Manufacturing Continuous Improvement Leader

Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas, Inc.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Day-one benefits

Tuition reimbursement up to $10,000

401(k) with company match

Paid training

Job summary

Hitachi Energy USA INC is seeking a Continuous Improvement Specialist to join our Alamo, Tennessee production team. You will lead CI initiatives across the factory value chain, using the ITM Lean framework to reduce waste and improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost.

You will coach teams and drive cost-reduction projects while fostering a culture of continuous learning. The role requires a Bachelor's in a related field and 5+ years of manufacturing or process-improvement experience, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, Business or related field is preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in manufacturing, engineering, materials management, quality, or process improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using ITM Lean Management System.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities and eliminate process waste.
• Facilitate Kaizen, Process Excellence, and SMED events to improve operational performance.
• Drive improvements in Safety, Quality, Delivery, Inventory, and Cost.
• Support the deployment and maturity of ITM practices across the factory.
• Coach and train team members on Lean tools (5S, Visual Management, Problem Solving, Standard Work, TPM, VSM).
• Lead cost-reduction projects to improve efficiency and productivity.
• Foster a culture of employee engagement, accountability, and continuous learning.

Skills

Lean CI

Six Sigma

Kaizen

SMED

5S

Visual Management

Problem Solving

Standard Work

TPM

Value Stream Mapping

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or related field

Tools

ITM System

Toyota Production System

Danaher Business System

Honeywell Operating System

Job description

Location: Alamo, Tennessee, United States of America

Company Name: HITACHI ENERGY USA INC

Job Schedule: Full time

Remote: No

Job Description

The Opportunity Hitachi Energy is seeking a Continuous Improvement Specialist to join our production team in Alamo, Tennessee. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of manufacturing excellence while supporting our mission of advancing a sustainable energy future for all. In this role, you will be a key driver of transformation across our factory value chain, leading initiatives that improve safety, quality, delivery, inventory, and cost performance. Using our Integrated Transformer Management (ITM) system—a Lean management framework that guides operational excellence across our global Transformers business—you will partner with teams across the organization to eliminate waste, optimize processes, and build a culture of continuous improvement. If you are passionate about Lean principles, enjoy solving complex problems, and thrive in environments where collaboration, coaching, and innovation create meaningful results, this role offers an incredible opportunity to make a lasting impact. Join a global organization where your ideas matter, your development is supported, and your work contributes to powering communities around the world.

How You'll Make an Impact

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Hitachi Energy’s ITM Lean Management System.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities and eliminate process waste.
• Facilitate Kaizen, Process Excellence, and SMED events to improve operational performance.
• Drive improvements in key performance indicators, including Safety, Quality, Delivery, Inventory, and Cost.
• Support the deployment and maturity of ITM practices across the factory.
• Coach and train team members on Lean tools such as 5S, Visual Management, Problem Solving, Standard Work, TPM, and Value Stream Mapping.
• Lead cost-reduction projects that improve efficiency, productivity, and business performance.
• Foster a culture of employee engagement, accountability, and continuous learning.

Your Background

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in manufacturing, engineering, materials management, quality, or process improvement.
• Proven success driving measurable operational improvements and business results.
• Experience leading change initiatives and influencing teams without direct authority.
• Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement certification preferred.
• Experience with Lean operating systems such as ITM, Toyota Production System, Danaher Business System, Honeywell Operating System, or similar methodologies.

More About Us

• Enjoy competitive pay, day-one benefits, paid training, flexible time off, and a 401(k) with immediate vesting and company match.
• Grow your career through mentorship, leadership development, and up to $10,000 annually in tuition reimbursement to support your professional goals.

Responsible to ensure compliance with applicable external and internal regulations, procedures and guidelines.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)-Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

Equal Employment Opportunity Hitachi is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, including females, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Accessibility and reasonable accommodation

Protected veterans and qualified individuals with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access the Hitachi Energy career site as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable accommodations by completing a general inquiry form on our website. Please include your contact information and specific details about your required accommodation to support you during the job application process. This accommodation channel is solely for job seekers with disabilities requiring accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Messages left for other purposes will not receive a response.

Use of Al and automated tools in recruitment

As part of our recruitment process, Hitachi Energy uses digital and automated tools, including Al-supported solutions, to assist with activities such as application screening, job matching, and interview scheduling. These tools are designed to support our recruiters and do not replace human decision-making. Candidate data is processed in accordance with applicable data protection and employment laws as well as Hitachi's Global Data Privacy Notice.

Hitachi brings together the world’s greatest minds to help breathe life into new possibilities – and drive innovation for a better future. That’s why we look for individuals who share our pioneering spirit, have imaginative ideas and are fearless when it comes to tackling the world’s biggest challenges. Our people love technology – and they love making a difference. They have a passion for finding new solutions and working with brilliant colleagues. Every day they dedicate themselves to a huge range of exciting projects, contributing to the Hitachi vision around the globe. From engineering new sustainability solutions that conserve water and energy to creating the infrastructure for the smart cities of tomorrow, there’s no challenge too great for our pioneers. And there’s no shortage of opportunities for you to make a difference. Come and experience the dynamic, collaborative and creative environments where your ideas are welcome and new discoveries are waiting. To help you grow to your full potential, we strive to support our employees in their career aspirations and promote the freedom to explore new horizons.

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