digital capabilities across NAM plants to boost productivity and margins.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process improvement, operations management, or a related field.
• Master's degree in a relevant field as listed above.
• Experience implementing OPEX/CI projects and global standards.

Responsibilities

• Highlight bottlenecks in projects to Plant Managers.
• Lead OPEX/CI projects as Project Leader.
• Train and coach teams in WOW to ensure continuous improvement.
• Ensure KPI dashboard is used for performance management at plant level.
• Facilitate standardization by training managers on playbooks and shopfloor procedures.
• Govern OPEX projects and facilitate quarterly follow-ups with VP and Plant Manager.
• Develop time & motion analysis and workload models.
• Ensure data sources and SAP reports support productivity.
• Roll out global OPEX standards with regional adaptations.
• Support development and rollout of digital features to NAM plants.

Skills

Production background

People oriented

Change management

Communication skills

Meeting facilitation

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical thinking

Project management

Resilient/adaptable

Education

Master's degree in business administration / operations management / engineering

Tools

SAP

Job description

Be part of something bigger!

As the world and the way people live is changing, we at Bekaert believe it’s our responsibility to contribute to finding new solutions for the future. With a 140+ year old heritage of excellence, innovation, and a future-focused mindset, we strive to create value for our customers and society. We aim to do this through innovative solutions and sustainable practices. We are committed to pushing the boundaries of steel wire transformation and coatings whilst also leveraging our expertise to develop innovative solutions with new materials and services in a safe, smart, and sustainable way. Our focus extends to markets such as new mobility, low-carbon construction, and green energy.

As a dynamic and growing company with over 19 000 employees worldwide, 75 nationalities, a retention rate above 90% and € 3,7 billion in combined revenue in 2025, we are looking for someone like you to join our team as we continue to shape a safer, more efficient, and connected world!

Purpose and Mission

To strengthen the current growth, we are looking for an individual who is passionate in continuous improvement and manufacturing excellence with the following scope:

• Realize significant recurring cash cost savings and a higher contribution margin
• Implement a World Class Manufacturing System in the plants, based on:
• People (behavior, culture, leadership)
• Technical processes
• Management
• Create a sustainable platform for continuous improvement
• Develop manufacturing excellence skills, capability, and capacity
• Implement a process for best practice sharing & implementation throughout Bekaert
• Implement a framework for internal and external benchmarking to drive continuous improvement
• Clarify interfaces and improve alignment between central support functions and the plants

Key Activities and Responsibilities

• Highlight bottlenecks in projects to the Plant Managers
• Function as Project Leader for OPEX/CI projects.
• Be an expert in WOW; ensure continuous improvement in WOW by training and coaching people in WOW.
• Ensure KPI dashboard is used for performance management on plant level, be the local KPI dashboard administrator.
• Facilitate global standardization by training Managers in Operations in the playbooks or global shopfloor procedures, organize self-assessments, and facilitate the implementation and follow-up.
• Ensure good OPEX project governance within the Plants, prepare/facilitate the quarterly follow-up meeting (Reg. VP & Plant Manager)
• Be an expert in time & motion analysis, make and manage workload models (WLM)
• Ensure that Operations is using the right sources of data, SAP reports.
• Assess and support the Plants in closing the gap in the Productivity.
• Roll out the global OPEX standards rigorously and make local adaptations for regional standards. Share good practices across the network.
• Supports development & roll out of the digital features to NAM plants.

Skills

• Production background and/or likes being in production environments
• People oriented, willing to help
• Is not risk-averse, likes to test new concepts or organizations and adjust, depending on how it goes
• Excellent communication & listening skills; able to deliver presentations and to train others in a clear manner; capable of encouraging and motivating people
• Ability to drive meetings towards progress
• Able to work cross-functionally, interfacing well with all production management levels, and driving them towards change
• Detailed-oriented
• Ability to manage his own activities autonomously, and has good project management skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Action and results oriented
• Adaptable and learn quickly

Previous Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process improvement, operations management, or a related field, with a focus on local or regional operations

Qualifications and Education

• Master's degree in business administration, operations management, engineering, or a relevant field

Be bold and take the leap!

We're looking for individuals who are not afraid to take risks and explore new ideas. If you are passionate about personal growth and bringing your authentic self to work, we want you on our team!
At Bekaert, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
To learn more about us and our exciting career opportunities, visit Bekaert Careers