Manager, Continuous Improvement

Cooper Standard; Spartanburg (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Cooper Standard's Spartanburg, SC plant seeks a Continuous Improvement Manager to lead and influence CI initiatives, drive cost savings, and sustain year-over-year gains across KPIs. You will organize lean workshops, coach teams, and ensure GRA/BBP implementations align with NA goals.

You will educate employees on Lean tools (Kaizen, value stream mapping, problem solving, 6S, TPM, SMED), manage cross-functional projects, and report lean event outcomes to leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of automotive manufacturing experience.
• Experience facilitating at least 10 formal Kaizen workshops with demonstrated results.
• Strong leadership and ability to influence across cross-functional teams.
• Willingness to travel as required.

Responsibilities

• Lead, facilitate, and influence all Continuous Improvement activities for the plant.
• Ensure cost savings targets are met and year-over-year KPI improvements are realized.
• Oversee project timelines with resources and responsibility charts for lean savings.
• Organize and facilitate reviews of Continuous Improvement scorecard metrics.
• Educate and align employees to CI principles and Lean tools.
• Create and train on Lean tools (Kaizen, VSM, Problem Solving, 6S, TPM, SMED).
• Coach and mentor teams; cascade learnings to other facilities.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Kaizen

Value Stream Mapping

Problem Solving

6S

TPM

Cross-functional leadership

Training facilitation

Change management

Lean Workshops

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Job description

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

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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. If you believe you require such assistance to complete our online application or to participate in an interview, you (or someone on your behalf) may request assistance by emailing [e-mail] with a description of the accommodation you seek. Application materials submitted to this email address will not be considered.

Remote Status:

On-site