Lean Continuous Improvement Manager

Detroit Thermal Systems, LLC.; Romulus (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Detroit Thermal Systems seeks a Continuous Improvement Manager to lead plant-wide CI and IE efforts across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People (SQDCP). This role standardizes IE processes and develops Manufacturing Engineers to build IE capability over time.

The position emphasizes Lean deployment, daily management, standard work, and waste elimination, while coaching cross-functional teams in Kaizen and problem-solving to drive measurable improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, or related field.
• Minimum 7+ years of experience in manufacturing with CI and IE emphasis.
• Experience deploying Lean manufacturing systems and structured problem solving.
• Experience developing and implementing IE standards and processes.
• Proven ability to train, coach, and develop technical teams.
• Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead plant-wide continuous improvement aligned to CI/Lean strategy to improve SQDCP performance targets.
• Drive implementation and sustainment of Lean manufacturing systems, including daily management, standard work, and waste elimination.
• Identify and eliminate operational losses using data, structured problem solving, and root cause analysis.
• Coach and lead cross-functional teams in Kaizen events, problem-solving workshops, and improvement projects.
• Establish and sustain KPI management systems, including tiered accountability and performance escalation processes.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on throughput, inventory reduction, flow optimization, and productivity improvement.
• Ensure alignment and integration of CI activities with plant operations, quality, maintenance, and supply chain functions.
• Lead development of a continuous improvement culture through training, coaching, and leadership engagement.
• Track and report improvement initiatives with clear ownership, timelines, and measurable impact.

Skills

Lean principles

Continuous improvement

Kaizen events

Data analysis

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering or related field

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for leading plant-wide continuous improvement

initiatives with primary accountability for driving performance improvements across Safety, Quality,

Delivery, Cost, and People (SQDCP).

This role establishes and standardizes core Industrial Engineering (IE) processes and standards while

developing Manufacturing Engineers to build IE capability over time.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Include but are not limited to):

Continuous Improvement Leadership (~70%):

• Lead plant-wide continuous improvement aligned to Piston Group’s CI / Lean Strategy to improve business objectives and SQDCP performance targets


• Drive implementation and sustainment of Lean manufacturing systems, including daily management, standard work, and waste elimination


• Identify and eliminate operational losses using data, structured problem solving, and root cause analysis


• Coach and lead cross-functional teams in Kaizen events, problem-solving workshops, and improvement projects


• Establish and sustain KPI management systems, including tiered accountability and performance escalation processes


• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on throughput, inventory reduction, flow optimization, and productivity improvement


• Ensure alignment and integration of CI activities with plant operations, quality, maintenance, and supply chain functions


• Lead development of a continuous improvement culture through training, coaching, and leadership engagement


• Track and report improvement initiatives with clear ownership, timelines, and measurable impact

Industrial Engineering Systems (~30%):

• Define, develop, and standardize core Industrial Engineering processes, tools, and methodologies across the plant


• Establish standards for:


• Labor planning and line balancing


• Standard work and work measurement


• Capacity analysis and modeling


• Layout optimization and material flow design


• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to deploy IE standards into production environments


• Train and coach Manufacturing Engineers to develop core IE competencies and ownership of these processes


• Provide hands-on support and mentoring on IE tools, including time studies, line balancing, and throughput analysis


• Support development of engineered labor standards and productivity models aligned with financial and operational targets


• Ensure sustainability of IE practices through documentation, audits, and governance routines


• Support engineered labor standards and productivity models

Operational Performance & KPI Management

• Drive measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity metrics


• Utilize data analytics to identify performance gaps and prioritize improvement initiatives


• Establish performance baselines, targets, and tracking mechanisms for CI and IE initiatives


• Support operational reviews with leadership by presenting progress, risks, and results

People Leadership & Development

• Coach, mentor, and develop cross-functional team members in CI and IE disciplines


• Build organizational capability in Lean tools, structured problem-solving, and industrial engineering fundamentals


• Foster a culture of accountability, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement


• Support leadership teams in driving engagement and adoption of CI methodologies across all levels

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Ensure all CI and IE activities align with plant safety and quality standards


• Support root cause analysis and corrective actions related to safety incidents and quality issues


• Drive compliance with company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Manufacturing Engineering, and Materials teams to drive performance improvements


• Support new program launches by ensuring process readiness, capacity alignment, and efficient production flow


• Act as a key interface between CI strategy and shop-floor execution

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, or related field


• Minimum 7+ years of experience in manufacturing, with strong emphasis on Continuous Improvement and Industrial Engineering


• Demonstrated experience deploying Lean manufacturing systems and structured problemsolving methodologies


• Experience developing and implementing Industrial Engineering standards and processes


• Proven ability to train, coach, and develop technical teams


• Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Automotive industry (OEM or Tier 1) experience


• Six Sigma Black Belt or Lean certification


• Experience in high-volume, complex manufacturing environments


• Experience in unionized manufacturing environments


• Exposure to advanced manufacturing and automation environments

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this role, the employee will be regularly exposed to a manufacturing

environment, including moving mechanical parts and varying noise levels. This position requires regular

presence on the plant floor to support operations and team engagement.

EEO STATEMENT

Detroit Thermal Systems is an Equal Opportunity and Aff