Manager, Continuous Improvement

200 Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc; Spartanburg (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Cooper Standard is seeking a CI Manager at the Spartanburg, SC Sealing Plant to drive continuous improvement, achieve cost savings targets, and sustain lean initiatives across North America.

You will lead and facilitate Lean teams, organize Kaizen workshops, train staff on tools such as value stream mapping and 6S, and collaborate with cross‑functional groups to assure year‑over‑year KPI gains. Travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Fluent English required.
• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering preferred.
• Minimum 5 years automotive manufacturing experience.
• Experience facilitating Kaizen workshops with measurable results.
• Strong leadership and ability to influence cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead, facilitate, and influence all Continuous Improvement activities for the plant.
• Ensure cost savings targets are met, and year-over-year improvements in KPIs.
• Oversee project implementation timelines and resource planning to drive lean savings.
• Organize and review Continuous Improvement scorecard metrics.

Skills

Fluent English

Leadership

Cross-functional teams

Kaizen workshops

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Job description

Position Summary

CI Manager is responsible for influencing Continuous Improvement at the Spartanburg, SC, Sealing Plant in North America. Position is responsible for ensuring cost savings targets are met, effective lean workshops are facilitated, GRA/BBP's are implemented, and that year over year improvements are achieved and sustained in other Key Performance Indicators.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead, facilitate, and influence all Continuous Improvement activities for the plant


• Ensure cost savings targets are met, and ensure year over year improvements in other Key Performance Indicators


• Oversee project implementation timelines including resources and responsibility charts that drives manufacturing process improvements decreasing 'total' manufacturing costs to achieve budgeted lean savings


• Organize and facilitate reviews of Continuous Improvement scorecard metrics.


• Educate and align employees to the principles, practices, culture, and philosophies of Continuous Improvement


• Create and perform training on Lean Manufacturing tools including Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, Problem Solving, 6S, TPM, Material Flow, SMED etc.


• Actively participate in setting the plan for achieving future state


• Identify, document, and maintain financial performance of lean initiatives


• Compile and present lean event summaries, lessons learned and major impacts to the plants and NA Division


• Cascade read-across projects among similar manufacturing facilities


• Train/coach/mentor other team members in facilitation techniques


• Coach and mentor other employees how to think and act differently as it relates to waste elimination


• Create and audit processes and systems to ensure sustained improvements and alignment to published standards


• Work closely with all cross-functional teams to align Continuous Improvement strategies throughout the organization


• Lead special projects and committees related to Continuous Improvement


• May, on occasion, be required to perform duties other than those specified in this description

Education and Qualifications

• Fluent English


• Bachelor's Degree: Engineering preferred


• Minimum 5 years of automotive manufacturing experience


• Experience in facilitating at least 10 formal Kaizen workshops with demonstrated results


• Has high energy and experience inspiring and motivating cross-functional teams


• Previous automotive operations management experience preferred


• Self-starter with the ability to develop strategies in line with the company's business vision


• Strong leadership skills with the proven ability to set a vision, manage change, develop personnel and strategically plan for Continuous Improvement


• Must be able to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization (from Operators to Vice President) with the ability to influence others across multiple levels of the organization


• Ability to handle multiple projects within a fast pace work environment


• Strong interpersonal relationship skills


• Must be capable of making decisions based on experience, judgment, technical competency, and support of the objective


• Will be required to make technical decisions from \"concept\" to implementation and provide follow-up evaluation of these courses of action


• Willingness and ability to travel, as necessary

Work Environment/Work Conditions

Professional Office Environment. Must wear proper personal protection equipment while on manufacturing floor. Travel to manufacturing facilities or customer locations when required. Equipment used requires proper training on the potential for and avoidance of injury. #LI-TS1

Position Type

Regular

Additional Information

Cooper Standard is proud of its diverse workforce and committed to providing equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, age, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are dedicated to creating an environment at work that not only values diversity but also encourages inclusion and a sense of belonging. We firmly believe that a diverse workplace fosters an environment where our employees can flourish and provide superior service to our customers. Because we recognize and value the range of ways in which people acquire experiences, whether personal, professional, or via education or volunteerism, we invite interested applicants to evaluate the key duties and requirements and apply for any opportunities that fit your experience and qualifications. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as certain state and/or local laws.

Remote Status: On-site. Cooper Standard, headquartered in Northville, Mich., USA, is a leading global supplier of systems and components for the automotive industry. Products include sealing, fuel and brake delivery, and fluid transfer systems. Cooper Standard employs approximately 24,000 people globally and operates in 21 countries around the world. For more information, please visit www.cooperstandard.com. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce. Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran VEVRAA Federal Contractor