Continuous Improvement Manager

Steelcrest Precision; Wauseon (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Steelcrest Precision in Ohio seeks a results-driven Lean Transformation Leader to drive enterprise-wide improvements across machining, fabrication, and support functions. You will align KPIs with growth objectives and guide the daily execution of Hoshin Kanri, VSM, and Kaizen initiatives to increase throughput and reduce waste.

The role demands a strong data-driven mindset, experience with OTD, SMED, setup reduction, and tiered daily management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• 5+ years of Lean transformation experience in a machining or discrete manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading Policy Deployment / Hoshin Kanri initiatives.
• Proven success driving measurable operational improvements (OTD, productivity, scrap reduction, lead time, margin expansion).
• Strong understanding of precision machining workflows, setup reduction, routing, and spindle utilization.
• Experience facilitating cross-functional Kaizen events and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Data-driven mindset with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to influence and communicate effectively from the shop floor to executive leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute enterprise-wide Lean transformation initiatives across machining, fabrication, and support functions to drive measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity.
• Serve as the strategic driver of Policy Deployment / Strategy Deployment (Hoshin Kanri), ensuring alignment between company KPIs, growth objectives, and daily execution.
• Facilitate value stream mapping (VSM), Kaizen events, 3P workshops, and structured problem-solving initiatives to improve flow, reduce waste, and increase throughput.
• Establish, strengthen, and sustain Tiered Daily Management systems (Tier 1–4) and visual management practices across operations.
• Improve operational performance related to on-time delivery (OTD), earned hours, setup reduction (SMED), capacity utilization, and overall production efficiency.
• Implement and standardize A3 problem-solving methodology and disciplined root cause analysis across departments.
• Develop, coach, and mentor leaders and frontline associates in Lean principles, standard work, and accountability.
• Identify and eliminate waste using 80/20 analysis to improve productivity, reduce lead times, and optimize resource utilization.
• Track, measure, and report improvement results, including cost savings, lead time reduction, margin improvement, and working capital gains.
• Ensure sustainability of improvements through audit cadence, follow-up routines, and accountability systems.
• Collaborate closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Executive Leadership to drive alignment and execution of continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Lean transformation

Hoshin Kanri

Value stream mapping

Kaizen events

Tiered daily management

OTD improvement

SMED

A3 problem solving

Coaching leaders

Waste reduction

Data-driven

Cross-functional influence

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Job description

Core Responsibilities

• Lead and execute enterprise-wide Lean transformation initiatives across machining, fabrication, and support functions to drive measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity.
• Serve as the strategic driver of Policy Deployment / Strategy Deployment (Hoshin Kanri), ensuring alignment between company KPIs, growth objectives, and daily execution.
• Facilitate value stream mapping (VSM), Kaizen events, 3P workshops, and structured problem‑solving initiatives to improve flow, reduce waste, and increase throughput.
• Establish, strengthen, and sustain Tiered Daily Management systems (Tier 1–4) and visual management practices across operations.
• Improve operational performance related to on‑time delivery (OTD), earned hours, setup reduction (SMED), capacity utilization, and overall production efficiency.
• Implement and standardize A3 problem‑solving methodology and disciplined root cause analysis across departments.
• Develop, coach, and mentor leaders and frontline associates in Lean principles, standard work, and accountability.
• Identify and eliminate waste using 80/20 analysis to improve productivity, reduce lead times, and optimize resource utilization.
• Track, measure, and report improvement results, including cost savings, lead time reduction, margin improvement, and working capital gains.
• Ensure sustainability of improvements through audit cadence, follow‑up routines, and accountability systems.
• Collaborate closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Executive Leadership to drive alignment and execution of continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Minimum of 5+ years of Lean transformation experience in a machining or discrete manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading Policy Deployment / Hoshin Kanri / Strategy Deployment initiatives.
• Proven success driving measurable operational improvements (OTD, productivity, scrap reduction, lead time, margin expansion).
• Strong understanding of precision machining workflows, setup reduction, routing, and spindle utilization.
• Experience facilitating cross‑functional Kaizen events and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Data‑driven mindset with strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Ability to influence and communicate effectively from the shop floor to executive leadership.