Lean Manufacturing Operations Leader – Plant Improvement

Continental; North Carolina; On-site; Full time

Job description

Job Description

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

This role is central to driving operational excellence and cultivating a culture grounded in safety, quality, productivity, and continuous improvement. You’ll work closely with cross‑functional teams and have direct oversight of department managers and production operators. We're looking for a leader who thrives in a high‑performance environment and is passionate about empowering teams and improving processes through Lean manufacturing practices.

• Lead and coordinate plant operations to achieve goals in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and employee engagement.
• Drive performance metrics aligned with corporate and regional KPIs.
• Champion Continuous Improvement using tools such as 5S, Standard Work, TPM, Heijunka, Visual Management, and others.
• Collaborate with departments including HR, Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Finance to ensure timely execution of objectives.
• Follow up on action items, and drive plant‑wide accountability.
• Facilitate implementation of new processes, materials, and cost‑reduction initiatives.
• Provide clear communication and conflict resolution across shifts while reinforcing a positive, change‑ready culture.
• Coach and develop Value Stream Managers and support teams for optimal performance.
• Ensure compliance with ISO, OSHA, and company standards.

THE ENVIRONMENT

• Safety is our highest priority, and safety procedures / guidelines must always be adhered to.
• The job is within a non‑climate‑controlled environment where you will be exposed to temperature swings (hot/cold), forklift and pedestrian traffic, and noise.
• The role involves various physical tasks, including lifting and operating machinery, with comprehensive training provided.

Additional Information

THE PERKS

• Immediate Benefits
• Robust Total Rewards Package
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition Assistance
• Employee Discounts
• Competitive Bonus Programs
• Employees 401k Match
• Diverse & Inclusive Work Environment with 20+ Employee Resource groups.
• Employee Assistance Program
• Future Growth Opportunities, including personal and professional.
• And many more benefits that come with working for a global industry leader!

EEO / AA / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Continental offers equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to unlawful consideration to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. In addition, as a federal contractor, Continental complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities, where they apply. To be considered, you must apply for a specific position for which Continental has a current posted job opening. Qualifying applications will be considered only for the specific opening(s) to which you apply. If you would like to be considered for additional or future job openings, we encourage you to reapply for other opportunities as they become available. Further, Continental provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance in the application process, please reply to [e-mail] or contact US Recruiting at 248.209.7425. This telephone line and email address are reserved solely for job seekers with disabilities requesting accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Please do not call about the status of your job application, if you do not require accessibility assistance or an accommodation. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or non‑disability related technical issues, will not receive a call back.

Qualifications

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE ROLE

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Business, Quality Management, Lean Specialist, or a related field.
• 7+ years of operations management experience in a manufacturing setting.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution and team development.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing tools and philosophies.
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required.
• Travel may be required to other plants and corporate meetings. Less than 10% travel.

ADDITIONAL WAYS TO STAND OUT

• Industry Experience: Prior experience in rubber manufacturing or conveyor belt production.
• Time Management: Strong ability to prioritize tasks, manage competing deadlines, and stay organized in a fast‑paced environment.
• Communication Skills: Clear and effective communication, both verbal and written, along with active listening abilities.
• Team Collaboration: Proven ability to work well with others, build relationships, and contribute to a team‑oriented culture.
• Adaptability: Comfortable with change and able to adjust quickly to new processes, technologies, or workplace challenges.
• Leadership Qualities: Capable of guiding, inspiring, and motivating others while fostering a positive and productive work environment.

Company Description

Continental is a leading tire manufacturer and industry specialist that develops and produces sustainable, safe and convenient solutions for automotive manufacturers as well as industrial and end customers worldwide. Founded in 1871, the company generated sales of €39.7 billion in 2024 and currently employs around 95,000 people in 54 countries and markets.

ContiTech is one of the world’s leading industry specialists. The Continental group sector offers its customers connected, environment‑friendly, safe and convenient industry and service solutions using a range of materials for off‑highway applications, on rails and roads, in the air, under and above the ground, in industrial environments, for the food sector and the furniture industry. With about 39,000 employees in more than 40 countries and sales of some 6.4 billion euros (2024), the global industrial partner is active with core branches in Asia, Europe and North and South America.