Lean & WCM Leader — Continuous Improvement

Metal Processing Group, an Affiliate of The Heico Companies; Irwindale (CA); On-site; USD 133,000 - 151,000; Full time

Job summary

MPG US, the Metal Processing Group, is seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager to lead World Class Manufacturing initiatives and drive Lean transformation across our wire manufacturing operations. You will work closely with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain to optimize processes and deliver sustainable improvements.

With a strong background in WCM and Lean tools, you will guide Kaizen events, coach leaders, and help achieve world-class safety, quality, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of people leadership and team management experience.
• Strong knowledge of World Class Manufacturing (WCM); certification or direct experience is considered a significant asset.
• Extensive knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and tools, including Kaizen, SMED, Value Stream Mapping, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to develop, coach, and mentor talent.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to lead meetings, workshops, and cross-functional project teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation and sustainment of the World Class Manufacturing (WCM) program, embedding Lean principles into daily operations and plant culture.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that improve safety, quality, productivity, machine reliability, OEE, and cost performance.
• Identify, prioritize, and eliminate manufacturing losses using WCM Cost Deployment, Lean tools, and data-driven problem solving.
• Optimize wire manufacturing processes, including wire drawing, galvanizing, stranding, annealing, packaging, material flow, and plant throughput.
• Partner with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain to improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime, scrap, and process variation.
• Lead Kaizen events, root cause investigations, and process improvement projects while supporting automation and capital improvement initiatives.
• Coach supervisors, managers, and WCM pillar leaders in Lean, change management, and continuous improvement methodologies to build internal capability.
• Collaborate with the Corporate WCM Leader to implement corporate standards, monitor progress, and ensure achievement of operational excellence objectives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Kaizen

SMED

Value Stream Mapping

Leadership

Project Management

Team Development

Communication

Change Management

Continuous Improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering

Job description

MPG US, the Metal Processing Group, is seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager to lead World Class Manufacturing initiatives and drive Lean transformation across our wire manufacturing operations. You will work closely with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain to optimize processes and deliver sustainable improvements.

With a strong background in WCM and Lean tools, you will guide Kaizen events, coach leaders, and help achieve world-class safety, quality, and